Question

Estimate Periyar E.V.R’s decisive contribution to the social transformation of Tamil Nadu.

Answer 1

1. Periyar was keen on the introduction of reservations in representative bodies such as the legislative council for Non-Brahmins.
2. Periyar understood the relevance of mass communication in spreading rationalist thought. He started a number of newspapers and journals.
3. He also supported Ambedkar’s demand for separate electorates for scheduled castes.
4. Periyar had a close relationship with Singaravelar who is considered the first communist of South India and a pioneer of Buddhism.
5. In 1937, in opposition to the Rajaji’s Government move to introduce compulsory Hindi in schools, he launched a popular movement to oppose it.
6. The anti-Hindi agitation (1937-39) had a big impact on Tamil Nadu’s politics. Periyar was imprisoned for his role in the movement.
7. Rajaji, the Chief Minister of Madras State (1952-54), introduced a vocational education programme with training in tune with their father’s occupation.
8. Periyar criticised it as Kula Kalvi Thittam (caste-based education scheme) and opposed it tooth and nail.
9. Anti-north Indian campaigns had made Periyar to take an anti-Hindi stand.
10. Periyar’s experiences taught him that it was necessary to eradicate religion in order to impart progress and Justice.
11. Periyar wanted religion to be replaced by rationalism.
12. Periyar objected to the hereditary priesthood in temples.
13. He advocated inter-caste and Self Respect Marriages devoid of any such rituals.
14. Periyar was critical of patriarchy. He condemned child-marriage and the devadasi system (institution of temple girls).
15. Periyar objected to terms like “giving in marriage” This he said, treats women as a thing- He wants it substituted by Valkaithunai (companion).
16. Periyar’s most important work on this subject is Why the Woman is Enslaved? Periyar believed that property rights for women would provide them a social status and protection.
17. Periyar had been emphasizing women’s right to divorce and property.