Periyar E.V.Ramaswamy (Tamil: பெரியார்) (September 17, 1879 – December 24, 1973),also known as E.V. Ramaswami, EVR, Thanthai Periyar, or Periyar, was an Indian social reformer, who founded the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam.^[1][2][3] Image File history File links Periyar1973. ... Periyar (September 17, 1879–December 24, 1973), also known as E.V. Ramasami, EVR, Thanthai Periyar, or Periyar Ramasami, is a well-known rationalist, atheist, freedom fighter, activist, founder of Dravidar Kazhagam and founder of the Self-respect Movement in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... September 17 is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years). ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Erode (pronounced e-road, where ஈரோடை(e-rodai) by time became as ஈரோடு(e-rode) in Tamil) is a municipal town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... December 24 is the 358th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (359th in leap years). ... 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... The term Trader can refer to: In economics, a merchant, a retail business or one who attempts to generally buy wholesale and sell later at a profit In finance, someone who buys and sells financial instruments such as stocks, bonds and derivatives - see stock trader In marketing, Trader Classified Media... A social worker is a person employed in the administration of charity, social service, welfare, and poverty agencies, advocacy, or religious outreach programs. ... Periyar may refer to Periyar River Periyar District Periyar National Park Periyar University Category: ... Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ... September 17 is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years). ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... December 24 is the 358th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (359th in leap years). ... 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday. ... Social reform is changing government and society for the good of everyone. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Dravidar Kazhagam or Dravida Kazhagam (Dravidian Organization) was the first fully Dravidian party in India. ...

Biography

EVR's given name was Ramaswami. He was from a prominent Naicker caste, a community that descended from the Nayak rulers of Tamil Nadu. Hence he is called E. V. Ramaswami Naicker. "Periyar" means 'respected one' or an 'elder' in Tamil. Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ...

EVR was an atheist, noted for his antitheistic statement, "He who created god was a fool, he who spreads his name is a scoundrel, and he who worships him is a barbarian," attacking Hinduism in particular. In 1956, he took a procession of Rama's picture garlanded with slippers near Dharmapuri and destroyed the portrait in public, drawing widespread protests from offended Hindus. EVR's most popular writing is The Ramayana: A True Reading (1959), on the Hindu Ramayana epic.^[4] Antitheism (sometimes anti-theism) is active opposition to theism. ... Hinduism (known as in some modern Indian languages[1]) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... Lord Sri Rama (center) with wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. ... Dharmapuri is a city and a administrative headquarters of Dharmapuri district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

MGR paying respects to Periyar's mortal remains

Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2335x1676, 185 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2335x1676, 185 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...

His early life

Periyar was the son of a merchant Venkata, who was a devout Hindu of the Vaishnavite school of thought. His mother was Chinna Thayammal alias Muthammal; he had one elder brother named Krishnaswamy and two sisters named Kannamma and Ponnuthoy. Periyar studied for 5 years and joined his father's trade at the age of 12. He used to listen to Tamil Vaishnavite gurus who gave discourses in his house enjoying his father's hospitality. Periyar was married to Nagammal a girl of just 13 in 1898. Their first child was a baby girl who died in infancy, after which he had no more children. After being reprimanded by his father, Periyar left his house for Kashi.^[5] Vaishnavites are followers of Vaishnavism in which Vishnu or His avatars are worshipped as the supreme God. ... Vaishnavites are followers of Vaishnavism in which Vishnu or His avatars are worshipped as the supreme God. ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

Pilgrimage to Kashi

He went on a pilgrimage to Varanasi to worship in the famous Siva temple Kashi Vishwanath in 1904. He wanted to enter a Free-lunch place but finding that it was meant only for Brahmins he disguised himself as a one. But it was discovered that he was not a Brahmin and he was removed from the place. Later he learnt that the Free-lunch place was built with the donation of a Dravidian merchant.^[6] He saw the discrimination against non-Brahmins. He had pictured Kashi as a place where all Hindus would be treated equally. ^[7] VārāṇasÄ«   (Hindi: , IPA: ), also known as Benares, Banaras, or Benaras (Hindi: , , IPA: ), or Kashi or Kasi (Hindi: , ), is a famous Hindu holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges (Ganga) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. ... Varanasi (Hindi: वाराणसी , pronunciation / /), also known as Benares, Banaras, or Benaras (Hindi: बनारस , pronunciation / /), or Kashi or Kasi (Hindi: काशी ), is a famous Hindu holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges (Ganga) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. ... 1904 (MCMIV) was a leap year starting on a Friday (see link for calendar). ...

Timeline of Naicker's political struggle and ideology

E. V. Ramasami as member of Congress Party 1919 - 1925

E. V. Ramasami was a member of the Congress Party from 1919 onwards. He gave up many of his lucrative positions and properties at that time. However, he split from Congress because the Congress refused to support his demand for entry into temples for all castes. This was because the Congress party was dominated by orthodox brahmins(who were at that time considered to be people of a higher caste in the society) in Tamilnadu at that time.

The fact that brahmins dominated the Congress Party from 1920's is shown by the fact that when the Congress Party formed the ministry in 1937 the chief minister was Rajagopalachari, the Revenue Minsiter was Tanguturi Prakasam and the labor minister was V V Giri. All of them were brahmins and had a long political life marked with major successes. Though it could be argued that most of them were chosen by each of their merits and not merely by their caste. Rajaji Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (December 1878 - December 25, 1972), known as or Rajaji or C.R., was an Indian lawyer, writer, statesman and a Hindu spiritualist. ... It has been suggested that Tanguturi Prakasham be merged into this article or section. ... Varahagiri Venkata Giri (August 10, 1894 - June 23, 1980), commonly known as V. V. Giri, was the fourth president of the Republic of India (August 24, 1969 - August 23, 1974). ...

Vaikkom struggle - 1924-1925

E. V. Ramasami was involved in securing rights to entry into temples and access to temple roads for people of all castes in Vaikkom in Kerala which was part of the princely state Travancore during 1924. He played a role along with other great statesmen and national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, and Acharya Vinoba Bhave.

Mahatma Gandhi himself, leaders of Congress in Kerala and Madras Presidency were also involved. Since the entire event took place in Kerala most people who suffered where the native sons of the soil, the Scheduled castes and other backward classes in Travancore.

E. V. Ramasami got the appellation "Vaikom Veerar" for his part in the struggle.

Self-Respect Movement - 1925-39

E. V. Ramasami and his followers campaigned constantly to influence and pressurise the government to take measures to remove social inequality even while other nationalist leaders focussed on the struggle for political independence.

Anti-Hindi Movement - 1937-1940

Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu started in 1937 when the Congress Government of the Madras Presidency under (C Rajagopalachari) made Hindi a compulsory subject in schools. Tamils opposed Hindi imposition immediately and the Justice Party under Sir A. D. Panneerselvam and E. V. Ramasami organized anti-Hindi imposition protests in 1938 and were arrested and jailed by the Rajagopalachari government. More than 1200 people, including women and children, were imprisoned in 1938, of which two, Thalamuthu and Natarasan, lost their lives. In 1939 the Rajagopalachari government quit and it was withdrawn in 1940 by the British governor. Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Rajaji Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (December 1878 - December 25, 1972), known as or Rajaji or C.R., was an Indian lawyer, writer, statesman and a Hindu spiritualist. ... Hindi (Devanagari: or , IAST: , IPA: ), an Indo-European language spoken mainly in northern and central India, is one of the official languages of the Union government of India. ... Languages Tamil Religions Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism Related ethnic groups Dravidian people Brahui people Kannadigas Malayalis Tamils Telugus Tuluvas Gonds The Tamil people are an ethnic group from the Indian subcontinent with a recorded history going back more than two millennia. ... Hindi (Devanagari: or , IAST: , IPA: ), an Indo-European language spoken mainly in northern and central India, is one of the official languages of the Union government of India. ... Rajaji Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (December 1878 - December 25, 1972), known as or Rajaji or C.R., was an Indian lawyer, writer, statesman and a Hindu spiritualist. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full year calendar). ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Justice Party - 1939-1944

Before World War II, the Justice Party ruled Madras Province for a long period from 1920 to 1937 with many leaders List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. As Gandhi revitalized the Congress Party with the common man message, People voted Congress Party into power from 1937 to 1967. As the Justice Party lost its power and began looking for someone popular with the masses, E. V. Ramasami was an obvious choice. And the popular slogan social was "social justice",as a euphemism for anti-Brahmin rhetoric. He targeted Rajagopalachari, the Congress leader and a Brahmin. However, largely due to the populaity of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress party remained in power till 1967. Justice Party was the political wing of Then Nala Urimai Sangam (literal translation: The South Indian Welfare Association). ... List of All Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu Footnote On September 21, 2002[1], a five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of India ruled in a unanimous verdict that a person who is convicted for a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Dravidar Kazhagam 1944 - till death

Ramaswami changed the name of the Justice Party to Dravidar Kazhagam (Party of the Dravidians). He pitched himself against the so-called "Aryans", who included Brahmins among other sects. He avoided parliamentary democracy and started his campaigns on his own. some of his followers split with him after him due to growing differences of opinion within the party and started the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, popularly known as the DMK. The DMK was first led by C.N. Annadurai and after him by M. Karunanidhi.^[8] EVR and his dramatic anti-Brahman protests put new life into the party. The Dravidian Federation, and launched a Tamil "cultural offensive," including theatrical productions of a "reinterpreted" Ramayana-a version transposing hero and villain, in which the Sri Lankan demon king Ravana becomes a heroic "Dravidian of 'excellent character,' " and the Aryan prince Rama a conniving, "despicable character" . This and later political uses of drama capitalized on the strong literary focus among Tamils. Despite such attempts at mass propaganda, however, the party's membership continued to be drawn from the elite.^[9] Dravidar Kazhagam or Dravida Kazhagam (Dravidian Organization) was the first fully Dravidian party in India. ... Aryan (/eərjən/ or /ɑːrjən/, Sanskrit: ) is a Sanskrit and Avestan word meaning noble/spiritual one. ... A Brahmin (anglicised from the Sanskrit adjective belonging to Brahma, also known as Brahman belonging to ; Vipra, Dvija twice-born, Dvijottama best of the twice born or earth-god) is considered to be the highest class (varna) in the Indian caste system of Hindu society [1] [2], although this status... Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India, but also has presence in near by southern Indian states, Pondicherry, Kerala and Karnataka. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ... A depiction of Ravana, Hindu rakshasa King of Lanka In Hinduism, Ravana (Devanagari: रावण, IAST ; sometimes transliterated Raavana and as Ravan or Revana) is the principal antagonist of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. ... Dravidian may refer to: Dravidian languages, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages spoken especially in southern India and Sri Lanka. ...

Later, the Justice Party became secessionist in nature, campaigning for an independent Dravidshan state. Once the regional autonomy was achieved through the formation of Madras (now Tamil Nadu) State and non-Brahman claims were translated into an extensive policy of reservations, Brahmans were incorporated as members into the Tamil society. Brahmans are accommodated as ideologues and legitimizers of the regional legacy of the Dravidian movement.^[10]

Split of DMK from Dravidar kazhagam - 1949

The DMK was considered to be split from Dravidar kazhagam, by C. N. Annadurai. The main reason for this was that Periyar did not want to be involved in the Government and wanted to do only public service. The second reason was Periyar married Maniammai a woman who was 40 years younger than him. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... C.N.Annadurai (1909 to 1969), popularly called Anna (which means elder brother in Tamil language) was the first non Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India. ...

The more practical and political C. N. Annadurai and his followers chose this opportunity to break away and get involved in the new democratic system. Desoite the fact that Periyar chose not to support DMK during any election, the DMK came to power on its own following the economic turmoils of late 1960s and the promise of cheap rice which was the staple food of Tamil Nadu. C.N.Annadurai (1909 to 1969), popularly called Anna (which means elder brother in Tamil language) was the first non Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India. ... Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ...

EVR and Kula Kalvi Thittam/Hereditary Education Policy - 1952-1954

Rajagopalachari introduced a new education policy based on family vocation which its opponents dubbed Kula Kalvi Thittam (Hereditary Education Policy). As per this policy schools will work in the morning and students had to compulsorily learn the family vocation in the afternoon. A carpenter's son would learn carpentry, a priest's son chanting hymns and a barber's son hair cutting and shaving after school in the afternoon.^[11] EVR felt that the scheme was a clever device against Dalits and Other Backward Classes as their first generation was getting educated only then.^[12] EVR demanded its withdrawal and launched protests against the Kula Kalvi Thittam (Hereditary Education Policy) which he felt was caste-based and was aimed at maintaining caste hegemony. Rajagopalachari quit in 1954 and Kamaraj scrapped it after becoming chief minister.^[13][14] Hereditary Education Policy or Kula Kalvi Thittam is a education policy introduced by Rajaji as Chief Minister of Madras State in 1952. ... Carpenter at work in Tennessee, June 1942. ... A carpenter is a skilled craftsman who performs carpentry -- a wide range of woodworking that includes constructing buildings, furniture, and other large objects out of wood. ... . ... A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a god or other religiously significant figure. ... A boy visiting a barber A barber (from the Latin barba, beard) is someone whose occupation is to cut any type of hair, give shaves, and trim beards. ... Hereditary Education Policy or Kula Kalvi Thittam is a education policy introduced by Rajaji as Chief Minister of Madras State in 1952. ... K. Kamaraj (July 15, 1903–1975) was an Indian politician widely known as a kingmaker in Indian politics. ...

Periyar supports Kamarajar of Congress Party - 1954-1963

Periyar wrote two articles in his magazine Viduthalai (Freedom) in 1954 supporting Kamarasar and Congress Party which he had vehemently opposed. He did not support the DMK party which was formed by C. N. Annadurai his protege. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... C.N.Annadurai (1909 to 1969), popularly called Anna (which means elder brother in Tamil language) was the first non Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India. ...

These articles appeared under the headline 'Kamarasar Atharipu Ean?,' (Why supporting Kamarasar?) in Viduthalai on May 15, 1954 and June 1, 1954. May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (136th in leap years). ... 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 1 is the 152nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (153rd in leap years), with 213 days remaining. ... 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The reason for his support seems to be the fact that Kamarasar was a bachelor without issues and therefore has no ulterior selfish motives. Further he was a pure tamilian and not of Brahminical descent. Kamarasar maintained a balanced view of all castes and was palatable to all walks of people.

Periyar consistently supported Kamarasar for all the years Kamarajar lead the Congress Party.

The final years - 1963-1973

Both Congress Party in Tamilnadu and DMK formed an alliance to contest the 1973 election against the AIADMK which they won. The party Dravidar Kazhagam became a fringe party as its ideals were considered too extreme by the majority of the people of Tamilnadu.[1] Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is a regional political party in India. ... Dravidar Kazhagam or Dravida Kazhagam (Dravidian Organization) was the first fully Dravidian party in India. ...

The leader of AIADMK MG Ramachandran was openly pro-Hindu but not pro-brahmin and visited many temples even though he was once a major part of the Dravidar Kazhagam. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is a regional political party in India. ... Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran (January 17, 1917–December 24, 1987), popularly known as MGR, was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death. ...

The leader of DMK Karunanidhi the current chief minister of Tamilnadu, over the years reduced his strong opposition to Hinduism and focused more on development issues. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a regional political party in the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... Categories: Indian people stubs | Tamil people | Indian politicians ...

EVR's ideas on modern Tamil alphabet

He instituted Tamil alphabet reforms and his reasons are as follows:^[15] Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ... For other uses, see Alphabet (disambiguation). ...

In writings and publications of 70 or 80 years ago, the vowel 'ee' (i:), indicated today as ' ¼ ', was a cursive and looped representation of the short form, ' ¬ ' (i). In stone inscriptions of 400 or 500 years ago, many Tamil letters are found in other shapes. The older and the more divine a language and its letters are said to be, they, in truth, need reform.

Just as some compound characters have separate signs to indicate their length as in ' æè ' , ' îæ ' (ka: , ke:), why should not other compound characters like ' æ¨ ' , ' æ© ' , ' Æ ' , ' Ô ' (ki, ki:,ku, ku:) (indicated integrally as of now), also have separate signs? This indeed requires consideration.

Changing the shape of letters, creating new symbols and adding new letters and similarly, dropping those that are redundant, are quite essential.The glory and excellence of a language and its script depend on how easily they can be understood or learnt and on nothing else.

Periyar and the 'Upper Castes'

The self-respect movement was accompanied by growing anger towards the perceived historical oppression inflicted upon 'true' Dravidians by upper castes.

Periyar and anti-Brahmanism

Periyar's self-respect movement espoused rationalism and atheism, and although Periyar had Brahmin colleagues, the movement had currents of anti-Brahminism.^[16] Tamil Brahmins (Iyers and Iyengars) were frequently held responsible by followers of Periyar for direct or indirect oppression of lower-caste people; this, it has been argued, contributed to several clashes and a gradual migration of the upper castes.^[17] It is not worthy to have such a big Talk page on this issue. ... In epistemology and in its broadest sense, rationalism is any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification (Lacey 286). ... “Atheist” redirects here. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Languages Tamil Religions Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism Related ethnic groups Dravidian people Brahui people Kannadigas Malayalis Tamils Telugus Tuluvas Gonds The Tamil people are an ethnic group from the Indian subcontinent with a recorded history going back more than two millennia. ... Iyer, Aiyer, Ayer, Ayyar, Ayyer, Giyer (Tamil : ஐயர்) are last names used by a section of Tamil Brahmins (a priestly Hindu class / caste from India). ... Iyengar (also Ayyangar, Aiyangar, Ayengar, Iengar) is the name of a community of Tamil Brahmins of South India whose members subscribe to the Visishtadvaita philosophy codified by Ramanuja. ... The Indian caste system is the traditional system of social stratification on the Indian Subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by a number of endogamous, hereditary groups often termed as jātis or castes. ...

Later, in regards to a DK member's attempt to assassinate Rajagopalachari, he "expressed his abhorrence of violence as a means of settling political differences".^[18] The legacy of the anti-Brahmanism of the self-respect movement was taken over by the later Dravidan parties. Growing anti-Brahmanism in Chennai provided a rationale for polarization of the lower castes in the DMK movement.^[19] Eventually, the virulent anti-Brahmanism subsided somewhat with the replacement of the DMK party by the AIADMK.^[20] Dravidian may refer to: Dravidian languages, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages spoken especially in southern India and northern Sri Lanka. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is a regional political party in India. ...

Periyar and the narrative of invasion

Main articles: Aryan Invasion Theory (history and controversies) and Self-respect movement

Based on invasionist scenarios of Bronze Age Indo-Aryan migration to India, in colonial India were re-worked in propagandistic and pseudohistorical literature to create divisions on the basis of perceptions that contrasted the so-called upper-caste Aryans and lower-caste Dravidians, creating an "internalized past" through an act of "semioticization the Aryan migration".^[21] Periyar and his followers exploited this body of literature to advance the notion of a "Pure Dravidian Race", superior in every way to the "despicable" Aryan Brahmins, philosophies that historian Michael Bergunder compares to the ideas of Herrenvolk in Nazi Germany^[21] It has been suggested that this article be split into articles entitled Indo-Aryan migration, Aryan race, Out of India and Hindutva revisionism, accessible from a disambiguation page. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ... Pseudohistory is a pejorative term applied to texts which purport to be historical in nature but which depart from standard historiographical conventions in a way which undermines their conclusions. ... Aryan (/eÉ™rjÉ™n/ or /ɑːrjÉ™n/, Sanskrit: ) is a Sanskrit and Avestan word meaning noble/spiritual one. ... Dravidian may refer to: in the spiritualistic interpretations: the people who are the drav i. ... Aryan (/eÉ™rjÉ™n/ or /ɑːrjÉ™n/, Sanskrit: ) is a Sanskrit and Avestan word meaning noble/spiritual one. ... A Brahmin (anglicised from the Sanskrit adjective belonging to Brahma, also known as Brahman belonging to ; Vipra, Dvija twice-born, Dvijottama best of the twice born or earth-god) is considered to be the highest class (varna) in the Indian caste system of Hindu society [1] [2], although this status... The master race (German: Herrenrasse, Herrenvolk) is a concept in Nazi ideology, which holds that the Germanic and Nordic people represent an ideal and pure race. It derives from nineteenth century racial theory, which posited a hierarchy of races placing African Bushmen and Australian Aborigines at the bottom of the... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ...

A major aspect of this narrative was the claim that the "Aryan" Brahmins started the Indian Caste System immediately following the "Aryan Invasion" as a tool to exploit and oppress the "Dravidians", a claim that was used by Periyarites to justify their anti-Brahminism.^[21] However, it was only the Self-Respect Movement started Periyar that provided a popular catalyst for a Tamil nationalism that ostensibly had a "secular" foundation. In the 1930s and ’40s there thus developed a Dravidian mass movement, which had among its declared goals the abolition of "Brahmanical oppression" through the caste system and religion and the revival of Dravidian culture and society.The history of a flourishing Dravidian civilization (centuries prior to actual advanced Tamil civilizations such as the Chola Empire), unjustly destroyed by the Aryan Brahmins, played a significant role in the Dravidian propaganda of this period. This act of turning the invasionist scenario of the Aryan Migration became a leitmotiv of the argument that formed part of Periyar's anti-Brahmanism.^[21] A reflection of this effort was in Periyar'sdeclaration: The Indian caste system is the traditional system of social stratification on the Indian Subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by a number of endogamous, hereditary groups often termed as jātis or castes. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Cholas. ... It is not worthy to have such a big Talk page on this issue. ...

^[21]

Tamil poets such as Bharati Dasan, who became the mouthpiece of the Periyarites, and wrote poems that were explicitly anti-Brahmin in content:

^[21]

Periyar's influence

Influence of Periyar's philosophies are evident in the political decisions and social impact of Tamilnadu. The political decision related to reservation, hindi dominance agitation, woman liberation are attributed to Periyar's impact. Atheism in Tamilnadu is given a great relevance to Periyar. Cine Actors Vivek, MR. Radha, Sathyaraj being believers of Periyar's principle exhibited their anti-superstition propaganda onscreen.

A Tamil movie "Periyar" was taken depicting Periyar biographical life, the lead role played by Sathyaraj “Atheist” redirects here. ... This article is written from a fans point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. ... M. R. Radha, An actor of multi-faceted talents who stood on his own films with his own mark of individuality as character actor defying the system was M.R.Radha. ... Sathyaraj Sathyaraj (Tamil : சத்யராஜ்) (born October 3, 1954) is a lead actor in the Tamil film industry (Kollywood). ... Sathyaraj Sathyaraj (Tamil : சத்யராஜ்) (born October 3, 1954) is a lead actor in the Tamil film industry (Kollywood). ...

Notable followers

• Bharatidasan
• Vaiko
• Kamal Haasan
• Sathyaraj
• K.Veeramani, leader of Dravidar Kazhagam after E.V. Ramaswamy.
• Kavignar Inkulab, rationalist Tamil poet.
• Poondi Kumaraswamy, engineer and hydroglogist.
• M. Karunanidhi
• C. N. Annadurai

Bharathidasan (April 29, 1891 - April 1, 1964; also spelt Bharatidasan) was a twentieth century Tamil poet and rationalist whose literary works handled mostly socio-political issues. ... Vaiko (Mr. ... Kamal Haasan (Tamil: கமல்ஹாசன்) (born on November 7, 1954) is an iconic Indian film actor. ... Sathyaraj Sathyaraj (Tamil : சத்யராஜ்) (born October 3, 1954) is a lead actor in the Tamil film industry (Kollywood). ... Dr.K.Veeramani K. Veeramani, is the leader of Dravidar Kazhagam, an Indian organization centered in Tamil Nadu, opposed to the caste system and dedicated to the welfare of non-Brahmins. ... Dravidar Kazhagam or Dravida Kazhagam (Dravidian Organization) was the first fully Dravidian party in India. ... Kavignar Inkulab is a Tamil poet, whose poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed. ... In epistemology and in its broadest sense, rationalism is any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification (Lacey 286). ... Ponnambalam Kumaraswamy ( often referred to as Poondi Kumaraswamy) was a leading hydrologist of India with much of his work having practical significance. ... M. Karunanidhi (Tamil: மு.கருணாநிதி) or Karunanidhi Muthuvel generally referred to as M.K (Tamil: மு.க) and Dr. Kalaignar (கலைஞர்), is the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. ... C.N.Annadurai (1909 to 1969), popularly called Anna (which means elder brother in Tamil language) was the first non Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India. ...

References

Bibliography

• Diehl, Anita. E. V. Ramaswami - Periyar: A study of the influence of a personality in contemporary South India. ISBN 91-24-27645-6.
• Richman, Paula. "E.V. Ramasami's Reading of the Ramayana" in Paula Richman, ed., Many Ramayanas: The Diversity of a Narrative Tradition in South Asia.

External links

• Periyar, official website of Thanthai Periyar.
• Periyar's Movement, a timeline of Periyar's work.
• Periyar - One Hundred Tamils of 20th Century
• PERIYAR - Rationalist/Social Reformer
• The Revolutionary Sayings of Periyar
• Rationalist International
• `The economic interest... that was the contradiction' by K. Sivathamby.
• Fuzzy and Neutrosophic Analysis of Periyar's Views on Untouchability by W. B. Vasantha Kandasamy, Florentin Smarandache and K. Kandasamy.