Tamil Nadu Timeline

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Prohibition introduced in Salem district

· Salem

The Rajaji ministry introduced prohibition of liquor in Salem district, the first such experiment in the Presidency.

Prohibition of alcohol was a core part of the Congress programme. Rajagopalachari's government introduced prohibition in Salem district in 1937 as an experiment. To make up for the loss of excise revenue, the government introduced a sales tax. Prohibition was later extended and remained a recurring issue in Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

Related events

  1. 1935

    1. 1935SalemCinema

      Modern Theatres studio founded at Salem

      T. R. Sundaram started Modern Theatres in Salem, a studio that went on to make more than 150 films.

  2. 1937

    1. 14 Jul 1937 to Oct 1939ChennaiGovernance

      C. Rajagopalachari forms first Congress ministry

      C. Rajagopalachari became Premier of Madras at the head of the first Congress government in the Presidency.

  3. 1938

    1. Mar 1938ChennaiLegislation

      Madras Agriculturists Relief Act eases peasant debt

      A law to reduce the debts of indebted farmers in the Madras Presidency was brought in by the Rajagopalachari ministry.

  4. 1939

    1. 1939ChennaiLegislation

      Madras Temple Entry Authorization and Indemnity Act

      A law passed by the Rajagopalachari ministry lifted the bars on Dalits and Shanars entering Hindu temples across the Presidency.

  5. 1944

    1. 27 Aug 1944SalemPolitics

      Justice Party becomes Dravidar Kazhagam at Salem

      Meeting at Salem, the Justice Party, now led by Periyar, took the name Dravidar Kazhagam and gave up contesting elections.

  6. 1992

    1. 1992SalemWelfare

      Cradle Baby Scheme launched against female infanticide

      The Jayalalithaa government introduced the Cradle Baby Scheme, allowing parents to leave unwanted infant girls with the state anonymously.

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