UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I

Question 78: History and Culture

Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

a‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

bDr. B. R. Ambedkar

cBhaskarrao Jadhav

dDinkarrao Javalkar

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The Self-Respect Movement was founded in 1925 by E. V. Ramasamy Naicker, known as Periyar, in Tamil Nadu. It stood for rationalism, social equality, the end of caste hierarchy and Brahmin dominance in religion, women's rights and the dignity of every individual. B. R. Ambedkar led movements for the rights of the Depressed Classes. Bhaskarrao Jadhav and Dinkarrao Javalkar were non-Brahmin movement leaders in Maharashtra. Remember: Periyar means Self-Respect Movement.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: Periyar E. V. Ramasamy founded the Self-Respect Movement.
(b) Wrong: Ambedkar led the Dalit rights movement in Maharashtra.
(c) Wrong: Jadhav was a non-Brahmin movement leader in Maharashtra.
(d) Wrong: Javalkar was a non-Brahmin movement leader in Maharashtra.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.