In this article, we will discuss Background of Dravida Nadu. So, let’s get started.
Background of Dravida Nadu
- Before Independence:
- The concept of Dravida Nadu had its root in the Anti-Brahminism movement in Tamil Nadu, with early demands of social equality, and greater power and control.
- However, over time, it came to include a separatist movement, demanding a sovereign state for the Tamil people.
- In 1921, the Justice Party was the major political party backing this movement.
- At the time, the presence of Brahmins in the Madras government was disproportionately higher than their population in the state.
- In 1925, Periyar started the Self-Respect Movement.
- He emphasised the distinct cultural identity of the Tamil nation.
- In 1938, the Justice Party and Self-Respect Movement came together, representing the merger of the party and the movement.
- In 1944, its new outfit was named Dravidar Kazhagam.
- Post-Independence:
- In 1956, States Reorganisation Act, which created linguistic States, weakened the demand further.
- In the 1980s, a minor militant organisation called Tamil Nadu Liberation Army revived the demand for Dravida Nadu, when the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was sent to Sri Lanka.
