Description:
(Indian Independence Activist and the Last Governor-General of India)
C. Rajagopalachari was an Indian lawyer, independence activist, politician and writer. He was the first and last Indian Governor General of India after Lord Mountbatten left India in 1948. Although Sardar Patel was the initial choice but on the insistence of the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, he was made the Governor General. He was the one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress during the pre-independence era. He held many other positions like: Premier of the Madras Presidency, Governor of West Bengal, Minister of the Home Affairs of the Indian Union and Chief Minister of the Madras State. Out of all the things that Rajagopalachari did to serve the country, pre and post independence, he is most remembered for the work that he did in Madras while he was the Chief Minister of the state from 1952–54. He passed the legislation to create Andhra state, put an end to sugar rationing, and introduced the ‘Modified System of Elementary Education’. He was one of the first recipients of India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Birthday
December 9, 1878 (Sagittarius)
Born In
India
Alternative names
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, Mootharignar Rajaji
Died on
December 25, 1972
Spouse/Ex-
Alamelu Mangamma
Parents
Chakravarti Venkataryan
What were some key contributions of C. Rajagopalachari to the Indian independence movement?
C. Rajagopalachari played a significant role in the Indian independence movement by leading various civil disobedience movements and advocating for non-violent protests against British rule. He also served as the Premier of the Madras Presidency and was the last Governor-General of India before becoming the Chief Minister of Madras State.
How did C. Rajagopalachari contribute to the socio-political landscape of India post-independence?
After independence, C. Rajagopalachari continued to be active in Indian politics and played a key role in shaping the socio-political landscape of the country. He was known for his advocacy of social justice, economic reforms, and promotion of education. Rajagopalachari also founded the Swatantra Party, a political party that stood for free-market principles.
What was the significance of C. Rajagopalachari's role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution?
C. Rajagopalachari played a crucial role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution as a member of the Constituent Assembly. He made valuable contributions to the discussions on fundamental rights, directive principles, and other key provisions of the Constitution. Rajagopalachari's insights helped shape the final document that laid the foundation of independent India.
How did C. Rajagopalachari's literary works contribute to Indian literature and society?
C. Rajagopalachari was a prolific writer and his literary works had a significant impact on Indian literature and society. His retelling of the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata in simple language made these ancient texts accessible to a wider audience. Rajagopalachari's writings also reflected his deep understanding of Indian culture and philosophy.
What was C. Rajagopalachari's approach to governance and administration during his tenure as Chief Minister of Madras State?
As the Chief Minister of Madras State, C. Rajagopalachari was known for his emphasis on good governance, administrative efficiency, and social reforms. He implemented progressive policies in areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development. Rajagopalachari's focus on grassroots empowerment and sustainable development left a lasting impact on the state.
