IGNOUMATIC

Periyar E. V. Ramasamy Naicker (1879–1973), commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer and leader of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. His critique of Hinduism and his advocacy for social justice have made him one of the most influential figures in the history of South Indian social reform.

1. Opposition to Brahminical Hinduism:
   • Periyar’s critique of Hinduism was based on his opposition to the Brahminical order, which he saw as a system that entrenched caste discrimination and social inequality. He believed that the Brahminical interpretation of Hinduism had created a rigid social hierarchy, in which the lower castes were oppressed, and women were treated as inferior.
   • Periyar argued that Hinduism, as it was practiced, upheld the caste system, and religious rituals and beliefs were used as tools to maintain the power of the upper castes. He called for the abolition of the caste system and the establishment of a society based on equality.
2. Atheism and Rationalism:
   • Periyar was an outspoken atheist and believed that religion, especially Hinduism, perpetuated superstition and ignorance. He rejected the authority of sacred texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads, which he felt were used to maintain the dominance of priests and the upper castes.
   • He promoted rationalism and encouraged people to question religious dogmas and practices that oppressed them. His movement was marked by his insistence on scientific reasoning and the rejection of blind faith.
3. Focus on Women’s Rights:
   • Like Pandita Ramabai, Periyar was deeply concerned with the status of women in Indian society. He believed that Hinduism, with its rigid social codes, was responsible for the subordination of women. He opposed practices such as child marriage, the dowry system, and the notion of women’s inferiority as taught by the religious orthodoxy.
   • Periyar advocated for the empowerment of women, including their right to divorce, the right to live independently, and the right to education. He was an early supporter of gender equality and worked to dismantle the patriarchal structures embedded in Hindu religious practices.
4. Dravidian Movement:
   • Periyar’s critique of Hinduism was closely tied to his work in the Dravidian movement, which sought to assert the rights of the Dravidian people of South India, particularly the Tamil-speaking population. He argued that Dravidians, as descendants of the indigenous people of India, were marginalized by the dominance of Aryan culture and religion.
   • He advocated for the recognition of Dravidian identity and a break from the influence of Sanskritic culture and Hinduism. Periyar’s influence was instrumental in the development of Dravidian politics, which sought to create a secular, rational, and caste-free society.
5. Legacy:
   • Periyar’s ideas on social justice, atheism, and equality continue to influence political and social thought in Tamil Nadu and beyond. His legacy as a social reformer and leader of the Dravidian movement is still celebrated today, particularly in the context of Dalit rights, caste abolition, and gender equality.

Conclusion: Both Pandita Ramabai and Periyar Naicker were revolutionary figures in their respective times, challenging the patriarchal and oppressive systems entrenched in Hindu society. While Ramabai focused on women’s education and religious reform, Periyar’s critique extended to the entire caste-based and patriarchal structure of Hinduism. Both reformers emphasized the need for equality, rationalism, and a society free from oppression, and their ideas continue to inspire movements for social justice in modern India.