The article delves into the impact of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms implemented in 1919, which divided governance responsibilities between British officials and Indian ministers. It highlights that despite this division, the British retained control over key sectors such as finance, police, and law and order, while Indian officials were left to manage education, health, and local governance, illustrating that real power remained with the British government during the burgeoning Indian independence movement.

As the independence movement gained momentum, particularly with Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement, the situation in southern India, especially in the Madras Presidency, was distinct. The Justice Party chose a collaborative approach with British rule, which set the stage for discussions around social justice and rights for marginalized communities. This context is crucial as it provides the backdrop for understanding the evolution of reservation policies in Tamil Nadu and the influence of leaders like Periyar in advocating for social equality.

The article emphasizes the significance of historical events as a foundation for the ongoing discourse around reservation and social justice in Tamil Nadu. It also reflects on how Periyar's teachings emerged from this socio-political landscape, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and shaping the state's approach to social reforms, which have had lasting implications on contemporary Indian society.