Who harshly criticized Aryavaad, Brahmanism and Hinduism ?

Correct option is C

E.V. Ramaswamy Nayakar, commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer and thinker who harshly criticized Aryavaad, Brahmanism, and Hinduism. Periyar was an outspoken advocate for social justice, focusing on the eradication of caste-based discrimination, which he believed was deeply embedded in the practice of Hinduism and perpetuated by Arya ideology and Brahmanism. He argued that these systems were used to maintain the dominance of the upper castes over the lower castes, particularly the Dalits. Periyar also rejected the idea of divine authority in Hinduism and advocated for rationalism, atheism, and self-respect.

He founded the Self-Respect Movement and promoted the idea of social equality and the rejection of Hindu rituals, caste hierarchies, and religious dogma. His critiques were radical for his time and left a lasting impact on social reform movements in South India.

Information Booster:

• (a) Dayanand Saraswati: Dayanand Saraswati , the founder of the Arya Samaj, was a reformist who aimed to purify Hinduism but did not criticize it in the same manner as Periyar. He advocated for a return to the Vedic principles and rejected idol worship, child marriage, and other practices he deemed un-Vedic.

• (b) Swami Kripatri: Swami Kripatri was an influential leader in the socio-religious reform movements, but he did not focus on harsh criticism of Hinduism or Aryavaad. His approach was more centered around the development of spiritual and ethical consciousness.

• (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer, advocated for Hindu revivalism and promoted the idea of "Swaraj" (self-rule) but did not harshly criticize Hinduism. His focus was more on education and the promotion of Indian cultural and religious values.

Additional Information :

The Self-Respect Movement was a socio-political and cultural movement that aimed to empower marginalized sections of society, particularly the lower castes, by promoting self-respect, social equality, and rationalism. It was founded by E.V. Ramaswamy Nayakar, also known as Periyar, in the 1920s in Tamil Nadu, South India. The movement was a direct challenge to the entrenched caste system, Brahmanical practices, and the oppressive social structure that relegated non-Brahmins and Dalits to a subordinate position in Indian society.

Key Objectives of the Self-Respect Movement:

1. Eradication of Caste-based Discrimination: The movement sought to abolish the caste system and uplift the lower castes (particularly the non-Brahmins) by encouraging them to assert their dignity and social rights.

2. Rejection of Hindu Rituals and Superstitions: Periyar and his followers strongly opposed Hindu religious practices, rituals, and superstitions that were perpetuated by Brahmanism. This included idol worship, the caste-based system, and the idea of divine sanction for social hierarchy.

3. Advocacy for Women's Rights: One of the key aspects of the movement was the advocacy for the rights and dignity of women. The Self-Respect Movement called for the abolition of child marriage, dowry system, and purdah, while also promoting the idea of women's education and self-sufficiency.

4. Promotion of Rationalism and Atheism: Periyar encouraged people to reject religious dogma and embrace rational thought and scientific reasoning. He was an atheist and believed that religion, particularly Hinduism, was used as a tool for social control and exploitation.

5. Social Equality and Self-Assertion: The movement empowered people from the marginalized sections of society to reclaim their identity and demand equal rights in all spheres of life, including education, employment, and social interaction.

Impact:

• The Self-Respect Movement significantly impacted social and cultural reform in Tamil Nadu and beyond. It laid the foundation for the Dravidian movement, which later became the political ideology of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other similar parties in Tamil Nadu.

• It also led to reforms in the treatment of Dalits, especially with regard to issues like untouchability, and promoted greater access to education and employment for lower-caste communities.

• The movement gave a voice to the oppressed and inspired many social reformers and political leaders to challenge the prevailing social order.