GS-1News & Analysis02 September 2026thehindu.com

When Periyar, Ambedkar and Jinnah sailed together politically

The article discusses a historical political alliance attempt in the early 1940s between Dravida Kazhagam founder E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar), B.R. Ambedkar, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. They shared a common adversary in the Congress party and met in Mumbai in January 1940. The leaders supported Jinnah's 'Day of Deliverance' and Periyar's anti-Hindi agitation. While Periyar sought Jinnah's support for a separate 'Dravida Nadu,' Jinnah eventually distanced himself from this demand. Ambedkar, initially aligned, later cooperated with the Congress post-independence. The article highlights the complex political landscape and shifting alliances during the Indian National Movement.

The article discusses a historical political alliance attempt in the early 1940s between Dravida Kazhagam founder E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar), B.R. Ambedkar, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. They shared a common adversary in the Congress party and met in Mumbai in January 1940. The leaders supported Jinnah's 'Day of Deliverance' and Periyar's anti-Hindi agitation. While Periyar sought Jinnah's support for a separate 'Dravida Nadu,' Jinnah eventually distanced himself from this demand. Ambedkar, initially aligned, later cooperated with the Congress post-independence. The article highlights the complex political landscape and shifting alliances during the Indian National Movement.

Exam linkage

GS Paper I: History of India and Indian National Movement

Syllabus mapping

History of IndiaIndian National Movement & LeadershipIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryIndian Society DiversityGlobalization Indian SocietySocial Empowerment Communalism

This topic appears in Mains

Questions on History of India come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.

Editorial & Review Process

Every current affairs analysis and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy and syllabus relevance. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality