Why Many South Indians Do Not Have Last Names: A Cultural and Social Insight

Many South Indians do not have last names, a custom that contrasts sharply with naming conventions prevalent in many parts of the world. Why do this practice exist? This article delves deep into the reasons behind this tradition, its historical context, and the impact on modern society.

The Intricacies of Naming Conventions

In many regions worldwide, last names or surnames denote a person's profession or lineage, mirroring family histories and ancestry. For example, names like Blacksmith, Goldsmith, Zappatero, Waggoner, and many others endure as meaningful identifiers for heritage and occupation. In contrast, the practice in South India often bypasses such designations for surnames.

The Influence of Casteism

South Indians, particularly Tamils, have a rich cultural heritage that includes ancient traditions spanning millennia. However, like many cultures, they have faced challenges, including the socio-political landscape influenced by the caste system. This system, rooted in the Brahmanic varnashrama adharma, has historically classified individuals into hierarchical categories based on birth.

For many South Indians, particularly those from lower castes, adopting a last name associated with higher castes could inadvertently reinforce discriminatory practices. Therefore, they often use a first-letter-based naming convention, indicating the father's first name, combined with their given name. For instance, a Tamil individual might be identified as V. Ramalingam, where V stands for their father's first name, Veerappa.

Evolution of Naming Practices

Contemporary South Indians have adapted to a more inclusive and less caste-bound society. This has led to the adoption of unique naming conventions. One such practice is using the name of the place of origin as a last name. This is quite similar to names like Scott, where the name indicates geographical roots.

Historically, naming conventions in Tamil Nadu, for example, followed a somewhat similar pattern to Western naming systems. For instance, a name like Thorwald Thorwaldson or Helga Thorwaldsdottir might be seen as particularly unique in the history of South Indian naming practices.

The Case of Tamils and Academic Life

When South Indians, particularly Tamils, pursue higher education in institutions outside their region, they often encounter challenges with Western naming conventions. Universities like JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) in New Delhi have witnessed such instances. A student with the name as V. Ramalingam might be asked to provide their first and last name, leading to frustration and confusion.

Some individuals like the author have to explain that V stands for Veerappa, their father's first name. Historically, a full name might include additional titles such as Veerappa Pillai, an equivalent to Western names like X Johnson. However, such full names are often simplified for readability and administrative convenience.

Challenges and Resistance

Retarded and congenital retards, as described by some individuals, face numerous challenges in navigating a society that often has deeply entrenched biases. The author outlines how the retarding influence of Brahmanic ideologies can lead to a lack of critical thinking and resistance to change. The Tamil naming convention, for instance, is a clear attempt to resist the oppressive nature of the caste system by not using surnames that indicate caste or social status.

Some individuals, like a Professor named Lobert, provide support and counter any harassment or ridicule faced by these unique names. For instance, Richard becoming Dick might be a source of humor, but the name Rama, within the context of Tamil naming conventions, does not face such ridicule.

Conclusion

The journey of the South Indian naming convention reflects a quest for identity and autonomy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical and social context that continues to shape naming customs. By understanding and respecting these naming practices, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic society that values diversity and individuality.