Religion, Caste, and Nation in South India : Maraimalai Adigal, the Neo-Saivite Movement, and Tamil Nationalism, 1876-1950

This work explores the religious roots of Tamil nationalism and the Dravidian movement through a critical examination of Maraimalai Adigal (1876-1950) and the Neo-Shaivite movement in Tamil Nadu. The book traces the anti-Aryan, anti-Brahmin character of Tamil nationalism and the Dravidian movement to the Neo-Shaivite movement that emerged against the background of Neo-Vedantic and Vaishnavite revivalist current that accompanied the rise of pan-Indian nationalism in Southern India.