Source: Scroll.in
History has been written by those who possessed power and strength, therefore more often than not, the stories of several others are often forgotten- consciously or unconsciously. We bring to you one of several such tales, of a woman who lived a life for others.
Background
Colonial India witnessed many radical changes and went through various phases in the 18th and 19th centuries that had a long time effect on the country. Between increased capitalism in Brittan and the economic drain in the subcontinent, we see how innocent people became the sad victims of the political extremism of the period.
The economic drain of India not only overburdened the agriculturalists and decreased its global efficiency but also resulted in creating a series of famines. Nonetheless, the colonial officers continued to resist the truth and claimed that the whole concept of the economic drain was a ‘ false agenda’.
On the other side, however, the famines and epidemics of this period ended up telling a different story. To quote Dadabhai Naoroji. "materially" British rule caused only "impoverishment"; it was like "the knife of sugar. That is to say, there is no oppression, it is all smooth and sweet, but it is the knife, notwithstanding. "
The Great Famine
The Great Famine of 1876-78 that spread across the Deccan plateau was one of the worst famines the country has ever witnessed, which was for the most part at least. not an outcome of natural causes. The famine left many people landless and killed over eight million people.
It had an inevitable effect on the Madras Presidency. People sold their lands, houses, and everything they owned. Many villages, as a whole, migrated to various places in search of food and job, and some people even started begging and stealing to survive the famine during this. The crime rates of the period peaked in the late 19th century.
Madurai, located in present-day Tamilnadu, was one such city where the outcomes of famines worsened with each passing day. In addition to the stringent economic policies, the city also suffered from drought for months together, there was poor cultivation and people gained no profit and no food to eat. The city that was popularly known as the ‘city that never sleeps’ for its bustling activities looked lifeless filled with gloomy faces and raging weather.
Rise of Kunjarathammal
It was around this time we see the rise of Kunjarathammal, who resided in Madurai. She was an extremely wealthy woman belonging to Dasi's class. Unable to see the people of her city suffering without food, she lit a fire in her kitchen and offered free porridge for everyone in need. The news of Kunjarathammal giving free food spread like fire across the city.
From kids to elders, everyone gathered around her house and she fed everyone who came to her doorstep. Right from the second week of famine to two months after it, there was not a single day that her kitchen went without serving food to the poor. The famous legend says that the fire never stopped burning in her house.
Her three bungalows, Diamond and Gold jewelry everything was sold to feed the hungry and suffering people of the city. Seeing this, the collector of the Madurai province under British rule also started a similar service. From the sixth week of famine, free food was distributed, at three different places in the city. However, in turn, for the food, people were asked to work for the British Crown by either engaging in construction work or doing other menial jobs.
Legacy of Kunjarathammal
Ma
h
0 Comments