Asalambikai Explained

Honorific Prefix:	Pandithai
Honorific Suffix:	Ammaiyar
Birth Date:	16 July 1875
Language:	Tamil

Asalambikai, also known as Pandithai Asalambikai Ammaiyar, was a renowned Tamil scholar and an orator associated with Indian National Congress.^[1]

Early Life and Education

Asalambikai Ammaiyar was born on 16 July 1875 in Thirukovilur, North Arcot District.^[2] Married at the tender age of 8, she was widowed by the age of 11. Despite these early personal challenges, she pursued her education at home, studying Tamil literature and the Puranas under the guidance of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam teacher, Subi Ramani Tamburan.

Involvement in Freedom Movement

Asalambikai Ammaiyar was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle.^[3] When Gandhi visited Cuddalore on 17 September 1921, Asalambikai met him on behalf of the women's organization of South Arcot district.^[4] She participated and spoke at the political and religious conferences held at various places like Tiruvannamalai during 1921, 1924 and 1929.^[5] She was part of the Civil Disobedience movement, advocated for social reforms such as the abolition of untouchability, and agitated against toddy shops.

Literary Contributions

After Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Asalambikai was the first one to write Anthathi Pattu – a type of poetry where the last word of the previous verse is used as the first word of the following verse. Asalambikai Ammaiyar was a prolific writer who contributed serial stories to the Swadesamitran newspaper. She authored several significant works, including:

• Gandhi Puranam: Consisting of 2034 songs, it narrates the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.^{[6] [7]} The first two volumes describing the events leading up to his arrest and imprisonment were published in December 1923 and the third and fourth volumes about Gandhi's services through the Khadi movement, in December 1925. The remaining four volumes were published after 1947.
• Thilakar Manmiyam: Comprising 415 songs, this work celebrates the life and contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, another prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement.
• Thirivamathur Tiribu Andhadhi
• Ramalinga Swamaigal Varalatru Paadal ^[8]
• Athichoodi Venba
• Kuzhanthai Swamigal Pathigam

Death

She died in 1955.^[9]

Notes and References

1. Book: The Contributions of the Tamils to Indian Culture: Art and architecture . 1994 . International Institute of Tamil Studies . 64 . en.
2. Web site: Pandithai Aslambikai Ammayar . Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
3. News: Correspondent . Special . 2022-02-18 . Philatelists seek stamps on freedom fighters . 2024-06-28 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
4. Web site: 2024-06-13 . Asalambikai . 2024-06-28 . Tamil Wiki . en.
5. Web site: ::Kalaikalangiyam:: . 2024-06-28 . www.tamilvu.org . ta.
6. Book: Studies, University of Mysore Institute of Kannada . Gandhiji in Indian Literature . 1971 . Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore . 253 . en.
7. Book: Cuppiramaṇiyan̲, Ca Vē . Studies in Tamilology . 1982 . Tamil Patippakam . 214 . en.
8. Book: பண்டிதை அசலாம்பிகை அம்மாள் . சிதம்பரம் ராமலிங்க சுவாமிகள் சரிதம் . 1974-02-06.
9. K . Rajeswari . PROMINENT WOMEN PERSONALITIES OF TAMILNADU . Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science & Humanities . 3 . 2 . 138–139 . 2321-788X.