Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self- Respect Movement’?

1. A. ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker
2. B. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
3. C. Bhaskarrao Jadhav
4. D. Dinkarrao Javalkar

Answer: A

Explanation

The ‘Self-Respect Movement’ was founded by E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as ‘Periyar’, in 1925 in Tamil Nadu. This movement was a radical social reform initiative aimed at achieving a society where backward castes had equal human rights and encouraging them to live with self-respect. It challenged Brahminical dominance, caste hierarchy, and religious orthodoxy, advocating for social equality, rationalism, and women’s rights. Periyar’s movement played a pivotal role in shaping Dravidian politics and social justice discourse in South India. Understanding such socio-religious reform movements and their leaders is crucial for UPSC Modern History and Indian Society.