Introduction

Erode Venkata Ramasamy (E.V. Ramasamy), popularly known as Periyar (“The Great One”), was one of the most influential and controversial social reformers in modern Indian history. A fierce advocate of social justice, rationalism, women’s rights, and the eradication of caste discrimination, he dedicated his life to challenging deeply rooted social inequalities.

Periyar was the founder of the Self-Respect Movement and later the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). His ideas profoundly shaped the social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu and continue to influence debates on caste, religion, secularism, and social equality across India.

While many regard him as a champion of the oppressed and a pioneer of social reform, others criticize some of his views and methods, making him one of the most debated figures in Indian public life.

Early Life

E.V. Ramasamy was born on September 17, 1879, in Erode, in present-day Tamil Nadu, into a prosperous Kannada-speaking trading family. His father, Venkata Naicker, was a successful merchant, and his mother was Chinnathayammal.

Although he attended school briefly, he left formal education at a young age and joined the family business. His experiences in business and public life exposed him to the realities of social discrimination and inequality, which later became central to his reformist mission.

Experiences That Shaped His Thinking

A significant turning point in Periyar’s life occurred during a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi). According to his own accounts, he experienced caste-based discrimination despite being a devout Hindu pilgrim. This deeply influenced his views on caste hierarchy and religious orthodoxy.

He became convinced that many social injustices in India were sustained by rigid caste practices and unquestioned religious traditions. These experiences inspired his lifelong campaign against caste discrimination and social inequality.

Entry into Public Life

Periyar initially became active in local civic affairs and served as the Chairman of the Erode Municipal Council. His administrative ability and concern for public welfare earned him recognition.

He later joined the Indian National Congress, hoping to contribute to India’s struggle for independence while promoting social reforms. However, he became increasingly dissatisfied with what he perceived as the Congress’s inadequate attention to caste inequality and social justice.

In 1925, he left the Congress and began pursuing an independent path of social reform.

The Self-Respect Movement

In 1925, Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement, one of the most influential social reform movements in South India.

The movement sought to promote:

• Equality among all people regardless of caste.
• Human dignity and self-respect.
• Rational thinking and scientific temper.
• Women’s education and empowerment.
• Opposition to caste discrimination.
• Social reforms in marriage and family life.

The movement encouraged people to reject practices that it viewed as promoting inequality and superstition.

Campaign Against Caste Discrimination

Periyar believed that caste was the greatest obstacle to social progress in India.

He advocated:

• Abolition of untouchability.
• Equal access to education.
• Equal employment opportunities.
• Representation of marginalized communities in public institutions.
• Social equality irrespective of birth.

He strongly supported affirmative measures to improve educational and employment opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities.

Women’s Rights

Periyar was one of the earliest Indian leaders to campaign extensively for women’s rights.

He advocated:

• Women’s education.
• Equal property rights.
• Widow remarriage.
• Opposition to child marriage.
• Family planning.
• Freedom for women to choose their life partners.
• Equal status within marriage.

He criticized patriarchal customs and argued that genuine social progress required the full participation and empowerment of women.

Rationalism and Critique of Religion

Periyar was a leading advocate of rationalism and encouraged people to question beliefs and practices through reason and critical thinking.

He openly criticized superstition, religious orthodoxy, idol worship, and practices that he believed reinforced social inequality.

His outspoken criticism extended particularly to aspects of Hindu religious traditions that he associated with caste hierarchy. These views generated significant support among some sections of society while provoking strong opposition from others.

His criticism of religion and religious symbols remains one of the most debated aspects of his public life.

Vaikom Satyagraha

Periyar participated prominently in the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–1925) in present-day Kerala, a movement demanding the right of marginalized communities to use public roads surrounding the Vaikom Temple.

His active involvement earned him widespread recognition, and he came to be known by some supporters as the “Hero of Vaikom.”

The movement became an important milestone in the struggle against caste-based discrimination in South India.

Dravidian Movement

Periyar later transformed the Justice Party into the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944.

He promoted the idea of Dravidian identity, emphasizing the cultural and linguistic heritage of South India.

His movement sought:

• Social equality.
• State autonomy.
• Educational advancement.
• Opposition to caste hierarchy.
• Promotion of the Tamil language and culture.

Although Periyar himself did not contest elections after founding the Dravidar Kazhagam, his ideas deeply influenced political parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and later the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), both of which played major roles in Tamil Nadu politics.

Literary Contributions

Periyar was a prolific writer, speaker, and publisher.

Through newspapers such as Kudi Arasu and Viduthalai, he communicated his ideas on:

• Social equality.
• Rationalism.
• Women’s rights.
• Education.
• Politics.
• Language.
• Religion.

His speeches attracted thousands of listeners and became an important vehicle for spreading social reform ideas.

Controversies

Periyar remains one of India’s most controversial public figures.

Critics argue that:

• Some of his statements about Hinduism and Hindu deities were offensive to believers.
• His criticism of Brahminism was sometimes perceived as criticism of Brahmins as a community.
• His advocacy of a separate Dravidian nation generated political controversy.

Supporters respond that:

• His criticism targeted systems of social inequality rather than individuals.
• His provocative language was intended to challenge entrenched social structures.
• His primary objective was social equality and dignity for marginalized communities.

These differing interpretations continue to shape public discussions about his legacy.

Legacy

Periyar’s influence on Tamil Nadu’s social and political development has been profound.

His campaigns contributed to:

• Expansion of social justice policies.
• Greater educational access.
• Increased political participation by marginalized communities.
• Growth of rationalist thought.
• Advancement of women’s rights.

His ideas continue to influence public policy, political discourse, and social reform movements throughout South India.

Lessons from His Life

Periyar’s life offers several enduring lessons:

• Social injustice must be challenged through courage and public engagement.
• Education is a powerful tool for social transformation.
• Critical thinking and rational inquiry can contribute to reform.
• Equality and human dignity should be central values in society.
• Lasting reform often requires questioning long-standing traditions and institutions.

Conclusion

E.V. Ramasamy, widely known as Periyar, was one of the most influential social reformers of twentieth-century India. Through the Self-Respect Movement and his lifelong advocacy for social justice, he challenged caste discrimination, promoted women’s rights, and encouraged rational inquiry.

At the same time, his uncompromising criticism of religion, caste practices, and social traditions made him a deeply polarizing figure. Admirers celebrate him as a fearless champion of equality, while critics question aspects of his rhetoric and methods.

Regardless of differing opinions, Periyar’s impact on Indian social thought and the evolution of modern Tamil Nadu is undeniable. His life remains an important chapter in the history of India’s continuing pursuit of equality, justice, and human dignity.