The Dravidian Movement

The Dravidian Movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Tamil Nadu gave rise to the foundations of politics in the state. This book focuses on the emergence of a new awareness of Tamil identity through organizations such as the Non-Brahmin Movement, the South Indian Liberal Federation, the Self-Respect Movement, the Dravida Kazhagam, and its dynamic off-shoot, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The most prominent leaders of the Dravidian Movement were E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, known as Periyar, and C. N. Annadurai, who in 1967 became Chief Minister of Madras State. Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr. published The Dravidian Movement in 1965, which was long out-of-print. This new reprint edition makes the pioneering volume again available.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The foundations of politics in Tamil Nadu today are deeply intertwined with the emergence of a vibrant and diverse Dravidian Movement during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This movement, characterized by a growing consciousness among the Tamil people, gave rise to various organizations dedicated to promoting Dravidian identity and aspirations. This book specifically focuses on the emergence of a new awareness of Tamil identity through a constellation of organizations such as the Non-Brahmin Movement, the South Indian Liberal Federation (popularly known as the Justice Party), the Self-Respect Movement, the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), and its dynamic offshoot, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

The two most prominent leaders of the Dravidian Movement were E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, affectionately known as Periyar, and C. N. Annadurai, or Anna, who would later ascend to the position of Chief Minister of Madras State in 1967. While there have been numerous books written on Tamil politics in recent years, it was not until the 1960s that a comprehensive account of the Dravidian Movement emerged. In 1960, a young American named Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr. took up the project to document and portray the essence of this movement. After spending several months in Madras, Hardgrave had the opportunity to meet with leaders of the DMK and attend numerous conferences where he gathered a wealth of pamphlets and papers related to the movement. These documents, spanning from the 1930s, provided valuable insights into the historical trajectory of the Dravidian Movement.

As a graduate student at the University of Chicago, Hardgrave further refined and expanded his research into a Masters degree thesis, which he completed in 1962. His thesis, titled "The Dravidian Movement," was subsequently published as a book in 1965. Regrettably, the original edition of this pioneering volume became out of print over time, making it inaccessible to many. However, in a remarkable turn of events, this new reprint edition makes the seminal work once again available to a broader audience.

The Dravidian Movement, characterized by its strong emphasis on Tamil identity, social justice, and regional autonomy, played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. It challenged the dominant caste-based system and advocated for the rights and equality of the Tamil people. The movement's leaders, such as Periyar and Anna, were charismatic figures who inspired generations of activists and intellectuals to fight for their rights and the betterment of their communities.

Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, the Dravidian Movement not only achieved political empowerment but also left a lasting legacy in the cultural and social fabric of Tamil Nadu. It paved the way for the emergence of a more inclusive and democratic society, where the voices of all communities were heard and valued.

In conclusion, the foundations of politics in Tamil Nadu today are deeply rooted in the vibrant and diverse Dravidian Movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This movement, led by visionary leaders like Periyar and Anna, played a crucial role in shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, the Dravidian Movement not only achieved political empowerment but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence the lives of Tamil people today. This new reprint edition of "The Dravidian Movement" is a testament to the enduring significance of this movement and its contribution to the history and development of Tamil Nadu.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032292182