Self Respect Movement and the Idea of Equalit...

Self Respect Movement and the Idea of Equality:Thanthai Periyar and his Views on Religion and the Social Institutions

Author Name : Muhammed Abdu Rahman, Dr Aarthi Saravanan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56025/IJARESM.2025.130225733

ABSTRACT This study delves into Thanthai Periyar and the significant philosophies he espoused. Periyar explored various social ideologies throughout his life until his passing. He devoted his whole life to championing the rights of the overlooked and marginalised. He played a crucial role in analysing the choices that resulted in societal fragmentation and the stifling of public dissent regarding the temple. The early 19th century witnessed the rise of numerous socio-religious reform movements in Tamil Nadu. Thanthai Periyar held a firm belief in rational thought that dismissed all forms of religious exploitation, including the caste system, the subjugation of women, untouchability, and beyond. His guiding principle was rooted in self-respect. This paper provides a thorough analysis of his extensive perspectives on widow remarriage, child marriage, and untouchability, along with several other topics.