Question

Who initiated the Self-Respect movement? What was it about?

Answer 1

The Self-Respect movement was initiated by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. The movement was concerned with the marginalized sections of the society and criticized Brahminism and the cultural hegemony of the Brahmins. It advocated a casteless society devoid of rituals and differences based on birth.

The movement declared rationality and self-respect as the birthright of all human beings and held these as more important than self-rule.