23/03/2025
Why Tamils Oppose Hindi and Sanskrit?
The opposition to Hindi and Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu is rooted in history, language politics, and cultural identity. The resistance is not against any language itself but against the imposition of these languages over Tamil. Let’s break down the reasons:
1. Tamil – One of the Oldest Living Languages
Tamil is over 2,000 years old, with rich literature (Sangam, Bhakti, Modern).
It is a Classical Language (recognized by the Indian Government in 2004).
Tamils feel that Sanskrit and Hindi are imposed at the cost of Tamil’s heritage.
🔹 Example:
📖 "யாதும் ஊரே, யாவரும் கேளிர்" (Purananuru 192)
🔹 Meaning: "Every place is our home; everyone is our kin."
🔹 Tamil Identity: Open and inclusive, but opposes domination.
2. Anti-Hindi Movement (Opposition to Hindi Imposition)
1940s: British left, Congress-led government pushed Hindi as the national language.
Tamils protested, saying Why impose Hindi on non-Hindi speakers?
1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation: Protests turned violent; some Tamil youths self-immolated.
The central government backed down, keeping English as an official language along with Hindi.
🔹 Main Argument:
Hindi is not the mother tongue of Tamils.
Why should Tamils be forced to learn Hindi when North Indians don’t learn Tamil?
📖 Periyar (Dravidian Leader): "Why should we accept the language of our oppressors?"
3. Sanskrit vs. Tamil – A Historical Conflict
Manusmriti & Sanskrit Texts promoted Varna (Caste) System.
Tamil society (especially Sangam age) had a more egalitarian system.
Brahminical dominance came through Sanskrit, making Tamil subservient in religious rituals.
🔹 Example of Sanskrit Domination:
Sanskrit-based Brahmin priests replaced Tamil-speaking temple traditions.
Tamil deities like Murugan were absorbed into Sanskrit traditions as “Kartikeya”.
Tamil Bhakti saints wrote in Tamil, but their works were later “Sanskritized.”
📖 Example – Thirukkural vs. Manusmriti
🔹 "Pirappokkum ella uyirkkum" (திருக்குறள் 972) – "All are born equal."
🔹 "Brahmins are superior by birth" (Manusmriti 1.91).
💡 Key Issue: Tamils reject Sanskrit because it was used historically to enforce caste hierarchy.
4. Dravidian Movement & Periyar’s Opposition
E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, leader of the Dravidian movement, saw Sanskrit as a symbol of A***n domination.
Dravidian Identity: Tamils are Dravidians, separate from North Indian A***n culture.
Periyar's demand: Self-respect, removal of caste, and rejection of Sanskrit domination.
📖 Periyar’s Famous Words:
“மனுச்மிருதி எரிக்கப்பட வேண்டும்!” (Manusmriti must be burned!)
5. Political Factors – Hindi as a Threat to Tamil Autonomy
North India dominates central politics, forcing Hindi in education, administration, and railways.
Tamil Nadu sees Hindi as a tool of North Indian dominance.
1967: Dravidian parties (DMK, AIADMK) came to power by opposing Hindi imposition.
NEP 2020 (New Education Policy) again proposed Hindi & Sanskrit learning, but Tamil Nadu rejected it.
📖 CM C.N. Annadurai (1967): "Why should we be slaves to Hindi? English is more useful!"
6. Tamil in Science, Literature & Global Influence
Tamil has thrived globally without Hindi.
Tamil Nadu’s economy, education, and IT sector grew without needing Hindi.
Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada use Tamil as a primary language.
📖 Thiruvalluvar’s Vision:
“அகத்தினூஉங்கு ஆக்கம் எனால் மிகத்தினூஉங்கு மெல்லிடை யாண்மை தலை” (Thirukkural 45)
🔹 Meaning: "A strong mind is greater than wealth or power."
🔹 Relevance: Tamil thrives because of its strong cultural identity.
7. Conclusion – It’s About Language Freedom
✅ Tamils do not hate Hindi or Sanskrit.
❌ But they oppose forceful imposition of these languages over Tamil.
⚖️ Demand: "Let every state speak its own language without interference."
💡 Final Thought:
Tamil Nadu stands for language diversity, not dominance.
The slogan remains: "Tamil first, English second, no need for Hindi!"
