Mahad Satyagraha: 16 April 2024

Key Points: 

• It is also known as Chavdar Tale Satyagraha.
• Aimed against Hindu opposition to opening Mahad tank to all communities.
• The Bole resolution proposed opening public places to untouchables.
• The Municipal Board of Mahad passed orders to open the tank, opposed by high caste Hindus.
• Ambedkar organized a conference of 10,000 untouchable delegates in Mahad, March 20, 1927.
• Emphasized self-elevation, self-help, self-respect, and self-knowledge.
• Delegates asserted the right to water from the tank after the conference.
• Ambedkar’s visionary leadership drove Mahad Satyagraha.
• Manusmriti burnt on December 25th, 1937, as a protest.
• Bombay High Court ruled in favor of untouchables’ right to use tank water in December 1937.
• March 20 is observed as Social Empowerment day in India to commemorate Mahad Satyagraha.

Why in News:

• The Mahad Satyagraha is considered to be the ‘foundational event’ of the Dalit movement. It was recently in focus due to Dr. B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.