The Non-Brahman movement

7.2.4 The Non-Brahman movement

Description

Quick Overview

The Non-Brahman movement arose in response to the dominance of Brahmanical culture and aimed at achieving social equality for lower castes.

Standard

Emerging in the early 20th century, the Non-Brahman movement challenged Brahmanical authority and sought to uplift non-Brahman castes through education and social reform. E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, also known as Periyar, played a key role by establishing the Self Respect Movement and advocating for the rights of women and the untouchables.

Detailed

The Non-Brahman Movement

The Non-Brahman movement originated in the early 20th century among non-Brahman castes, who had gained education and wealth. Its proponents argued that Brahmans descended from Aryan invaders who subjugated the indigenous Dravidian peoples. This movement critiqued the traditional Brahmanical authority and the caste system.

One prominent figure, E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, also known as Periyar, initially was part of the Congress but left due to the persistence of caste distinctions in nationalist gatherings. He founded the Self Respect Movement, advocating for educated untouchables and asserting that they upheld the original Tamil culture, which Brahmans had suppressed. Periyar argued that all religious doctrines reinforced these inequalities, and he called for the abolition of their influence to attain social equality.

This period also saw alternative associations, like the Sanatan Dharma Sabhas, arising in response to the criticisms, aiming to maintain caste distinctions. The struggle against caste inequalities within Indian society sparked widespread debates that continue to resonate today. The Non-Brahman movement was a crucial part of the larger struggle for social justice and reform in India.

Key Concepts

  • Brahmanical Dominance: Refers to the social and cultural authority held by Brahman castes in traditional Indian society.

  • Social Equality: The aim of the Non-Brahman movement, promoting equal rights for all castes.

  • Emancipation: The process of achieving social and psychological freedom from caste-based discrimination.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Periyar stood tall and proud, for the untouchables, he avowed.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once there was a man named Periyar, who believed that everyone should shine like a star. He fought against the darkness of caste, proclaiming that equality should be steadfast.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the mnemonic 'E.S.P.R.I.T.' for Periyar's focuses: Empowerment, Social justice, Protection of rights, Rejection of tradition, Inclusion, and Transformation.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'C.A.R.E.' to remember the aims of Non-Brahmanism

  • Challenge caste
  • Advocate equality
  • Reform society
  • Educate the masses.

Examples

  • Periyar's founding of the Self Respect Movement exemplified the active resistance against caste oppression.

  • The opposition faced by the Non-Brahman movement from traditional groups highlights the clash between progressiveness and conservativeness.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: NonBrahman Movement

    Definition:

    A social movement initiated by non-Brahman castes challenging Brahmanical dominance and advocating for social equality.

  • Term: E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker

    Definition:

    Also known as Periyar, he was a prominent leader of the Non-Brahman movement, advocating for the rights of lower castes.

  • Term: Self Respect Movement

    Definition:

    An initiative founded by Periyar aimed at promoting dignity and rights for the untouchables and lower castes.

  • Term: Caste System

    Definition:

    A hierarchical social structure in India where people are classified into groups based on their birth and occupation.