Salem riots of 1882
· Salem
Hindu-Muslim riots broke out in Salem over a procession route past a new mosque; the trials that followed made C. Vijayaraghavachariar famous.
In August 1882 serious Hindu-Muslim disturbances broke out in Salem after Hindus objected to the construction of a mosque in the Sevvoypettai area on the route of a religious procession. For three days government authority broke down, the mosque was pulled down and there were killings on both sides. Many suspects were convicted and sentenced to transportation to the Andamans, and the Madras government's handling was criticised in the Indian press, including The Hindu. C. Vijayaraghavachariar, a member of the Salem municipality charged with instigating the violence, proved his innocence, regained his seat and later became a Congress leader.
