Official UPSC Format

Who among the following was the founder of the 'Self-Respect Movement'?

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, known as Periyar, established the Self-Respect Movement in 1925. The movement aimed to eradicate caste-based oppression and secure equal rights for non-Brahmin communities.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option A
According to the authentic historical records documented in Bipan Chandra's 'History of Modern India', the Self-Respect Movement was a defining socio-political awakening in South India.
  • Foundation and Leadership: The movement was established in 1925 by E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, respectfully known as Periyar.
  • Core Ideology: As per the Tamil Nadu State Board History texts, Periyar sought to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies and promote strict rationalism. The movement aimed to build a society with equal rights for marginalized, non-Brahmin communities.
  • Methodology: The movement actively boycotted Brahmin priests in religious and marital ceremonies, pushing back against orthodox caste oppression to foster genuine social equality.

    • 🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is a strong distractor due to his monumental anti-caste work, but his focus was primarily pan-Indian and centered in Maharashtra. Jadhav and Javalkar were associated with the non-Brahmin movement in Maharashtra (Satyashodhak Samaj context), not Tamil Nadu.

    Active Recall Flashcard

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    Who founded the 'Self-Respect Movement' in 1925?

    'Periyar' E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

    Concept Flow Mapping

    E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker
    Founded
    Self-Respect Movement
    Self-Respect Movement
    Established In
    1925
    Self-Respect Movement
    Fought Against
    Caste Hierarchies

    Logic Quest

    "Why was the Self-Respect Movement unique compared to earlier reforms?"

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