Kausalya is a prominent Indian anti-caste activist. She became a cause celebre after her husband V. Shankar was hacked to death by killers hired by her family. They were opposed to her, a Thevar, marrying Shankar, a Dalit. Her case, known as Udumalai Shankar murder case became emblematic of the endemic issue of "honour killings" of intercaste couples as well as the enduring issues of caste violence in Tamil Nadu. On 9 December 2018, she wedded Mr. Sakthi in Coimbatore. Her decision to get remarried was received well with wishes pouring in from many sections.