Why Was Only 14 People Attended the Funeral of Tamil Nationalist Poet Subramania Bharati?

The funeral of the renowned Tamil nationalist poet Subramania Bharati took place in 1921, and it was attended by a meager 14 people. This event reflects the limited recognition he received during his lifetime. Understanding the reasons behind this situation provides insights into the challenges Bharati faced and the impact of his work on Tamil literature and nationalism.

Factors Contributing to Limited Funeral Attendance

At the time of his death, Subramania Bharati was not widely recognized or celebrated as is the case today. Several factors contributed to the limited attendance at his funeral:

Political and Social Challenges: Outspoken Views and Revolutionary Ideas: Poverty and Government Scrutiny: Prejudice in Society: Difficulties in Meeting Important Figures: Poverty and Government Control: Opposition to Caste System: Struggles During British Rule:

1. Political and Social Challenges

Bharati's contributions to Tamil literature and nationalism were not fully appreciated during his lifetime due to the political and social challenges he faced. He spent time in exile due to his political activities, and his ideas were often controversial.

2. Outspoken Views and Revolutionary Ideas

His fiery speeches and revolutionary ideas may have alienated potential supporters. Bharati was known for his bold stance on social and political issues, which sometimes divided public opinion.

3. Poverty and Government Scrutiny

Bharati lived a life marked by struggle and hardship, often in poverty. Due to his opposition to British rule, he faced constant scrutiny from the authorities. Newspapers and magazines he edited were often shut down, and his writings were frequently examined with suspicion. This made it difficult for him to earn a livelihood.

4. Prejudice in Society

During Bharati's time, there was significant prejudice against him and other poor individuals. Bharati and his wife endured financial hardship despite their literary achievements. Their poverty attracted dislike, contempt, carelessness, and neglect from society.

5. Difficulties in Meeting Important Figures

When Bharati attempted to meet Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Madras (now Chennai), he faced challenges in accessing him due to his impoverished status. Gandhi stayed with Rajaji, and Bharati found it difficult to communicate with him properly.

6. Poverty and Government Control

Bharati's poetry often expressed reformist ideas and progressive ideals, but his poverty and the fear of government control limited his ability to interact with influential figures. His dystopian view in the poem 'Lakshmidevi Saranpuguthal' highlights the struggles he faced due to his financial situation.

7. Opposition to Caste System

Bharati was a born Brahmin, but he gave up his caste identity and fought against the caste system in Hinduism. This move alienated him from people of his own caste, affecting his wider recognition and support.

8. Struggles During British Rule

He sought to challenge the British rule, and at the time of his death, he was residing in Madras. Due to British laws and the prevailing socio-political climate, many locals were unfamiliar with his work and contributions. Even those who wished to attend the funeral were likely prevented from doing so due to the risk posed by the British administration.

Legacy and Recognition

Subramania Bharati was indeed one of India's most significant figures in its nationalist history. While his funeral was attended by only a few people, his work later gained significant acclaim. He is remembered as a revered figure in Tamil literature and culture, celebrated for his poetry, reformist ideas, and his promotion of women's rights and education.

Bharati's legacy serves as a testament to the importance of recognizing and valuing contributions to society, even in the face of adversity and limited recognition.