The Vaikom Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in India's fight against social injustice, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance in dismantling oppressive caste barriers. Explain. (10 marks, 150 words)

A historic milestone for social justice:

1. Fought untouchability and notions of purity and pollution.

2. Sought internal religious reform by opening temple to the Dalits.

3. Brought non-violent traditions of resistance to forefront.

4. Enabled further reforms by other states like Travancore.

5. Fostered national solidarity among lower castes. Eg B.R. Ambedkar's

support for the struggle.

6. Fostered north-south collaboration. Eg Gandhi visited to Vaikom.

7. Victory of lower-castes over oppression of the upper castes.

8. Step towards justice, equality and liberty for all.

9. Set forth the base for further demands like reservations, water/land access, etc.

5. Lay tradition of assertion of Dalit identity & mass action.