Discuss the non-Brahman movements in western and southern India.

The non-Brahman movements in western and southern India were social and political movements that emerged in the early 20th century. These movements sought to challenge the socio-economic and political dominance of the Brahmin community and address issues of caste-based discrimination and inequality. Two prominent non-Brahman movements were the Justice Party in Tamil Nadu and the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement in western India:

1. Justice Party (Tamil Nadu):

   • Formation: The Justice Party, founded in 1916, was a political party in the Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu) that aimed to represent the non-Brahman communities, including the intermediate castes and Dalits.

   • Objectives: The party sought to address the educational, economic, and political marginalization faced by non-Brahman communities. It advocated for social justice, reservations in education and employment, and the upliftment of backward classes.

   • Reforms: The Justice Party implemented various social and educational reforms, including reservations for non-Brahmans in government jobs and educational institutions. The Communal Reservation Order of 1921 was a significant step towards providing political representation to non-Brahman communities.

2. Samyukta Maharashtra Movement:

   • Background: The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement emerged in the 1950s as a response to the linguistic reorganization of states in India. The movement aimed to create a separate Marathi-speaking state, comprising the Marathi-speaking regions of Bombay Presidency.

   • Leadership: The movement was led by leaders like Keshavrao Jedhe and S. M. Joshi. It gained widespread support from various sections of society, cutting across caste and class lines.

   • Success: The movement culminated in the formation of the state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960, through the States Reorganization Act. The establishment of Maharashtra as a linguistic state fulfilled the aspirations of the Marathi-speaking population.

Both movements were pivotal in challenging the hegemony of Brahmins in political and social spheres. They contributed to the democratization of politics, the assertion of linguistic and regional identities, and the redressal of historical social injustices. These movements played a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape of western and southern India, fostering a more inclusive and representative political system.