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A source of inspiration

Thilakar Thidal retains its magic despite conversion

PHOTO: K. GANESAN

VAST Once a public meeting place

Thilakar Thidal is a historical site, that belongs to a period relatively closer in terms of its happening. The erstwhile open ground (now a busy hardware market) in the heart of the city stands a testimony to Madurai's contribution to Indian Freedom Movement. This place assumes importance, for its role during the pre-Independence period. It saw numerous national and State leaders delivering inspiring speeches that injected the spirit of freedom in the minds of commoners.

Transit point

Being the gateway to southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the city was the transit point for all leaders. But how it came to be known as Thilakar Thidal? Veteran freedom fighter I. Mayandi Bharathi affirms its connection to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. "It was called so to commemorate the great leader's visit to the Temple City (though the year of his visit is not clear).

That was the time when the freedom struggle was rife in the Indian sub continent. The Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) too was fighting against the British for freedom. Leaders from India visiting Ceylon to address gatherings there was also in practice those days. It was during one such visit Tilak landed here in Madurai," narrates Mr. Mayandi Bharathi.

Did at any point of time, the extremist leader addressed the public at the grounds? "No. In those periods, meetings were conducted in enclosed structures and not in open arena, especially those which had speakers like Tilak," the octogenarian reminisces.

Origin

Before Thilakar Thidal came into being, the place was known as Krishnarayar Teppakulam. "It was a big tank with agraharam (Brahmin settlement) around it. But later, the tank was closed and an open ground was created. The ground also hosted weekly markets on Thursdays and Sundays. It gained popularity for selling the proverbial pin to a ship. From vegetables to old spares for vehicles, just about everything was available here," recounts K. Ramachandran, a retired Joint Chief Engineer, Public Works Department.

"The public meetings at the Thidal were always well attended. Many top national leaders including Maulana Shaukat Ali had addressed the public from this place. During the Quit India Movement period, A. Vaidyanatha Iyer delivered inspiring speeches. After Independence, leaders including Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, C.N. Annadurai addressed the gathering from this place," says Mr. Mayandi Bharathi. The ground with a capacity of 3000 plus was considered to be too small to hold any public meeting. Moreover, the growing popularity for the weekly markets also propelled the Corporation officials to convert the place into a site for permanent market.

But, as you walk through Thilakar Thidal an intangible feeling engulfs you. The aura that surrounds the place creates an inexplicable sensation.

The magic works on the public as the place remains close to their heart, though it has been converted into a market dominated by the old spare parts vendors.

T. SARAVANAN

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