17. ROLE OF SELF-RESPECT MOVEMENTIN THE ABOLITION OF DEVADASI SYSTEM

The Self-Respect Movement, founded in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar), was a significant social reform initiative focused on establishing dignity for the disadvantaged by challenging caste-based hierarchy, promoting rationalism, advancing women's rights, and fostering an egalitarian society free from Brahminical dominance. The movement utilized periodicals like Kudiarasu to spread its ideology and advocated for self-respect marriages, property rights for women, and inter-caste marriages. The Devadasi system, which involved young women dedicating their lives to temples and often forced into prostitution, was considered a severe social evil and exploitation. Through Kudiarasu and Self Respect Movement Periyar struggled for the welfare of the women and the society.