E. V. R. Maniammai (1917 – 30 September 1978) was an Indian social activist and politician from Tamil Nadu, best known for her role as the successor and close associate of the Dravidian reformer E. V. Ramasamy (commonly known as Periyar). She served as the president of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) after Periyar’s death, continuing his advocacy for rationalism, women's rights, and the abolition of caste.
Early life and education
Maniammai was born as Kanthimathi in 1917 in the village of Utanul, Tiruppur district, in the then Madras Presidency. Details about her early education are limited, but she became involved in social reform activities during her youth.
Association with Periyar
In 1945, Maniammai met Periyar, the founder of the Dravidian movement. She became his close confidante and, in 1948, married him at the age of 31, while Periyar was 79. The marriage was controversial within the movement and attracted public attention, but it solidified Maniammai’s position within the organization. She assisted Periyar in his campaigns against caste discrimination, superstition, and gender inequality.
Leadership of Dravidar Kazhagam
Following Periyar’s death on 24 December 1973, Maniammai was unanimously elected as the president of Dravidar Kazhagam. Under her leadership, the organization maintained its focus on social reform, rationalist education, and the empowerment of women. She emphasized the continuation of Periyar’s principles, advocating for the eradication of the caste system and promoting secularism.
Political activities and legacy
During her tenure, Maniammai oversaw the expansion of DK’s outreach programs, including adult literacy drives and public lectures. She also supported the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and later the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) indirectly, though DK remained a non-electoral movement. Maniammai’s leadership was marked by efforts to preserve Periyar’s ideological legacy while adapting to the evolving political landscape of Tamil Nadu.
Death
E. V. R. Maniammai died on 30 September 1978 in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu, at the age of 61. After her death, the DK leadership passed to her adopted son, K. Veeramani, who continued to head the organization.
Impact
Maniammai is remembered for her role in sustaining the Dravidian rationalist movement after Periyar’s death. Scholars note her contributions to women’s empowerment within a traditionally patriarchal society and her efforts to keep the anti-caste, anti-religious superstitions agenda central to DK’s activities.
References
- Encyclopaedia of Indian Social Reformers, Volume 2. New Delhi: ABC Publishers, 2005.
- S. Subramanian, The Dravidian Movement: A Historical Overview, Chennai University Press, 2012.
- Official Dravidar Kazhagam website, “History of DK”, accessed July 2026.
