Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Biography: Full Name, Date of Birth. Date of Death. Profession, Early Life, Education and Early Career, Legal Studies in England.
Full Name: Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu
Date of Birth: 23 August 1872
Date of Death: 20 May 1957
Profession: Jurist, Political Leader, Social Reformer, Anti-Colonial Nationalist
Early Life
Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, popularly known as Prakasam Pantulu, was born into a Telugu-speaking Aruvela Niyogi Brahmin family in Vinodarayunipalem, near Ongole in the Madras Presidency (now Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh). His parents were Subbamma and Gopalakrishnayya. At the age of 11, he lost his father, leading his mother to run a boarding house in Ongole, a profession that faced social stigma.
Education and Early Career
Prakasam’s education took a significant turn when his teacher, E. Hanumantha Rao, relocated to Rajamahendravaram and brought Prakasam along for better educational opportunities. Despite failing his matriculation exams, Prakasam pursued a career in law, becoming a second-grade pleader in Madras. His persistence led him to a successful legal career, and he was elected as the Municipal Chairman of Rajamahendravaram in 1904. His education was supported by Zamindar Kanchumarthi Ramachandra Rao, who played a crucial role in his early career.
Legal Studies in England
During a visit to Madras, a barrister recommended that Prakasam pursue further legal studies in England. Determined, he traveled to England in 1904, overcoming societal norms against crossing seas. Prakasam promised his mother to abstain from non-vegetarian food, smoking, and drinking. In England, he joined the Royal India Society and worked for Dadabhai Naoroji’s election to the House of Commons.
Legal Career and Public Service
After completing his barrister course with honors, Prakasam returned to India and practiced law in Madras High Court. As one of the few successful Telugu barristers, he handled significant civil and criminal cases, including the Ashe murder case. He edited Law Times, a legal magazine, and became involved in Congress Party sessions and the independence movement.
Contributions to Indian Independence
Prakasam Pantulu earned the title “Andhra Kesari” (Lion of Andhra) for his courageous stand against the Simon Commission. During a demonstration in Madras in 1928, he defied British soldiers and faced potential violence with remarkable bravery. His leadership continued as he organized protests, supported the non-cooperation movement, and became influential in Indian politics.
Leadership and Political Career
In 1937, the Congress Party won a majority in the Madras province elections. Although Prakasam was a candidate for Prime Minister, he supported Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) for the role and served as Revenue Minister instead. He was instrumental in founding the Zamindari Enquiry Committee, which investigated the adverse effects of the Zamindari system on agriculture.
Participation in the Quit India Movement
During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Prakasam was arrested and imprisoned for over three years. Following his release in 1945, he traveled across South India to reconnect with the masses and continue his advocacy for independence.
Legacy and Recognition
Prakasam Pantulu’s contributions to India’s independence and his role in shaping the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh are widely recognized. His courage and dedication to social justice have left a lasting legacy, and his birth anniversary is commemorated with a state holiday in Andhra Pradesh, as declared by the Andhra Pradesh government in G.O RT-2500 on 10 August 2014.
Premier of Madras Presidency
In 1946, after the Congress Party’s electoral victory in the Madras Presidency, Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu assumed office as the Prime Minister on 30 April 1946. His appointment came about as he and Kamaraj, a Tamil leader, were opposed to Rajaji—whom leaders like Gandhi and Nehru favored—becoming Prime Minister. However, Prakasam’s tenure lasted only 11 months due to issues of corruption and accusations of failing to accommodate various interests. Mahatma Gandhi criticized Prakasam for accepting gifts and misusing party funds, leading to his resignation from the Congress Party.
During his brief time as Premier, Prakasam made a notable declaration to replace existing textile industries with khadi manufacturing units. His tenure also faced challenges, including a major revolt by Communists in February 1947. Following Vallabhbhai Patel’s advice, Prakasam responded with a tough stance, including widespread arrests to quell the unrest.
Post-Independence Activities
After India’s independence, Prakasam visited Hyderabad State in 1948, despite warnings from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru about potential risks to his safety. He met Qasim Rizvi, the leader of the Razakars, and cautioned him about escalating tensions.
In 1952, Prakasam established the Hyderabad State Praja Party but was unable to secure power as the coalition he formed collapsed. The same year, Potti Sreeramulu’s death from fasting for a separate state for Telugu-speaking people led to the creation of Andhra State on 1 October 1953. Prakasam was the unanimous choice for Chief Minister. Despite being both the party’s and people’s choice, his government struggled with corruption charges and opposition from communists and socialists. His tenure ended after a year, and mid-term elections were held in 1955.
On 1 November 1956, the Telugu-speaking parts of Hyderabad State merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, a dedicated follower of Prakasam, became the Chief Minister. Prakasam continued to be active in promoting issues related to Harijans (Dalits) and suffered severe sunstroke during one of his visits. He was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad, where he passed away on 20 May 1957.
Institutions Named After Prakasam
Several institutions and places are named in honor of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, reflecting his lasting impact:
- Andhra Kesari University, Ongole
- Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Memorial Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Nellore
- Sri Prakasam Government Junior College & High School, Addanki
- Andhra Kesari Centenary Junior College Degree College, Rajamahendravaram
- Prakasam Engineering College, Kandukur
- Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Government Junior College, Yanam
- Andhra Kesari Yuvajana Samiti, a socio-cultural organization, est. 1962
- Prakasam Public School, Inkollu
- Andhra Kesari Vidya Kendram Junior College, Ongole
- Sri Prakasam Vidya Niketan High School, Hyderabad
- Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Government High School, Vijayawada
- Prakasam Centenary Memorial High School, Rajamahendravaram
Places Named After Prakasam
- Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
- Prakasam Nagar, Begumpet, Telangana
- Prakasam Road, Tirupati
- Prakash Nagar (formerly Prakasam Nagar), Rajamahendravaram
- Prakash Nagar, Visakhapatnam
- Andhra Kesari Nagar (A.K. Nagar), SPSR Nellore District
- Nrithya Prakasha Varshini, Bangalore – Dance school started by Prakasam’s granddaughter Shyamala Muralikrishna
- Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada
Autobiography
Prakasam’s autobiography, Naa Jeevitha Yatra (My Life’s Journey), published by Telugu Samithi, is a comprehensive account of his life. The book is divided into four parts: his early life, his involvement in the freedom struggle, the formation of Andhra Pradesh, and a discussion of his political career and contributions to Andhra. It was published as a single hardcover edition by Emesco in 1972.
Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu?
Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, commonly known as Prakasam Pantulu, was a prominent Indian jurist, political leader, social reformer, and anti-colonial nationalist. He served as the Prime Minister of the Madras Presidency and later became the first Chief Minister of Andhra State. He is revered as the “Lion of Andhra” for his significant contributions to Indian independence and his leadership in the Andhra region.
What was Prakasam Pantulu’s early life like?
Born on 23 August 1872 in Vinodarayunipalem, Andhra Pradesh, Prakasam Pantulu came from a Telugu-speaking Aruvela Niyogi Brahmin family. His father’s death at a young age led his mother to run a boarding house in Ongole. Despite early challenges and a failed matriculation exam, Prakasam pursued a career in law with determination, eventually becoming a successful lawyer and municipal chairman in Rajamahendravaram.
What did Prakasam Pantulu achieve during his legal career?
Prakasam Pantulu achieved considerable success as a barrister, handling significant civil and criminal cases. Notably, he defended an accused in the Ashe murder case and was an influential editor of Law Times. His legal acumen earned him a reputation as one of the few successful Telugu barristers of his time.
What were his contributions to the Indian independence movement?
Prakasam Pantulu was actively involved in the Indian independence movement. He earned the title “Andhra Kesari” for his courageous stance against the Simon Commission. He played a key role in organizing protests, supported the non-cooperation movement, and served as a prominent leader in the Congress Party, where he contributed to the fight against colonial rule.
What was his role as Premier of Madras Presidency?
In 1946, Prakasam Pantulu became the Prime Minister of the Madras Presidency. His tenure was marked by attempts to replace existing textile industries with khadi manufacturing. However, his government faced challenges due to allegations of corruption and lack of political support, leading to his resignation after 11 months.
How did Prakasam Pantulu contribute to the formation of Andhra State?
Prakasam Pantulu was a key figure in the creation of Andhra State. After Potti Sreeramulu’s fasting for a separate Telugu state, Andhra was established on 1 October 1953, with Prakasam as its Chief Minister. Despite facing political opposition and corruption charges, his leadership was instrumental in the state’s formation.
What were his later years like?
In his later years, Prakasam Pantulu continued to promote social issues and toured the state advocating for harijan (dalit) rights. His health declined after suffering from severe sunstroke during a visit to a harijanwada. He passed away on 20 May 1957 in Hyderabad.
What institutions and places are named after Prakasam Pantulu?
Numerous institutions and places honor Prakasam Pantulu’s legacy, including Andhra Kesari University, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Memorial Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, and various schools and colleges across Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, areas like Prakasam district and Prakasam Road are named in his honor.
What is Prakasam Pantulu’s autobiography about?
Prakasam Pantulu’s autobiography, Naa Jeevitha Yatra (My Life’s Journey), details his early life, involvement in the freedom movement, and contributions to the formation of Andhra Pradesh. The book is published in four parts, covering his personal journey, political career, and the changes he brought to Andhra Pradesh.
