The Self-Respect Movement was initiated by

The Self-Respect Movement was initiated by E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, in 1925 [2]. Initially a member of the Indian National Congress, Periyar left the party to launch this radical social reform movement in Tamil Nadu [1]. The movement aimed to eradicate social injustices, promote gender equality, and establish a sense of pride among non-Brahmins based on their Dravidian identity [1]. It was characterized by its strong anti-caste stance, advocacy for atheism, and opposition to Brahminical hegemony and North Indian domination [2]. While other leaders like Jyotiba Phule and B.R. Ambedkar also led significant anti-caste struggles in Maharashtra and other regions, the specific 'Self-Respect Movement' is uniquely associated with Periyar's leadership in South India [3]. The movement eventually laid the ideological foundation for Dravidian politics and the formation of the Dravidar Kazhagam [1].

Sources

1. [1] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations > Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh > p. 116
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 8: Socio-Religious Reform Movements: General Features > Direction of Social Reform > p. 202
3. [3] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > 4.3 The Non-Brahmin Movement > p. 46