Periyar E. V. Ramasamy: A Revolutionary but Controversial Figure in Indian History

Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, also known as Mahakavi Periyar, was a revolutionary figure in Indian history who played a significant role in shaping Tamil Nadu politics and society. He was a trailblazer in advocating for the empowerment of women, the reformation of the caste system, and the promotion of a rational, non-religious way of life. However, his complex persona and actions have also made him one of the most controversial figures in India's social and political landscape.

Woman Empowerment and Non-Brahmin Movement

One of the key aspects of Periyar's philosophy was his strong emphasis on the empowerment of women. He was instrumental in abolishing the Devadasi system, which was a form of Brahmanical control over women. Periyar was a vocal critic of dowry practices, child marriage, and traditional patriarchal norms, which he argued imprisoned women. He advocated for the right of women to decide their own lives and opposed the notions of chastity being solely women's responsibility.

Language and Culture

Periyar was a strong proponent of the use of the mother tongue as a tool for social and political reform. He emerged from a background of Telugu Naidu pride but later transcended this to promote Tamil as the language of the people. His move towards a non-Brahmin identity and a rational approach towards Hinduism and other faiths reflects his efforts to build a more inclusive and secular society.

Rational Thinker and Anti-Casteist

Periyar was a rational thinker who questioned the superstitious elements of Hinduism and sought to transform society into one based on reason and equality. He moved from being a staunch Hindu to becoming an atheist, eventually becoming a firm believer in monotheistic religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. His rational approach extended to his views on cultural and religious practices, which he often criticized for their exclusionary and oppressive nature.

Controversies and Personal Life

While Periyar's contributions to the empowerment of women and the abolition of caste-based discrimination are widely recognized, his personal life and actions were often controversial. He was known for his philandering and had several extramarital affairs. He expressed views that were deeply hurtful to many sections of society, particularly when he criticized Tamil literature as a tool for Aryan propaganda. His confession of having no belief in organized religions but still making contradictory statements about god further added to the complexity of his persona.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his controversial nature, Periyar's legacy is significant in modern India. He fought tirelessly against Hinduism and the caste system, advocating for a more inclusive and secular society. His efforts in eradicating untouchability and improving the status of women in Tamil Nadu were transformative. However, his critique of Tamil literature, particularly his denunciation of Silappadikaram, has been met with intense criticism.

In conclusion, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy is a figure that defies easy categorization. He was both a revolutionary who sought to transform society and a controversial figure whose views and actions often caused deep divisions. While his contributions to the empowerment of women and the reform of the caste system are undeniable, his legacy is complicated by his philosophical and personal contradictions.

Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the life and work of Periyar, the following books provide valuable insights:

Ilavaluthy M. August 15, 2015 article on Periyar Tamizhar thalaivar, the authoritative biography of Periyar by Sami Chidambaram Other scholarly works on Periyar E. V. Ramasamy

These resources offer a more nuanced understanding of Periyar's impact and the complexities of his legacy.