Century of clash: Periyar’s Dravidian legacy keeps RSS’ Hindutva at bay in Tamil Nadu

Synopsis: In 1925, India saw the rise of three major ideological movements: the Self-Respect Movement, RSS’s Hindutva, and the Indian Left. Periyar’s Dravidian ideology clashed with RSS’s Hindu Rashtra vision, shaping India’s political landscape. While the DMK’s ideology dominates Tamil Nadu, the RSS struggles to gain ground, highlighting a century-long ideological battle over social justice, caste, and federalism.

In 1925, three major ideological movements emerged, to the extent that the year can be described as a landmark in Indian history.

First, in South India, the Self-Respect Movement was launched on the foundation of Dravidian nationalism. Second, in North India in September, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was established, stressing Hindutva nationalism. Third, the Indian