P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja

P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja Biography

P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja was an Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 6 April 1949 to 10 April 1952. He also served as Governor of Orissa during 1954 – 1956 period. He owns an illustrious political career and social life. He lived during the period, 8 July 1898 – 16 March 1957.

P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja was born on 8 July 1898 in Rajapalayam, Madras Presidency, during British rule in India. His father’s name was Poosapati Sanjeevi Raja. His mother died when he was only 8 days old. He lost his father at the age of 3. He didn’t have any siblings and was brought up by his grandmother. He got introduced to politics and Indian national congress after his school education. He became quite active in local bodies, Panchayats etc during his early phase of social life. Later he moved to administrative positions with in local bodies.

He was deeply influenced by the lives and writings of Annie Besant and Satyamurthy during his younger days. Later he met Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in 1919 and started following his path. His struggle in South Africa and also Champaran struggle made a profound impression on him. He was also influenced by the simplicity of Gandhi, and admired him a lot. He joined national freedom struggle movement and got arrested for the first time in 1932.

He played a major role in getting a distinct place for Rajapalayam in political map. In 1934, Raja won central legislature for constituency representing three districts. Thus he entered the Assembly as M.L.A in C. Rajagopalachari ministry in his late 1930s. He served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Madras Presidency) from 1949 to 1950. Throughout his life, he spent his wealth for the benefit of poor.

Published: October 15, 2018

Updated: October 15, 2018