Name: Political Movements in Tamil Nadu
SKU: 5515
Availability: InStock

Political Movements in Tamil Nadu

In stock

Political movements in Tamil Nadu have a distinct and influential history, deeply shaped by the Dravidian ideology which championed social justice, Tamil linguistic pride, and regional autonomy. These movements, which began in the early 20th century, were fundamentally anti-Brahminical and opposed to North Indian hegemony, leading to the rise of powerful social reform organizations that later evolved into dominant political parties. This legacy continues to define the state’s unique political landscape, where identity, language, and social empowerment remain central to electoral politics and governance.

Buy it now

Brands:

Social Justice and Anti-Casteism: The foundational movement was the Self-Respect Movement, led by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar), which fiercely opposed Brahmin dominance and the caste system. Its core demand for social equality translated into political action, leading to significant reservation policies for backward and most backward classes, which remain a central plank of Tamil Nadu’s politics today.
Tamil Nationalism and Linguistic Pride: The anti-Hindi imposition agitations of the 1930s and 1960s were massive political movements that solidified Tamil linguistic identity as a powerful political force. This sentiment fueled the demand for greater state autonomy and established the Dravidian parties as the guardians of the Tamil language and culture against perceived imposition from the central government.
Transition to Electoral Politics: The Dravidian movement successfully transitioned from social activism to political power. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and later the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), replaced the Indian National Congress as the state’s dominant forces. Their success demonstrated the potent mix of populist welfare schemes, strong film industry connections, and the enduring appeal of Dravidian ideology.

Show More Show Less