Introduction
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was a pioneering social reformer, rationalist, and political activist from Tamil Nadu. He played a crucial role in mobilizing the Dravidian identity as a counter to Brahminical dominance, caste oppression, and North Indian political hegemony. Through the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), Periyar championed the cause of non-Brahmin communities and laid the foundation for the Dravidian political movement. His efforts redefined Tamil politics, empowered marginalized communities, and reshaped the discourse on identity, language, and justice in southern India.
Origins of Dravidian Identity
The concept of Dravidian mobilisation emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the domination of Brahmins in administration, education, and social life. Periyar viewed this dominance as a product of the caste system and Hindu religious orthodoxy. He believed that the so-called Aryan culture, imported from North India, had subordinated the original Dravidian (South Indian) culture.
Periyar’s interpretation of history saw the Dravidian people as the indigenous inhabitants of South India who were culturally and linguistically distinct from the Aryans. Mobilizing this identity became a powerful tool for asserting social and political rights for non-Brahmin castes.
The Self-Respect Movement
Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to eradicate caste discrimination and promote social equality. The movement encouraged people to abandon caste-based rituals, reject Brahminical dominance, and assert their dignity. Key tenets included:
- Rationalism and scientific temper
- Equality of all people regardless of caste
- Women’s rights and gender equality
- Opposition to religious superstition
The Self-Respect Movement laid the ideological groundwork for future political mobilization under the banner of Dravidian identity.
Anti-Hindi and Language Politics
Language became a major issue in Dravidian mobilisation. Periyar strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu and saw it as a tool of North Indian cultural imperialism. He championed the cause of Tamil language and culture as central to Dravidian pride and identity. His protests against Hindi imposition galvanized widespread support and created a cultural resistance that shaped Tamil Nadu’s educational and political policies.
Formation of Dravidar Kazhagam
In 1944, Periyar transformed the Justice Party into the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). The DK was a non-political social organization dedicated to the promotion of Dravidian ideology. It demanded the creation of a separate Dravidian nation called “Dravida Nadu” to protect the rights and identity of the people of South India.
Though the demand for a separate nation lost traction, the DK’s influence grew, leading to the rise of political parties like the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and later the AIADMK. These parties continued to uphold many of Periyar’s core principles in Tamil Nadu’s governance.
Periyar’s Views on Religion and Caste
Periyar was a fierce critic of Hinduism, which he believed sustained and legitimized caste inequality. He advocated for the rejection of Hindu gods, temples, and rituals, and encouraged people to adopt rationalist and humanist principles. He also supported inter-caste and self-respect marriages, directly challenging traditional norms.
His approach to caste abolition was radical and uncompromising. Unlike moderate reformers, Periyar believed that only a complete overhaul of religious and social systems could bring true equality.
Empowerment of Women
Periyar’s Dravidian mobilisation also emphasized gender equality. He advocated for women’s education, property rights, and freedom of choice in marriage. He opposed child marriage, dowry, and patriarchal control. His support for women’s emancipation was revolutionary for his time and remains a significant part of his legacy.
Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Periyar’s ideas continue to shape Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape. His emphasis on social justice, linguistic pride, and anti-caste politics laid the foundation for the success of Dravidian political parties. The welfare schemes, social inclusiveness, and progressive laws in the state today owe much to Periyar’s influence.
In the larger Indian context, Periyar’s legacy remains both influential and controversial. While hailed as a champion of equality and reason by many, he is also criticized by others for his atheism and confrontational stance against religion.
Conclusion
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker’s role in Dravidian mobilisation was transformative. Through relentless advocacy, radical social reform, and cultural assertion, he empowered the marginalized and redefined Tamil identity. His contributions laid the ideological foundation for one of India’s most enduring and progressive regional political movements, making him an iconic figure in the history of modern Indian thought.