ProtestNational and Dravidian movements
Abhiramam convention against the Criminal Tribes Act
Muthuramalinga Thevar organised a convention at Abhiramam demanding repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act.
The Criminal Tribes Act was applied in the Madras Presidency to communities such as the Maravars and Kallars, forcing them to register with the police. Muthuramalinga Thevar toured affected villages and led protests, and in 1929 helped reduce registrations in the Appanad villages. In 1934 he organised a convention at Abhiramam that urged the authorities to repeal the Act and appointed a committee, including P. Varadarajulu Naidu, to pursue the demand. The government did not repeal the Act, and Thevar turned against the ruling Justice Party.
