A reassessment of Periyar EV Ramasamy’s attitude towards Tamil, which he called a barbaric language

Unapologetic Attitude: Periyar EV Ramasamy had little patience with Tamil literary texts that propagated the idea of ​​God and justified the view that greatness depended on one’s birth. His ideological heirs, including CN Annadurai, distanced themselves from his position on Tamil, Tirukkural and Silappathikaram. | Photo Credit: Hindu Archives

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan’s debut speech in the Rajya Sabha, in which he launched a scathing attack on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over her remarks about Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar EV Ramasamy, once again threw the spotlight on one of Periyar’s most controversial claims is a barbaric Tamil claim: The minister accused DMK leaders of displaying a portrait of a man who described Tamils ​​in such disparaging terms.

Unlike many political figures who reassessed their stance in the face of public outrage, Periyar remained resolute and unapologetic. A rationalist who fought for self-respect and firmly believed that Hinduism was inherently casteist, he had little patience with Tamil literary texts that in one way or another promoted the idea of ​​God and justified the view that greatness depended on one’s birth.

Published – 20 February 2026 05:30 IST