Who Is C. N. Annadurai? Age, Biography and Wiki
C. N. Annadurai would be 115 years old in 2025. Although he passed away on February 3, 1969, his legacy as a political leader continues to inspire future generations. Annadurai was the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party and served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1967 until his death. His pioneering efforts towards social justice, linguistic pride, and progressive governance have become foundational elements in Tamil Nadu's political narrative.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1909 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Conjeevaram, Madras Presidency, British India |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 3 February, 1969 |
| Died Place | Madras, Tamil Nadu, India (present-day Chennai) |
Popularity
C. N. Annadurai's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a prominent figure in his era, C. N. Annadurai had medium height and build, typical of many men of his generation. While exact statistics for his height, weight, and measurements are not extensively documented, he was known for his charismatic presence, which complemented his oratory skills and political acumen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
C. N. Annadurai was married to his wife, Kanchana, and they had four children. His personal life was relatively private compared to his public persona. His family has continued to contribute to the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, with several of his descendants involved in politics. There are no records suggesting relationships outside of his marriage, and he is remembered primarily for his dedication to his family and political career.
His father Natarajan Mudaliar was a weaver and his mother was Bangaru Ammal, a temple servant. He was raised by her sister Rajamani Ammal. At the age of 21, he married Rani while he was still a student. The couple had no children of their own, so they later adopted and raised Rajamani's grandchildren.
He attended Pachaiyappa's High School, but left school to work as a clerk in the town's Municipal office to assist with the family finances.
Net Worth and Salary
While precise figures regarding C. N. Annadurai’s net worth at the time of his passing in 1969 are not readily available, it is known that he earned a modest salary as a politician. His wealth primarily came from his political endeavors and the respect and influence he garnered over decades. Today, his legacy is honored not only through his political contributions but also by the continued reverence of his name in Tamil Nadu politics.
His first movie Nallathambi (Good Brother, 1948) which starred N. S. Krishnan promoted cooperative farming and abolition of zamindari system. His novels such as Velaikaari (Servant Maid, 1949) and Or Iravu, which were later made into movies, carried the hallmarks of propaganda for Dravidian politics.
On Velaikari, Annadurai said that the movie made it clear that greed and avarice of the rich did not pay in the long run.[...] Some of the elementary principles of socialism and stressed that we should depend upon our own labour for our progress and well being and not some unknown factor.
Velaikari made direct references against the suppressive landlords who were traditionally allied with Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi. His movies had some elements of Dravidian political ideologies like anti-Brahminism and messages differing against Congress with detailed reasons and scenarios behind.
Popular stage and cine actors who stood by Annadurai in early years were D. V. Narayanasamy, K. R. Ramasamy, N. S. Krishnan, S. S. Rajendran, Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran.
Career, Business and Investments
C. N. Annadurai’s political career was marked by numerous milestones. He founded the DMK party in 1949 and advocated for the rights of Tamil speakers, leading movements that sought to address social injustices. His tenure as the Chief Minister was marked by significant policy reforms that focused on education, healthcare, and agriculture. While he was not known for business investments per se, his role in governance and public policy has left an indelible mark on the socioeconomic landscape of Tamil Nadu.
In 1934, he graduated with a B.A. degree from Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai. He then earned an MA degree in economics and politics from the same college. He worked as an English teacher in Pachaiyappa High School. Later he quit the teaching job and began involving himself in journalism and he served as an editor in few weekly magazine and then he indulged into politics.
Social Network
C. N. Annadurai maintained a robust social network through his political career. His influence stretched across numerous political allies, social reformers, and leaders in Tamil Nadu and beyond. His speeches and writings continue to be circulated and discussed, reflecting his enduring influence in Indian politics and society.
Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (15 September 1909 – 3 February 1969), also known as Perarignar, was an Indian politician who was the founder and first general-secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
He served as the fourth and last chief minister of Madras State from 1967 until 1969, and then as the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu for 20 days before his death in office. He was the first member of a Dravidian party to hold either post.
Education
C. N. Annadurai was educated at the Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai, where he earned a degree in Arts. His education laid the foundation for his articulate and impassioned speeches, which would later characterize his political career. Annadurai's advocacy for education reform was a direct reflection of his belief in the power of knowledge as a vehicle for social change.
The Indian National Congress, which had been fighting for the independence of India from colonial British rule, was dominated by Brahmins. Periyar assumed that independent India would bring South Indians, especially Tamils, under the dominance of Brahmins and North Indians.
For these reasons Periyar called for 15 August 1947, the day of Indian independence, to be a day of mourning. Annadurai opposed this move and the schism between his supporters and Periyar widened. He saw the gaining of independence as an overall achievement of India rather than solely that of Aryan North.
Moreover, Periyar's decision on giving up participating in democratic elections was also opposed by Annadurai, in reaction to which he walked out of a party meeting in 1948. Periyar considered that candidates in elections must compromise their ideologies.
Moreover, it was Periyar's idea that social reformation can be better achieved outside politics, through education and canvassing the masses, rather than governments. Eventually, when Periyar married Maniammai, who was 40 years younger than he, the personal differences between Annadurai and Periyar split their supporters.
Annadurai launched his own party with his party fragment, along with E. V. K. Sampath (Periyar's nephew and until then considered his political heir ). The new party was named Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. DMK's presence was initially restricted to urban centres and its surrounding areas.
But by appealing to the urban lower, lower middle and working classes, students, Dalits and lower castes, Annadurai was able to accelerate its growth and spread. He fought for the social justice of the lower castes and thus rapidly gained popular support.
