[a] Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on Hindu–Muslim Unity
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817–1898) was a key intellectual and social reformer in 19th-century India. He played a significant role in modernizing Muslim society through education and socio-political reforms. While he is often associated with the foundation of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Muslim modernity, he also advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity in the early years of his career. He saw unity between Hindus and Muslims as essential for India’s progress under British rule.
Early Advocacy for Hindu-Muslim Unity
After the Revolt of 1857, British policies became more divisive, attempting to weaken Indian resistance by sowing discord between Hindus and Muslims. Sir Syed recognized this strategy and initially urged both communities to work together. He made several arguments in favor of unity:
- Common Heritage: He believed that Hindus and Muslims shared a long history of coexistence, language, and cultural traditions.
- Mutual Interests: Both communities suffered under British economic policies and needed to collaborate for progress.
- Political Cooperation: In his early years, he called for unity in resisting unfair British policies and emphasized that India’s governance should include both communities.
Shift Towards Muslim Identity
Although he started as a strong advocate of unity, Sir Syed’s views evolved in the later years of his life. He felt that Muslims, being a minority, were at risk of being politically dominated by the Hindu majority. As a result, he:
- Discouraged Muslims from joining the Indian National Congress (which he feared would be Hindu-dominated).
- Argued that Hindus and Muslims were two distinct “nations,” laying an early foundation for the Two-Nation Theory (which later influenced the demand for Pakistan).
- Focused on Muslim education, founding institutions like Aligarh Muslim University to modernize and uplift the Muslim community.
Conclusion
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan played a dual role in shaping Hindu-Muslim relations. Initially, he strongly promoted unity, believing that both communities needed to work together. However, his later shift toward Muslim political consciousness led to growing separation in political aspirations. Despite this, his contributions to education and reform remain a crucial part of India’s intellectual history.
[b] E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker on Dravidian Mobilization
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (1879–1973), popularly known as Periyar, was a Tamil social reformer and political leader who played a crucial role in Dravidian mobilization. He led the Self-Respect Movement and strongly opposed Brahminical dominance, caste oppression, and religious orthodoxy. His vision of social justice emphasized rationalism, self-respect, and equality, particularly for the non-Brahmin Dravidian population in South India.
Critique of Brahminism and Hindu Orthodoxy
Periyar was deeply critical of the varna system, which he saw as a tool for the oppression of lower castes. He believed that Brahmins used religion to maintain their dominance, controlling education, temples, and administration while keeping non-Brahmins socially and economically backward.
- He rejected the authority of Hindu scriptures, including the Manusmriti, which justified caste-based discrimination.
- He opposed temple worship because it reinforced Brahmin priesthood and social hierarchy.
- He encouraged rationalism and atheism, asking people to question superstitions and oppressive customs.
Self-Respect Movement and Social Justice
In 1925, Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to instill confidence in non-Brahmin communities and promote gender equality.
- Dravidian Identity: Periyar argued that South Indians (Dravidians) were racially and culturally different from North Indians (Aryans). He saw North Indian culture and religion as tools of oppression imposed upon the South.
- Social Reforms: The movement encouraged inter-caste marriages, education for women, and the rejection of Brahmin-led rituals.
- Women’s Rights: Periyar was ahead of his time in advocating for gender equality, supporting women’s education and opposing dowry and child marriage.
Anti-Hindi Agitation and Political Legacy
Periyar was a strong critic of the imposition of Hindi as a national language, believing it was an attempt to dominate Tamil culture. His protests against Hindi led to the rise of the Dravidian political movement, influencing parties like Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and later, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
Conclusion
Periyar’s activism significantly shaped Tamil politics and the broader fight against caste discrimination in India. His emphasis on rationalism, social equality, and linguistic identity continues to inspire movements against caste and gender-based oppression. The Dravidian model of governance, focused on social justice and welfare, owes much to his pioneering efforts.
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