E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his Dravidianist followers, is celebrated by his followers for his alleged efforts to challenge caste hierarchies, promote rationalism, and advocate for social justice. However, his views and statements have been a subject of controversy, including his critical and often derogatory remarks about various communities, including Malayalis (people from Kerala).
EVR’s Views On Malayalis
EVR’s dislike for Malayalis is evident in several of his speeches and writings. He often used strong, provocative language to criticize Malayalis, particularly targeting their cultural practices, social structures, and perceived dominance in certain spheres.
In a 1926 public meeting in Madras, EVR warned the crowd that, after Independence, Tamil Brahmins would push for legislation requiring non-Brahmin women to become mistresses or concubines of Tamil Brahmin men. This idea about the exploitation of women, specifically Malayalee women, can be traced to KV Reddi (also known as Rao Bahadur Sir Kurma Venkatareddy Naidu), a leader of the Justice Party and the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. Reddi, during a discussion on the inheritance act, reportedly informed the Madras Assembly that in Kerala, a law existed stating that non-Brahmin girls, upon reaching puberty, must be deflowered by a Brahmin. He said, “During a discussion of inheritance act .. in Kerala there exists a law that non-brahmin girls upon puberty have to deflowered by a Brahmin.”
Reddi’s speech included a dramatic and highly controversial tale:
“In Kerala, if a Brahmin hears about the beauty of a Nair’s wife, he will summon the husband and say, ‘Madhavan, I hear your wife is very beautiful, is it true?‘ To which the husband replies, ‘Yes, sir, all your grace.‘ The Brahmin then says, ‘Send her to me for one week.‘”
Reddi, a leader of the Justice Party and a key figure in the Dravidian movement, appears to have shared deeply problematic views. His approach in the legislative debate was provocative, asking:
“Mr. C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, there is an atrocity in Malayalam land where a girl, upon reaching puberty, must be deflowered by a Brahmin. Are you afraid of losing that privilege?”
In a public meeting in Madras in 1926, Mr E.V.Ramaswamy (Periyar) told the crowd
"After Independence is achieved, the TamizhBrahmins are planning to pass legislation that makes it compulsory for NonBrahmin women to be mistresses/concubines of TB Men"#Dravidian #MEMRI 🖤 pic.twitter.com/xmZNKGwEtW
— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) July 25, 2022
Here’s What EVR Said On The Royal Women Of Kerala
An undated speech where within just five minutes into it, EVR dives into deeply contentious territory, making shocking claims such as “Shudra women are prostitutes for Tamil Brahmin men.“ The statement met with cheers from the Dravidian crowd, highlights the provocative and divisive nature of his rhetoric. EVR’s approach often leans heavily on sexualized narratives to drive his points home. He says, “You may think that what I am saying is funny (that Shudra women are Tamil-brahmin men keeps). Would our womenfolk really have been like this (as mistresses of Tamil Brahmins)? I also hope that was not the case, okay fine let us assume that was not the case. But look at Malayalam (Kerala) right across the border. There, wives of Kings, wives, .. queens, and princesses… They even today give money and go to Tamil Brahmin men.. (for sexual purposes). For this purpose alone they have given salaries and kept Tamil Brahmin employees. Two queens in Kerala – one elder queen and one younger. When I was there in Malayalam (Kerala) for one, the going rate was Rs 100 and for the other, it was Rs 80 – to be the “husband” of these queens.
If you are not born of these Paapaans (Tamil Brahmins) — then you will not get a share of the ruling class. You can’t be king. I am saying what is happening even today. Over there — all the Zameendar’s wives are also Paapaan mistresses. Slightly inferior —- (caste men – audio not clear here) these women will go to, that too they won’t go after getting married.
Come-means Come, Go-means Go — (basically easy sex – no strings..)
It is happening … in the house of Zameendars, Mirasudars, big and reputable Nair families. Even today, it is happening. Kerala is not far from us – after all, they are separated from here.
Feminist Mr E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) on Kerala royal women pic.twitter.com/KRW88kMBWV
— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) September 17, 2020
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