Understanding the Formation of the DMK Party

The question asks about the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) political party, which was formed in 1949. Identifying the correct founder requires knowledge of the history of political movements in Tamil Nadu, India.

Analyzing the Options for DMK Founder

Let's look at the individuals listed in the options:

• K. Kamaraj: K. Kamaraj was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and served as the Chief Minister of Madras State (later Tamil Nadu). He was a key figure in Congress politics, not the founder of DMK.
• C. Natarajan Annadurai: C. Natarajan Annadurai, popularly known as Anna, was a key leader who broke away from the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). He played a crucial role in forming a new political party focused on Dravidian ideology.
• Nevile Maxwell: Nevile Maxwell is known for his writings on India-China relations and was a journalist. He was not involved in the formation of Indian political parties like the DMK.
• C. Rajagopalachari: C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and later founded the Swatantra Party. He served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency and later Madras State, and also as the last Governor-General of India. He was not the founder of DMK.

Formation of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was founded on September 17, 1949. It emerged from a split in the parent organization, Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), which was led by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy.

The split occurred primarily due to differences in ideology and approach, particularly regarding issues like electoral politics and Periyar's personal life decisions. A group of leaders, including C. Natarajan Annadurai, V. R. Nedunchezhiyan, E. V. K. Sampath, and K. A. Mathiazhagan, decided to form a new political party that would actively participate in elections while upholding the principles of Dravidian identity, social justice, and Tamil language rights.

C. Natarajan Annadurai was the principal force and the main leader behind the formation of DMK. He became the party's first General Secretary.

Identifying the DMK Founder

Based on historical facts, C. Natarajan Annadurai was the leader who spearheaded the formation of the DMK as a political party in 1949, breaking away from the Dravidar Kazhagam.

Conclusion

The historical evidence clearly indicates that C. Natarajan Annadurai was the key figure who formed the DMK political party in 1949.

Revision Table: DMK Formation

Additional Information on DMK and Dravidian Politics

The formation of DMK marked a significant shift in the Dravidian movement, moving from a primarily social reform-oriented approach (DK) to active participation in electoral democracy. The DMK quickly gained popularity in Tamil Nadu, advocating for state autonomy, Tamil language rights, and social justice policies. C. Natarajan Annadurai became the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from the DMK in 1967, marking the first time a non-Congress party formed the government in the state. His leadership laid the foundation for the party's long-term influence in Tamil Nadu politics.