News Tamil Nadu

Dravidian Model: TNPSC Calls Freedom Fighter Vanchinathan As ‘Accused’ In Ashe Murder Case In Group-1 Exam

July 17, 2024
The Commune

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is facing strong criticism for portraying Tamil Nadu freedom fighter Vanchinathan as a criminal in the assassination case of Robert Ashe during India’s struggle for independence, which is seen as aligning with colonial British perspectives.

In the recently concluded Group 1 examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that states, “Who was the first accused in Ashe murder’s case?.” This question has offended many individuals and sparked criticism of the TNPSC on the internet and social media.

In response, the Hindu Munani has issued a statement condemning the incident and calling for an apology, stating, “A question asked in the recently held TNPSC Group Examination question paper has shaken the mind of every Indian citizen. Freedom fighter #Vaanchinathon who shot the brutal collector #Ashe who enslaved this country and killed many people.”

“It is the TNPSC examination board that has questioned Indian freedom fighter Vanjinathan in the question paper as a murderer! Don’t denigrate the sacrifice of a hero who died for our nation like this! Don’t spread hatred among the younger generation! Tamil Nadu government should immediately apologize for this… @TNPSC_Office @CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin,” Further added.

Another netizen shared his displeasure stating, “Vanjinathan guilty in TNPSC GROUP 1 question, Not only the eyes..! The whole body is disturbed! This is what happens when traitors are in power?”

Another netizen criticized the ruling government for such question in the exams

Who is Vanchinathan?

The Communemag published an in-depth history of Vanchinathan, revealing his true story and dispelling myths about Dravidian movements in the article titled, “Veera Vanchinathan: The Hero Who Turned Ashe To Ashes, Unmasking The Falsehood Peddled By Dravidian Gangs.”

Vanchinathan is celebrated as an Indian independence activist who gained prominence by assassinating Robert Ashe, the district collector of Tirunelveli on 17 June 1911, at Maniyachchi railway station. Ashe was known for suppressing independence movements and ordering violent crackdowns.

Vanchinathan targeted Robert William Escourt d’Ashe because Ashe was instrumental in the arrest of V.O.Chidambaranar Pillai (V.O.C) and in dismantling the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company founded by V.O.C. Ashe, an ICS officer serving as collector of Tinnevely district (now Tirunelveli), earned the ire of many young nationalists who turned to vigilantism against British authorities. Vanchinathan’s act of assassinating Ashe symbolized their commitment to complete independence (Poorna Swaraj) from British rule.

Part of the Bharatha Matha Association, a group of revolutionary youth planning actions against British colonial rule, Vanchinathan aimed to send a direct message to King George V, who had permitted the use of cowhide in military equipment. By assassinating Ashe, the top British bureaucrat in the area, Vanchinathan intended to communicate their resolve to challenge imperial authority.

Vanchinathan, after killing Robert Ashe, took his own life while attempting to evade capture. The assassination marked a significant moment in the South Indian independence movement, fueling the revolutionary spirit against British domination.

Dravidianists Derogating Vanchinathan

In recent years, a new narrative has emerged surrounding the assassination of Collector Ashe. Dravidianists have begun projecting Ashe as a “crusader of social justice” and painting Vanchinathan as a casteist Brahmin. They claim that Vanchinatha Iyer was provoked by Ashe’s wife, Mary Lillian Patterson, who assisted a pregnant outcast woman in need of immediate medical treatment to pass through the agraharam. According to this claim, Vanchinathan killed Ashe to protect the Brahminical establishment. However, there is no evidence to prove the occurrence of this incident.

However this narrative has been busted as there is no conclusive evidence to prove the occurrence of this incident.

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