Periyar and Self-Respect Movement
E. V. Ramasamy, widely known as Periyar, stands as the ideological titan of the Dravidian movement and the relentless architect of self-respect in southern India. Born on September 17, 1879, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, he grew up in a prosperous merchant family but abandoned orthodox conventions early in life to question social injustices. Frustrated by institutionalized caste discrimination, religious hypocrisy, and the supremacy of Brahminical hegemony, he dedicated his entire existence to dismantling social hierarchies, liberating women, and promoting rationalism. His lifelong crusade reshaped the socio-political landscape of Tamil Nadu and laid the foundation for subaltern emancipation.
Genesis and Objectives of the Self-Respect Movement
Launch in Chengalpattu
Periyar launched the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 with the primary objective of creating a society free from caste distinctions, religious superstitions, and social inequality. The movement formally established its ideological platform at the historic first provincial conference held in Chengalpattu in 1929, presided over by W. P. A. Soundarapandian.
Core Principles and Rationalism
The movement rejected the authority of ancient shastras, Vedas, and epics that sanctioned the caste system and the subordination of lower castes and women. It advocated absolute rationalism, urging individuals to question every custom, belief, and ritual using human reason and common sense. The eradication of untouchability, the abolition of the Brahmin monopoly over temple worship, and the promotion of self-respect marriages without priestly mediation formed the bedrock of its agenda.
Radical Social Reforms and Marriage Practices
Reformist Marriages
Periyar introduced Self-Respect Marriages, known as Suyamariyathai Vivaham, to challenge the expensive, ritualistic weddings conducted by Brahmin priests. These marriages dispensed with religious rites, Sanskrit mantras, and caste markers, focusing instead on mutual consent and the equal status of both partners. The legal validity of these progressive marriages was later recognized officially through an amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act in Tamil Nadu in 1967.
Condemnation of Superstition
Periyar led aggressive public campaigns against religious festivals, idol worship, and superstitious practices that exploited the ignorance of the masses. He organized public burning sessions of epics and legal codes that justified caste subordination, aiming to liberate the psychological conditioning of oppressed communities.
Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality
Advocacy for Female Education and Rights
Periyar viewed the subjugation of women as closely tied to the caste system. He argued that male-dominated societal structures used marriage, chastity norms, and religion to enslave women. He campaigned vigorously for compulsory female education, property rights for widows and daughters, and the right to divorce.
Opposition to Child Marriage and Devadasi System
He fought relentlessly against child marriage, the devadasi system, and the cruel customs that forced young widows into a life of penance. His writings and speeches empowered women to shed traditional constraints and enter public life as independent citizens.
Journalistic Contributions and Political Awakening
Kudi Arasu and Revolt
Periyar utilized journalism as a sharp weapon to propagate radical social ideas. He founded several Tamil weekly and daily newspapers, most notably Kudi Arasu launched in 1925, along with Puratchi, Pagutharivu, and the English journal Revolt. These publications served as fierce platforms for critiquing caste oppression, religious dogmas, and British administrative policies.
Formation of Dravidar Kazhagam
Periyar transformed the Justice Party into the Dravidar Kazhagam, or Dravidian Federation, in 1944. The organization functioned purely as a socio-political movement dedicated to social justice, rationalism, and state rights, eventually inspiring major political parties in Tamil Nadu.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- E. V. Ramasamy received the title Periyar, meaning respected one or elder, at a grand public conference held in Madras on December 28, 1938.
- UNESCO honored Periyar with a special citation in 1970, praising him as the prophet of the new age, the Socrates of Southeast Asia, and a fierce enemy of ignorance and superstition.
- The Self-Respect Movement published its official weekly organ Kudi Arasu starting in 1925 from Erode.
- Periyar served as the Chairman of the Erode Municipality in 1919, initiating progressive civic and sanitation reforms.
- He participated actively in the Non-Cooperation Movement and led the historic Vaikom Satyagraha in 1924 in Travancore to secure temple entry roads for untouchables.
- Periyar founded the Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944 after renaming the Justice Party to focus entirely on social reform.
- Periyar passed away on December 24, 1973, in Madras, leaving behind an enduring legacy of rationalism, self-respect, and social justice.
