Which one of the following party was first joined by E.V. Ramasami Periyar ?

Correct option is B

E.V. Ramasami Periyar, also known as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar, initially joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in the early phase of his political career. He was initially influenced by the Congress Party's role in fighting for India's independence from British rule. However, after some time, he became disillusioned with the Congress' approach towards social reform, particularly regarding issues like caste discrimination and the position of women in Indian society. This led him to break away from the Congress and later join and form the Justice Party, which advocated for the rights of non-Brahmins and worked towards social justice, particularly for lower castes.

Information Booster:-

E.V. Ramasamy Periyar (1879–1973), commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer, anti-caste activist, and politician in India. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the social justice movement, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. His life and work had a profound impact on Indian society, particularly in terms of challenging caste discrimination, advocating for women's rights, and promoting rationalism.

Early Lif​e and Background

• Birth: Periyar was born as Erode Venkata Ramasamy on September 17, 1879, in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Born into a relatively affluent family, he was exposed to traditional South Indian society early on, which gave him insight into the caste-based social structures that he would later challenge.

• Initial Affiliation: Initially, Periyar was involved with the Indian National Congress (INC) and worked alongside other leaders of the Indian independence movement. However, over time, he became increasingly critical of the Congress Party's position on social reform and its treatment of lower castes and women.

Key Contributions and Ideologies

1. Anti-Caste Activism:

   • Periyar was a staunch critic of the caste system and Hindu orthodoxy, which he believed perpetuated social inequality. He argued that the caste system oppressed lower castes, particularly the Dalits (formerly known as "Untouchables"), and that it was a major barrier to the social and economic progress of India.
   • He initiated several movements to promote social equality, including encouraging lower-caste people to refuse to wear the sacred thread (a symbol of Brahmin superiority) and to use public places that were traditionally reserved for higher castes.

2. Social Justice and Rationalism:

   • Periyar was deeply influenced by rationalism and atheism. He believed that religion, particularly Hinduism, was a major source of societal inequality. His advocacy for rational thought led him to oppose religious rituals, superstition, and idol worship.
   • He famously started the Self-Respect Movement in 1925, which sought to empower people from lower castes and to promote their dignity, education, and participation in public life.

3. Women's Rights:

   • Periyar was an early advocate for women's rights and gender equality in India. He criticized the treatment of women in Hindu society, including practices like child marriage and the restriction of women’s education. He pushed for women's right to property and divorce and believed that women should have an equal place in public life and decision-making.
   • He encouraged women to raise their voices against oppressive practices and to gain independence from patriarchal norms.

4. Formation of the Justice Party:

   • After his disenchantment with the Indian National Congress, Periyar became involved in the Justice Party, a political movement that sought to represent the interests of non-Brahmins, especially the backward classes in Tamil Nadu. He used this platform to challenge Brahmin dominance in politics and society.
   • Later, his movement evolved into the Dravidian Movement, which sought to uplift the Tamil-speaking people and challenge the dominance of Hindi and North Indian culture.

5. Periyar's Legacy:

   • Periyar’s rationalist ideas and anti-caste activism laid the foundation for the Dravidian movement, which significantly shaped the political and social landscape of Tamil Nadu. His followers eventually established parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK, which continue to be influential in the state.
   • Periyar’s atheism and criticism of traditional Hinduism led to him being seen as a controversial figure. Despite this, his advocacy for social justice, equality, and women's rights continues to inspire activists and social reformers across India.