Struggle · 2 Mar 1930

Kalaram Temple entry satyagraha

Nashik (Nasik), Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra)

Few sources so far.

For a year, the temple stayed shut rather than let them in.

The Depressed Classes of Nasik gave the Kalaram Temple trustees notice: open the temple to us, or a satyagraha begins. On 2 March 1930, Dr B. R. Ambedkar presided over a conference and procession of about 15,000 people. The gates stayed closed. From the next day, men and women picketed all four gates in batches, with thousands more waiting their turn.

Ambedkar wrote that the aim was to establish the right of the Untouchables to enter Hindu temples.

See it on the map and the timeline

What the sources record

A Satyagraha Committee led by Bhaurao Gaikwad gave the trustees notice (Vol. 17, quoting Keer). (1)
About 15,000 volunteers and representatives gathered in a pandal in the Depressed Classes locality at Nasik. (1)
Deorao Naik, Rajbhoj, Pradhan, Shivtarkar, Patitpavandas and B.G. Kher were among those present. (1)
The conference was held on 2 March 1930. (1)
Picketing at the gates began on 3 March 1930. (1)
The first batch of 125 men and 25 women picketed the temple's four gates, with over 8,000 enlisted satyagrahis waiting their turn. (1)
The temple was kept closed for a year. (1)
In November 1934 Ambedkar said the movement had been suspended for two years (The Times of India, in Vol. 17). (1)
In his own account, Ambedkar wrote that the satyagraha was organised to establish the right of the Untouchables to enter Hindu temples. (1)
Forward Press dates it to 1930 and says Ambedkar was injured. (2)

People in this record

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, president of the conference; leader
Bhaurao Gaikwad, secretary, Satyagraha Committee
Deorao Naik, present
Rajbhoj, present
Pradhan, present
Shivtarkar, present
Patitpavandas, present
B.G. Kher, present
Rankhambe, leader in the revived satyagraha

Sources

Primary. Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (reprint); first edition Education Department, Government of Maharashtra. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, Vol. 17, Part I: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and His Egalitarian Revolution, Struggle for Human Rights. first edition 4 October 2003; reprint January 2014.
Press. Forward Press (Kanwal Bharti). Mandir, Ram and the Bahujan. 27 Nov 2019.

On the map at the centre of Nashik district.