Periyar and the Controversial Legacy of a Tamilian Rationalist

Periyar, the progressive thinker and social reformer, has been a subject of intense debate among non-Brahmin Tamilians. While some view him as a champion of rationalism and social equality, others criticize him as a crypto-Christian missionary with hidden agendas. This article delves into the different opinions held about Periyar among non-Brahmin Tamilians and explores the ongoing impact of his legacy.

Introduction to Periyar

Aravindan Thanthirigounder, better known as Periyar, was a prominent Indian intellectual and social activist. Born in 1877, Periyar was a vocal opponent of casteism, particularly against the upper-caste Brahmins. He founded the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), a movement aimed at promoting social reforms and reviving what he deemed as Dravidian identity. While his contributions to Indian society are undisputed, the controversies surrounding his actions and ideologies persist.

Periyar's Critics: A Cropt-Christian Missionary

Many non-Brahmin Tamilians view Periyar as a crypto-Christian missionary, driven by a hidden agenda to convert Tamil Nadu into a Christian state, albeit without explicitly stating his intentions. This viewpoint is based on certain alleged actions and words of Periyar, as recounted in this article. Critics argue that Periyar sought to manipulate religious and social dynamics to achieve his goals.

For instance, critics argue that Periyar engaged in a strategy to discredit Brahmins, the traditional rulers of many temples, ostensibly to break their influence. They point to examples like the Kapaleeswarar Temple, owned by the Thuluva Vellalas, to illustrate this argument. Critics suggest that Periyar’s ultimate goal was to undermine the spiritual and cultural influence of Brahmins by shifting the role of temple management to other groups.

The choice of the term "Dravidian," coined by missionary Robert Caldwell, is another point of contention. Critics argue that Caldwell used the term to promote Christianity in South India, and Periyar embracing the term did not stem from a genuine desire to revitalize Dravidian culture but rather from his covert intentions.

Periyar's Charitable Landlord

Periyar's critique by non-Brahmin Tamilians also extends to his personal character. Critics portray him as a feudal landlord who expected blind subservience from all, including the Brahmins who were traditionally priests. When Brahmins started obtaining government jobs, thus becoming less dependent on Periyar, he could not tolerate it, leading to harsh anti-Hindu rhetoric.

His approach to rationalism was also criticized. While Periyar advocated for independent thinking, his rationalist ideology was seen as biased, focusing solely on Hindumospheric practices without addressing Abrahamic religions. This selective approach to rationalism was seen as a form of bigotry, indicating his deep-seated prejudice against non-Judaic and non-Christian religions.

Periyar's Positive Impact and Legacy

Despite the criticisms, Periyar's contributions to society cannot be overstated. A firm believer in rationalism, he advocated for people to think independently and made efforts to challenge superstitions and social evils. Periyar championed women's rights, equality among humans, and education for all. He was also a strong advocate for the underprivileged and socially suppressed sections of society, fighting for their rights.

Periyar's efforts to promote scientific advancements and enhance lifestyle standards contributed significantly to societal progress. However, his approach to electoral politics and governance was quite different, and he believed that politics alone could not solve social issues.

His legacy continues to shape Tamil Nadu, as evidenced by the growing interest among the younger generation to learn more about him. The recent book fair visit where young people flocked to sections selling Periyar’s books but avoided those selling books on political ideologies spreading hatred, reflects a new trend of valuing Periyar's rationality and anti-discrimination stance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Periyar's legacy remains a subject of debate. While he is seen by some as a crypto-Christian missionary and a feudal landlord, others regard him as a pioneering social reformer. His impact on Tamil Nadu and India cannot be denied, and his contributions continue to inspire and challenge those who study and propagate his philosophy.

As we move forward, it is essential to understand and respect both the positive and negative aspects of Periyar's legacy, ensuring that his core values of equality, freedom of thought, and social justice continue to influence modern India.