Question

What was Dravidian Movement ? What was its impact ?

Hint:

The most significant legacy of the Dravidian Movement in Indian politics is the creation of a powerful model of regional party politics that successfully challenged the dominance of a national party like the Congress.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Dravidian Movement was a significant social and political movement in the early 20th century in the Tamil-speaking region of South India (then part of the Madras Presidency).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
What was the Dravidian Movement?
The Dravidian Movement was a movement that challenged the dominance of the Brahmin caste in society and politics and the perceived imposition of the Hindi language and North Indian culture. It was started by E.V. Ramasamy ('Periyar') through organizations like the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). The movement championed rationalism, social equality, anti-casteism, and promoted a distinct Dravidian identity based on the Tamil language and culture. Initially, it also had a secessionist strand, demanding an independent nation of 'Dravida Nadu'.
What was its impact?
The Dravidian Movement had a profound and lasting impact:
1. Political Impact: It led to the formation of powerful regional political parties, most notably the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which came to power in Tamil Nadu in 1967, ending the dominance of the Congress party in the state. Since then, Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by Dravidian parties (DMK and its offshoot, the AIADMK).
2. Social Impact: The movement was instrumental in bringing about major social reforms. It led to the implementation of reservation policies for backward classes, promoted inter-caste marriages, and challenged religious superstition and rituals.
3. Cultural Impact: It created a strong sense of Tamil linguistic and cultural pride, which has become a defining feature of the state's identity and politics.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Dravidian Movement was a social and political movement in South India against Brahminical dominance and the imposition of Hindi. Its main impact was the rise of powerful regional parties (like the DMK) that have dominated Tamil Nadu politics since 1967, and the implementation of significant social reforms in the state.