LANGUAGE, IDENTITY, SOCIETY: Thanthai Periyar and Tamil Nationalism by Dr. Arul Lourdu explores the social, political, and cultural transformations of Tamil Nadu, with particular attention to the role of language, identity, ethnicity, and movements of social reform. The book examines how Tamil linguistic nationalism emerged as one of the most influential forces in modern South Indian history, reshaping political mobilization, ethical consciousness, and everyday social life.
At the centre of this study stands E. V. Ramasamy, whose ideas continue to inspire admiration, resistance, and critical debate. Rather than offering a purely celebratory account, the book critically engages with Periyar’s thought, examining both its emancipatory potential and its tensions, limitations, and controversies. Drawing from years of intellectual engagement, Dr. Arul Lourdu reflects on the profound ethical and philosophical questions raised by Periyar concerning society, power, justice, caste, language, and identity.
As a Catholic theologian, the author approaches Periyar not merely as a political figure, but as a radical moral voice who challenged inherited structures of authority and compelled deeper reflection on human dignity and social equality. This encounter is marked not only by appreciation, but also by careful scrutiny and academic distance.
Based on extensive academic research conducted at Heidelberg University, the study situates Periyar’s thought within an interdisciplinary scholarly framework and offers an important contribution to discussions on language, ethnicity, nationalism, social justice, and identity in contemporary India.
