Views of Prof. M.C. Rajah and Pandit Iyothee Thassar On Nandanar (7th Century AD).

Prof. M. C. Rajah and Pandit Iyothee Thassar on Nandanar

'Perunthalaivar' Prof. M. C. Rajah did not believe in a part of the story about Nandanar. The story depicted that Nandanar was admitted to the Sanctum Sanctorum after he was asked to walk on the fire at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. While debating his 'Removal of Untouchability Bill' in the Central Legislative Assembly (the then Indian Parliament) in February 1934, Perunthalaivar argued that it was a mere fabrication made by the Brahmins.

According to Pandit Iyothee Thassar, Nandanar a Buddhist King, was later included in the Nayanmars list. In 1909, he explained that the Brahmins made the word 'Paraiyan' as derogatory through the myth stories such as 'Nandan Charithram' and 'Nandan Charithra Keerthanai'. For this he links 7th century with 19th century's dual classification i.e Right Hand faction and Left Hand faction. He argued this on the perspective of conflict between Buddhism and Brahmanism (Shaivism).

Note: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar inscribed his book 'The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables?' to the memory of three persons. They are,

1. Nandanar ( Tamil Nadu ),

2. Ravidas ( Uttar Pradesh ),

3. Chokhamela ( Maharashtra ).

Ambeth,

Dharmapuri,

Tamil Nadu.

Reference:

* Ayothidasar Sinthanaikal: Volume-01 (Politics).

* Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, Tamil Volume-14.