George Joseph (activist) - Revision history

JacksonCazaly4 at 09:07, 28 June 2025

2025-06-28T09:07:54Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 01:52, 16 December 2021
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	=== Home Rule and Non Cooperation Movements ===		=== Home Rule and Non Cooperation Movements ===
	In 1917, aged 29, Joseph was invited by [[Annie Besant]] to go to [[England]] along with her, [[Syed Hussain]] and BV Narasimhan to talk about [[Home Rule]] there. The British however foiled this bid, arresting them when the ship Besant had chartered reached [[Gibraltar]], Subsequently, deporting them back to India.<ref name="books.google">{{cite book\|last=Muthiah\|first=S.\|title=A Madras Miscellany\|year=2011\|publisher=East West Books\|location=Chennai\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHtZG8beGy4C~~&pg=PT526~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai~~#v=onepage~~&~~q&f~~=~~false~~\|isbn=9789380032849}}</ref> When [[P. Varadarajulu Naidu]] was arrested for making a speech at the Victoria Edward Hall, George Joseph assisted C. Rajagopalachari who appeared for Naidu in the case. Joseph was the leader of the [[Rowlatt Satyagraha]] in Madurai, organising meetings, fasts and hartals during the satyagraha and during the [[Non Cooperation Movement]] he relinquished his lucrative legal practice and joined the movement.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a">{{cite news\|title=Madurai's very own freedom fighters\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article3671344.ece?css=print\|accessdate=4 February 2013\|newspaper=The Hindu\|date=23 July 2012}}</ref>		In 1917, aged 29, Joseph was invited by [[Annie Besant]] to go to [[England]] along with her, [[Syed Hussain]] and BV Narasimhan to talk about [[Home Rule]] there. The British however foiled this bid, arresting them when the ship Besant had chartered reached [[Gibraltar]], Subsequently, deporting them back to India.<ref name="books.google">{{cite book\|last=Muthiah\|first=S.\|title=A Madras Miscellany\|year=2011\|publisher=East West Books\|location=Chennai\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHtZG8beGy4C&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai&pg=PT526\|isbn=9789380032849}}</ref> When [[P. Varadarajulu Naidu]] was arrested for making a speech at the Victoria Edward Hall, George Joseph assisted C. Rajagopalachari who appeared for Naidu in the case. Joseph was the leader of the [[Rowlatt Satyagraha]] in Madurai, organising meetings, fasts and hartals during the satyagraha and during the [[Non Cooperation Movement]] he relinquished his lucrative legal practice and joined the movement.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a">{{cite news\|title=Madurai's very own freedom fighters\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article3671344.ece?css=print\|accessdate=4 February 2013\|newspaper=The Hindu\|date=23 July 2012}}</ref>

	=== Trade unionist and editor ===		=== Trade unionist and editor ===
	Joseph played an important role in setting up the [[trade union]] movement in Madurai to organise the textile mill workers there. The union's initial struggles resulted in higher wages and reduced work hours for the mill workers but soon the mill owners and the government came together to bring about a collapse of the union.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite book\|last=Ganeshram\|first=S\|title=History of People and Their Environs\|year=2011\|publisher=Bharathi Puthakalayam\|location=Tamil Nadu\|page=470\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC~~&pg=PA470~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai~~#v=onepage~~&q=~~%22george%20joseph%22%20madurai&f=false~~\|isbn=9789380325910}}</ref> Joseph edited the [[Nehru–Gandhi family\|Nehrus]]' [[Allahabad]] based newspaper ''[[The Independent (India)\|The Independent]]'' during 1920-21 until his arrest on charges of sedition and the subsequent closure of the paper. He also succeeded Rajagopalachari to the editorship of Gandhi's ''Young India'' in 1923.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite web\|title=SOME PROMINENT LEADERS OF THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE IN KERALA\|url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr98/fe0898/f0308982.html\|publisher=Press Information Bureau\|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref>		Joseph played an important role in setting up the [[trade union]] movement in Madurai to organise the textile mill workers there. The union's initial struggles resulted in higher wages and reduced work hours for the mill workers but soon the mill owners and the government came together to bring about a collapse of the union.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite book\|last=Ganeshram\|first=S\|title=History of People and Their Environs\|year=2011\|publisher=Bharathi Puthakalayam\|location=Tamil Nadu\|page=470\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai&pg=PA470\|isbn=9789380325910}}</ref> Joseph edited the [[Nehru–Gandhi family\|Nehrus]]' [[Allahabad]] based newspaper ''[[The Independent (India)\|The Independent]]'' during 1920-21 until his arrest on charges of sedition and the subsequent closure of the paper. He also succeeded Rajagopalachari to the editorship of Gandhi's ''Young India'' in 1923.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite web\|title=SOME PROMINENT LEADERS OF THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE IN KERALA\|url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr98/fe0898/f0308982.html\|publisher=Press Information Bureau\|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref>

	=== Vaikom Satyagraha ===		=== Vaikom Satyagraha ===
	Joseph was an eager participant in the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] that sought to achieve the right to temple entry for the [[Dalits]] in [[Travancore]]. According to [[C. F. Andrews]], the plan for a non violent agitation was arrived upon by Joseph when he visited Gandhi who was convalescing in [[Bombay]]. Joseph and other Congressmen led the Dalits in walking through the [[Brahmin]] quarter of the town where they were met with violence. The police immediately arrested Joseph and his accomplices who were sentenced to varying terms in prison.<ref>{{cite journal\|last=Andrews\|first=C F\|title=Young India Throws Its Pebble\|journal=The Star: An International Magazine\|date=January 1929\|volume=II\|series=1\|page=23\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfullPvCF2IC~~&pg=RA3-PA23~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore~~#v=onepage~~&q=~~%22george%20joseph%22%20travancore&f=false~~\|accessdate=4 February 2013\|isbn=9780766180390}}</ref> Joseph viewed the struggle at [[Vaikom]] an issue of civil rights for all Indian citizens but this was in contrast to the views of most Congressmen who saw it as purely an issue between high and low [[Caste system in India\|caste]] [[Hindus]] and to be settled by the Hindus themselves. Gandhi himself did not encourage Joseph's participation in the [[satyagraha]].<ref>{{cite book\|last=Augustine\|first=P A\|title=Social Equality in Indian Society: The Elusive Goal\|year=1991\|publisher=Concept Publishing Company\|location=New Delhi\|page=154\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GtbgNKE6Z0C~~&pg=PA154~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore~~#v=onepage~~&q=~~%22george%20joseph%22%20travancore&f=false~~\|isbn=9788170223030}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lukose\|first=Ritty\|title=Liberalization's Children: Gender, Youth, and Consumer Citizenship in Globalizing India\|year=2009\|publisher=Duke university Press\|page=172\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5gNOdw9E_0C~~&pg=PT186~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore\|isbn=9780822345671}}</ref> Disillusioned by Gandhi's lack of support and the attitude of the [[Indian National Congress\|Congress Party]], Joseph left the Congress Party to join the [[Justice Party (India)\|Justice Party]]. He however rejoined the Congress in 1935.<ref name="mediamimansa" /><ref name="books.google" />		Joseph was an eager participant in the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] that sought to achieve the right to temple entry for the [[Dalits]] in [[Travancore]]. According to [[C. F. Andrews]], the plan for a non violent agitation was arrived upon by Joseph when he visited Gandhi who was convalescing in [[Bombay]]. Joseph and other Congressmen led the Dalits in walking through the [[Brahmin]] quarter of the town where they were met with violence. The police immediately arrested Joseph and his accomplices who were sentenced to varying terms in prison.<ref>{{cite journal\|last=Andrews\|first=C F\|title=Young India Throws Its Pebble\|journal=The Star: An International Magazine\|date=January 1929\|volume=II\|series=1\|page=23\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfullPvCF2IC&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore&pg=RA3-PA23\|accessdate=4 February 2013\|isbn=9780766180390}}</ref> Joseph viewed the struggle at [[Vaikom]] an issue of civil rights for all Indian citizens but this was in contrast to the views of most Congressmen who saw it as purely an issue between high and low [[Caste system in India\|caste]] [[Hindus]] and to be settled by the Hindus themselves. Gandhi himself did not encourage Joseph's participation in the [[satyagraha]].<ref>{{cite book\|last=Augustine\|first=P A\|title=Social Equality in Indian Society: The Elusive Goal\|year=1991\|publisher=Concept Publishing Company\|location=New Delhi\|page=154\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GtbgNKE6Z0C&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore&pg=PA154\|isbn=9788170223030}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lukose\|first=Ritty\|title=Liberalization's Children: Gender, Youth, and Consumer Citizenship in Globalizing India\|year=2009\|publisher=Duke university Press\|page=172\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5gNOdw9E_0C&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore&pg=PT186\|isbn=9780822345671}}</ref> Disillusioned by Gandhi's lack of support and the attitude of the [[Indian National Congress\|Congress Party]], Joseph left the Congress Party to join the [[Justice Party (India)\|Justice Party]]. He however rejoined the Congress in 1935.<ref name="mediamimansa" /><ref name="books.google" />

	=== Rosapoo Durai ===		=== Rosapoo Durai ===
	Joseph led Congressmen of Madurai in the agitation against the [[Simon Commission]]. In this he was supported by K Kamaraj and the duo mobilised thousands of volunteers at the [[Tirumalai Nayak Palace\|Tirumalai Nayak Mahal]] to demonstrate against the Commission when it visited Madurai in 1929.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Kandaswamy\|first=P.\|title=The Political Career of K. Kamaraj\|year=2001\|publisher=Concept Publishing House\|location=New Delhi\|page=32\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bOjT3qffnMkC~~&pg=PA23~~&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai~~#v=onepage~~&q=~~%22george%20joseph%22%20madurai&f=false~~}}</ref> Later, when Kamaraj was implicated in [[Virudhunagar Conspiracy Case]] in 1933, Joseph and Varadarajulu Naidu argued on his behalf and succeeded in exonerating him of all charges.<ref name="thehindu" /> He also agitated against the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA), an act that criminalised and negatively affected communities like the [[Piramalai kallar]] and [[Maravars]]. He fought for them in the courts and wrote extensively in the newspapers against the act and came to be called ''Rosapoo Durai'' by the grateful Kallars who continue to pay homage to him on his death anniversary.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a" />		Joseph led Congressmen of Madurai in the agitation against the [[Simon Commission]]. In this he was supported by K Kamaraj and the duo mobilised thousands of volunteers at the [[Tirumalai Nayak Palace\|Tirumalai Nayak Mahal]] to demonstrate against the Commission when it visited Madurai in 1929.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Kandaswamy\|first=P.\|title=The Political Career of K. Kamaraj\|year=2001\|publisher=Concept Publishing House\|location=New Delhi\|page=32\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bOjT3qffnMkC&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai&pg=PA23}}</ref> Later, when Kamaraj was implicated in [[Virudhunagar Conspiracy Case]] in 1933, Joseph and Varadarajulu Naidu argued on his behalf and succeeded in exonerating him of all charges.<ref name="thehindu" /> He also agitated against the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA), an act that criminalised and negatively affected communities like the [[Piramalai kallar]] and [[Maravars]]. He fought for them in the courts and wrote extensively in the newspapers against the act and came to be called ''Rosapoo Durai'' by the grateful Kallars who continue to pay homage to him on his death anniversary.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a" />

	== Parliamentary career ==		== Parliamentary career ==
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	== Other sources ==		== Other sources ==
	* {{cite book \| url = https://books.google.com/?id=A6MfPh-9DiEC&pg=PA25~~#PPA18,M1~~ \| page = 18 \| title = On life and times of George Joseph, 1887–1938, a Syrian Christian nationalist from Kerala \| author = Joseph, George Gheverghese \| publisher = Orient Longman \| year = 2003 \| accessdate = 2014-08-09 \| isbn=978-81-250-2495-8}}		* {{cite book \| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=A6MfPh-9DiEC&pg=PA25 \| page = 18 \| title = On life and times of George Joseph, 1887–1938, a Syrian Christian nationalist from Kerala \| author = Joseph, George Gheverghese \| publisher = Orient Longman \| year = 2003 \| accessdate = 2014-08-09 \| isbn=978-81-250-2495-8}}

	== References ==		== References ==

->Armader: Only the area which was directly controlled by the British crown was called British India. Princely states (Indirect ruling states) were considered as part of India under British Raj. Therefore Travancore and Cochin weren't technically part of 'British India' even though it was under the British Raj.

2021-10-31T06:21:47Z

Only the area which was directly controlled by the British crown was called British India. Princely states (Indirect ruling states) were considered as part of India under British Raj. Therefore Travancore and Cochin weren't technically part of 'British India' even though it was under the British Raj.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:51, 31 October 2021
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2016}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2016}}
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = George Joseph		\| name = George Joseph
	\| birth_date = 5 June 1887		\| birth_date = 5 June 1887
	\| birth_place = [[Chengannur]], [[Kingdom of Travancore\|Travancore ~~State]], [[British Raj\|British India~~]]		\| birth_place = [[Chengannur]], [[Kingdom of Travancore\|Travancore]]
	\| death_date = 5 March 1938		\| death_date = 5 March 1938
	\| death_place = [[Madurai]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj\|British India]]		\| death_place = [[Madurai]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj\|British India]]
	\| occupation = [[Indian independence activist]]<br>[[lawyer]]		\| occupation = [[Indian independence activist]]<br>[[lawyer]]
	\| awards =		\| awards =
	}}		}}
	'''George Joseph''' (5 June 1887 – 5 March 1938) was a [[lawyer]] and [[Indian independence activist]]. One of the earliest and among the most prominent [[Syrian Christians of Kerala\|Syrian Christians from Kerala]] to join the freedom struggle, Joseph's working life in [[Madurai]] and is remembered for his role in the Home Rule agitation and the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] and for his editorship of [[Motilal Nehru\|Motilal Nehru's]] ''[[The Independent (India)\|The Independent]]'' and [[Mahatma Gandhi\|Mahatma Gandhi's]] ''[[Young India]]''.		'''George Joseph''' (5 June 1887 – 5 March 1938) was a [[lawyer]] and [[Indian independence activist]]. One of the earliest and among the most prominent [[Syrian Christians of Kerala\|Syrian Christians from Kerala]] to join the freedom struggle, Joseph's working life in [[Madurai]] and is remembered for his role in the Home Rule agitation and the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] and for his editorship of [[Motilal Nehru\|Motilal Nehru's]] ''[[The Independent (India)\|The Independent]]'' and [[Mahatma Gandhi\|Mahatma Gandhi's]] ''[[Young India]]''.

imported>BrownHairedGirl: remove navbox {{Indian Independence Movement}}, which doesn't link here

2021-05-05T22:19:41Z

remove navbox {{Indian Independence Movement}}, which doesn't link here

New page

{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = George Joseph
| birth_date = 5 June 1887
| birth_place = [[Chengannur]], [[Kingdom of Travancore|Travancore State]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_date = 5 March 1938
| death_place = [[Madurai]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| occupation = [[Indian independence activist]]<br>[[lawyer]]
| awards =
}}
'''George Joseph''' (5 June 1887 – 5 March 1938) was a [[lawyer]] and [[Indian independence activist]]. One of the earliest and among the most prominent [[Syrian Christians of Kerala|Syrian Christians from Kerala]] to join the freedom struggle, Joseph's working life in [[Madurai]] and is remembered for his role in the Home Rule agitation and the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] and for his editorship of [[Motilal Nehru|Motilal Nehru's]] ''[[The Independent (India)|The Independent]]'' and [[Mahatma Gandhi|Mahatma Gandhi's]] ''[[Young India]]''.

== Early life and education ==
George Joseph was born the eldest child of CI Joseph at [[Chengannur]], a town in the [[Travancore State]] and now a part of the [[List of Indian States and Union Territories by two-letter codes|Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. His younger brother, [[Pothan Joseph]], became a famous journalist and editor of several newspapers.<ref name="mediamimansa">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediamimansa.com/3rd%20issue/3ENG_89.pdf|title=Pothan Joseph (1892-1972) – A Fiercely Independent Editor|last=Vilanilam|first=J V|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref> George studied at the [[Madras Christian College]] and did M.A. in Philosophy at the [[University of Edinburgh]] before doing law at the [[Middle Temple|Middle Temple, London]] in 1908.<ref>{{cite web|title=Forgotten Heroes |url=http://www.divyadestiny.com/2012/08/13/forgotten-heroes/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215205457/http://www.divyadestiny.com/2012/08/13/forgotten-heroes/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2013 |accessdate=4 February 2013 }}</ref> During his time in [[London]] he came into contact with many prominent [[Indian freedom fighters]] there. Having completed his studies, he returned to [[India]] in January 1909.<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news|title=George Joseph, a true champion of subaltern|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2248765.ece?css=print|accessdate=4 February 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 July 2011}}</ref>

== Role in the freedom struggle ==
On Joseph's return from London, he initially set up practice at [[Madras]] before shifting to Madurai. He hosted at his house in Madurai several leaders of the freedom struggle including Gandhi, [[C. Rajagopalachari]], [[S. Srinivasa Iyengar|Srinivasa Iyengar]] and [[K. Kamaraj]] during their visits there. [[Subramania Bharati]] composed the ''Viduthalai'', a well known patriotic song while staying at Joseph's residence.

=== Home Rule and Non Cooperation Movements ===
In 1917, aged 29, Joseph was invited by [[Annie Besant]] to go to [[England]] along with her, [[Syed Hussain]] and BV Narasimhan to talk about [[Home Rule]] there. The British however foiled this bid, arresting them when the ship Besant had chartered reached [[Gibraltar]], Subsequently, deporting them back to India.<ref name="books.google">{{cite book|last=Muthiah|first=S.|title=A Madras Miscellany|year=2011|publisher=East West Books|location=Chennai|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHtZG8beGy4C&pg=PT526&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai#v=onepage&q&f=false|isbn=9789380032849}}</ref> When [[P. Varadarajulu Naidu]] was arrested for making a speech at the Victoria Edward Hall, George Joseph assisted C. Rajagopalachari who appeared for Naidu in the case. Joseph was the leader of the [[Rowlatt Satyagraha]] in Madurai, organising meetings, fasts and hartals during the satyagraha and during the [[Non Cooperation Movement]] he relinquished his lucrative legal practice and joined the movement.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a">{{cite news|title=Madurai's very own freedom fighters|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article3671344.ece?css=print|accessdate=4 February 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=23 July 2012}}</ref>

=== Trade unionist and editor ===
Joseph played an important role in setting up the [[trade union]] movement in Madurai to organise the textile mill workers there. The union's initial struggles resulted in higher wages and reduced work hours for the mill workers but soon the mill owners and the government came together to bring about a collapse of the union.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Ganeshram|first=S|title=History of People and Their Environs|year=2011|publisher=Bharathi Puthakalayam|location=Tamil Nadu|page=470|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC&pg=PA470&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai#v=onepage&q=%22george%20joseph%22%20madurai&f=false|isbn=9789380325910}}</ref> Joseph edited the [[Nehru–Gandhi family|Nehrus]]' [[Allahabad]] based newspaper ''[[The Independent (India)|The Independent]]'' during 1920-21 until his arrest on charges of sedition and the subsequent closure of the paper. He also succeeded Rajagopalachari to the editorship of Gandhi's ''Young India'' in 1923.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref>{{cite web|title=SOME PROMINENT LEADERS OF THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE IN KERALA|url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr98/fe0898/f0308982.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref>

=== Vaikom Satyagraha ===
Joseph was an eager participant in the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] that sought to achieve the right to temple entry for the [[Dalits]] in [[Travancore]]. According to [[C. F. Andrews]], the plan for a non violent agitation was arrived upon by Joseph when he visited Gandhi who was convalescing in [[Bombay]]. Joseph and other Congressmen led the Dalits in walking through the [[Brahmin]] quarter of the town where they were met with violence. The police immediately arrested Joseph and his accomplices who were sentenced to varying terms in prison.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Andrews|first=C F|title=Young India Throws Its Pebble|journal=The Star: An International Magazine|date=January 1929|volume=II|series=1|page=23|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfullPvCF2IC&pg=RA3-PA23&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore#v=onepage&q=%22george%20joseph%22%20travancore&f=false|accessdate=4 February 2013|isbn=9780766180390}}</ref> Joseph viewed the struggle at [[Vaikom]] an issue of civil rights for all Indian citizens but this was in contrast to the views of most Congressmen who saw it as purely an issue between high and low [[Caste system in India|caste]] [[Hindus]] and to be settled by the Hindus themselves. Gandhi himself did not encourage Joseph's participation in the [[satyagraha]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Augustine|first=P A|title=Social Equality in Indian Society: The Elusive Goal|year=1991|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|location=New Delhi|page=154|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GtbgNKE6Z0C&pg=PA154&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore#v=onepage&q=%22george%20joseph%22%20travancore&f=false|isbn=9788170223030}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lukose|first=Ritty|title=Liberalization's Children: Gender, Youth, and Consumer Citizenship in Globalizing India|year=2009|publisher=Duke university Press|page=172|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5gNOdw9E_0C&pg=PT186&dq=%22george+joseph%22+travancore|isbn=9780822345671}}</ref> Disillusioned by Gandhi's lack of support and the attitude of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]], Joseph left the Congress Party to join the [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]]. He however rejoined the Congress in 1935.<ref name="mediamimansa" /><ref name="books.google" />

=== Rosapoo Durai ===
Joseph led Congressmen of Madurai in the agitation against the [[Simon Commission]]. In this he was supported by K Kamaraj and the duo mobilised thousands of volunteers at the [[Tirumalai Nayak Palace|Tirumalai Nayak Mahal]] to demonstrate against the Commission when it visited Madurai in 1929.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kandaswamy|first=P.|title=The Political Career of K. Kamaraj|year=2001|publisher=Concept Publishing House|location=New Delhi|page=32|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bOjT3qffnMkC&pg=PA23&dq=%22george+joseph%22+madurai#v=onepage&q=%22george%20joseph%22%20madurai&f=false}}</ref> Later, when Kamaraj was implicated in [[Virudhunagar Conspiracy Case]] in 1933, Joseph and Varadarajulu Naidu argued on his behalf and succeeded in exonerating him of all charges.<ref name="thehindu" /> He also agitated against the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA), an act that criminalised and negatively affected communities like the [[Piramalai kallar]] and [[Maravars]]. He fought for them in the courts and wrote extensively in the newspapers against the act and came to be called ''Rosapoo Durai'' by the grateful Kallars who continue to pay homage to him on his death anniversary.<ref name="thehindu" /><ref name="thehindu_a" />

== Parliamentary career ==
In 1929 Joseph contested the municipal elections in Madurai on a Congress ticket but lost. In July 1937, he was elected to the [[Central Legislative Assembly]] from Madura-cum-Ramnad-Tirunelveli constituency.<ref name="thehindu" />

== Death and commemoration ==
Following a prolonged period of illness, Joseph died at the [[American Mission Hospital]] in Madurai on 5 March 1938. He was 50. He is buried at the East Gate Cemetery in Madurai.<ref name="thehindu" /> ''George Joseph: The Life and Times of a Christian Nationalist'' is his biography by his grandson George Gheverghese Joseph.<ref>{{cite news|title=Giant without footprints|url=http://www.hindu.com/lr/2003/11/02/stories/2003110200430500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031212200122/http://www.hindu.com/lr/2003/11/02/stories/2003110200430500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 December 2003|accessdate=4 February 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 November 2003}}</ref>

== External links ==
* [http://josephclan.com/ Family Website of George Joseph]

== Other sources ==
* {{cite book | url = https://books.google.com/?id=A6MfPh-9DiEC&pg=PA25#PPA18,M1 | page = 18 | title = On life and times of George Joseph, 1887–1938, a Syrian Christian nationalist from Kerala | author = Joseph, George Gheverghese | publisher = Orient Longman | year = 2003 | accessdate = 2014-08-09 | isbn=978-81-250-2495-8}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Joseph, George}}
[[Category:1887 births]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:1938 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian editors]]
[[Category:Trade unionists from Kerala]]
[[Category:People from Alappuzha district]]
[[Category:Indian male journalists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian journalists]]
[[Category:Journalists from Kerala]]
[[Category:Gandhians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian educational theorists]]