Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi recently stirred controversy by claiming that Aryans were not invaders and that Periyar E.V. Ramasamy imposed the Aryan invasion theory on Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a seminar titled “Perspectives on the Indus Civilization” at a private college in Chennai’s Arumbakkam, the Governor stated that Tamil Sangam literature does not mention the existence of Aryans.
The Background of the Aryan-Dravidian Debate
The Aryan-Dravidian divide has been a significant topic of discussion since the 19th and 20th centuries. Western scholars classified Indian languages into two broad groups—Aryan (Indo-European) and Dravidian—leading to the theory that Aryans migrated from Central Asia and displaced the native Dravidian people in South India. This theory influenced many socio-political movements in Tamil Nadu.
Periyar’s Role
Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy) played a crucial role in popularizing the Dravidian identity and the belief that Aryans were outsiders who imposed their culture and religion on South India. His Self-Respect Movement strongly opposed Brahminical dominance, which he associated with Aryan influence, and promoted Dravidian pride. His ideas formed the foundation of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian movement and continue to shape its politics today.
Governor Ravi’s Claims and the Reactions
By rejecting the Aryan-Dravidian divide and accusing Periyar of “imposing” this theory, Governor Ravi has sparked strong reactions from political and social groups in Tamil Nadu. Many Dravidian parties and scholars have condemned his statement, arguing that it contradicts well-established historical and linguistic research.
What’s your view on this? Do you think Governor Ravi’s claim is historically accurate, or is Periyar’s perspective more aligned with Tamil identity?
