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| Source: Amrit mahotsav |
Who was Colonel Neill:
Colonel Neill, infamous for his brutal role in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857, earned the notorious title "Butcher of Allahabad." His ruthless methods left a lasting scar on Indian history, symbolized by a bronze statue erected by the British on Mount Road, Madras (now Chennai).
The Symbol of Oppression:
The Neill statue stood as a grim reminder of the atrocities committed by the British, fueling the Indians' insatiable hunger for freedom. Srinivasa Varadan from Madurai vehemently opposed this symbol of oppression, declaring that such a figure had no place in the soil of Mother India. This sentiment led to the formation of the 'Tamil Nadu Volunteer Corps' with the primary goal of dismantling the statue.
Neill Statue Satyagraha:
- The volunteers, led by Somayajalu Naidu and supported by Padmasini Ammal in Madurai, orchestrated the Neill Statue Satyagraha. The protest was meticulously planned for August 11, 1927. The Satyagrahis successfully damaged a portion of the statue, demonstrating their defiance. This act of resistance resulted in the imprisonment and fining of key leader Ganapathi Ayya.
- The Neill Statue Satyagraha is a significant chapter in India's struggle for independence, symbolizing the nation's resilience and determination to uproot colonial oppression. This event not only highlights the courage of the Tamil Nadu Volunteer Corps but also underscores the collective effort of Indians to reclaim their freedom and dignity.
- After the major leaders like Somayajalu and Swaminatha Mudaliar got arrested K. Kamaraj became the leader of the agitation (September, 1927). Mahatma Gandhi when he visited Madras during the time extended his support to the agitation. The Madras legislature passed resolutions demanding the removal of the statue.
- Neill Statue was later moved to Ripon Building and then to Madras Museum.