Periyar Maligai: a home that became a political landmark at Puthur in Tiruchi

The home, situated on approximately 2.5 acres of land, is said to have been bought by ‘Periyar’ E.V.Ramasamy, the founder of the Dravidar Kazhagam, in 1950 for ₹50,000. The estate, originally, also housed a teachers’ training institute, children’s orphanage and school, were shifted to a bigger campus in Tiruchi’s K.K. Nagar area in 1980

A van in a glass enclosure is an eye-catching landmark of the Puthur neighbourhood of Tiruchi. Adjoining it, is the residence of ‘Periyar’ E.V.Ramasamy, the founder of the Dravidar Kazhagam.

The home, often referred to as Periyar Maligai, or palace, is situated on approximately 2.5 acres of land said to be bought by the late leader in 1950 for ₹50,000.

The estate originally also housed a teachers’ training institute and children’s orphanage and school, which were shifted to a bigger campus (formerly an agricultural farm belonging to Periyar) in Tiruchi’s K.K. Nagar area in 1980.

The residence, occupied by Periyar and his wife Maniammai permanently in the 1960s, was a part of the estate and remodelled in later years.

The walls of the reception room are adorned with photographs of Periyar with eminent leaders of the day.

Besides images of south Indian leaders, there is one of him with M.A. Jinnah and B.R. Ambedkar, taken in Bombay on January 8, 1940, in a meeting noted for its focus on joint action by parties opposed to the Congress, and the discussion of separate States for Mahars, Muslims and Dravidians.

Personal artefacts

Inside, the master bedroom is a time capsule from a bygone era. A vintage General Electric Company (GEC) radio is kept on a shelf. On a tepoy, is a round pedestal fan that was used when Periyar used to write, seated on the floor.

A big tiffin carrier and a colourful thermal jug used by the leader during his travels are kept in a glass cabinet. Other cupboards are used to store bound volumes of Kudiyarasu (Republic), the weekly Tamil magazine published by Periyar, and other publications.

The four-poster bed is made up with ‘EVR’ monogrammed linen. On top of the mattress is a statuette of Periyar and a little dog to symbolise the leader’s love for canines. His wooden walking stick is hung up on display, while in a corner, a wheelchair is folded and stowed away.

Outside, at the glass enclosure, a board informs visitors that the van, with the numberplate ‘TMZ 9595’, was gifted to Periyar by the people at Thanjavur on August 19, 1973. The key to the vehicle (made of gold) was gifted by then-Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to Periyar. The leader’s last public oration was held in the van.

Memorable days

R. Thangathal, 65, who was left at the orphanage by her father at a young age in 1964, has been the caretaker of the home for a long time.

Sharing her memories growing up under the care of Periyar and Maniammai, Ms. Thangathal said the home was an indelible part of her life.

“We were looked after very well, with a mixture of affection and discipline. Everyone was treated equally, and with respect. Maniammai amma would work by our side, even getting in and cleaning out the septic tank if necessary. She was never one to order people to do things for her,” the caretaker told The Hindu.

Weekends at farm

The girls and boys were brought up at the orphanage. “We would attend school from Monday to Friday. Our weekends and holidays would be spent at the farm, where all of us would be assigned tasks according to our age,” she added.

Her earliest memories of Periyar are of him in his 70s, when he used to walk with the help of a stick and the support of an attendant. “He would come out after all his work was over, and ask us to recite poems or sing songs for him. In later years, he began using a wheelchair,” said Ms. Thangathal.

Periyar relished non-vegetarian dishes, prepared specially for him by Maniammai. “No visitor went hungry, no matter how late it was in the day,” said the caretaker.

Periyar Maligai has hosted political leaders and people from different walks of life. “Even today, it is an important point of call for party functionaries. I feel blessed to have grown up on this hallowed ground,” Ms. Thangathal said.

Published - December 17, 2024 11:18 pm IST