Periyar

Periyar is a name associated with several notable South Indian subjects. It commonly denotes a river in Kerala, a national park surrounding part of that river, and the Tamil reformer E. V. Ramasamy, who is popularly known as Periyar.

Periyar River: Originating in the Western Ghats, the river flows through Kerala, including the Idukki and Ernakulam regions, before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It is dammed by the Idukki Arch Dam, forming the Idukki Reservoir, a major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation. The river valley hosts protected areas such as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Periyar National Park: The sanctuary around the lower Periyar was established to protect wildlife and forest habitats in the Western Ghats. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1934 and was designated a national park in 1982. Located mainly in Idukki district, it forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for elephants, boat safaris on Periyar Lake, and diverse flora and fauna.

Periyar E. V. Ramasamy: Born in 1879, E. V. Ramasamy (1879–1973) was a Tamil reformer and politician who founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 and later the Dravidar Kazhagam. He campaigned against caste oppression, promoted rationalism, and advocated women’s rights and social equality. His ideas influenced the Dravidian movement and Tamil political discourse, though they remain controversial.