Book Title: The People’s Sanctum
Author: Manuraj Shunmugasundaram
Publisher: Vintage Books
Number of Pages: 216
ISBN: 9377304555
Date Published: Jul. 23, 2026
Book Review
Does caste still play an important role in Indian society? Yes.
Does caste politics still work in a democratic India? Absolutely.
Do people still consider caste when renting out houses and other properties? A big yes.
Manuraj Shunmugasundaram’s “The People’s Sanctum” recalls a significant period in India’s fight for equality. People from marginalized castes were prohibited from using some public roadways close to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Travancore (now Kerala) a century ago.
Mahatma Gandhi, T.K. Madhavan, and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy led protests against this discrimination, which ultimately resulted in the opening of multiple roadways to persons from all castes. The Self-Respect Movement, which challenged caste prejudice and inequity in Hindu society, was also strengthened by the movement.
The book tracks the changes that resulted from these initial battles and demonstrates how they impacted subsequent legislative and social reforms. Manuraj links the Vaikom movement to the efforts of B.R. Ambedkar and the drafting of the Indian Constitution, especially its pledge to abolish untouchability and advance equality.
He also examines how Indian courts have addressed challenging issues related to caste, religious freedom, and temple admission. The book illustrates how India’s conception of equality and secularism has evolved over the past century by fusing politics, law, and history.
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The book also tells the story of people who stood up against an unfair social system and demanded dignity and equal treatment. Their struggles were not only about entering temples or using public roads; they were also about being treated as equal citizens. The book shows how faith, caste, law and human dignity have remained closely connected in India’s history.
With its mix of history, law and politics, “The People’s Sanctum” offers a clear look at India’s long journey towards equality and the challenges that remain.
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