Black, the Dravidian Symbol of Protest: From Periyar to DMK, Parliament to the Streets

The color black has long been a powerful symbol of protest in the Dravidian political landscape, signifying resistance, defiance, and a commitment to social justice. From the early days of the Dravidian movement under the leadership of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy to the present-day protests organized by the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and other political parties in Tamil Nadu, the color black has been used to express dissent and challenge oppressive systems. This article explores how black has become an emblematic color of protest, moving from the streets to the halls of power, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s rich political history.

Periyar and the Birth of a Symbol

The roots of black as a protest symbol can be traced back to the ideologies of Periyar, who was a pioneering figure in the Dravidian movement. Periyar’s advocacy for rationalism, social justice, and the rights of the marginalized, particularly the Dalits and women, laid the groundwork for many of the modern-day protests in Tamil Nadu. His campaigns against caste-based discrimination and for the rights of the Tamil-speaking population were often marked by mass mobilizations, where the color black became a visible sign of resistance.

One of the earliest uses of black in the Dravidian movement was during the protests against the imposition of Hindi as the sole national language in the 1930s and 1940s. Periyar’s opposition to this linguistic hegemony was crucial in popularizing black as a symbol of resistance. During these protests, people would wear black clothes or carry black flags to signify their opposition to the central government’s policies. This movement resonated deeply with Tamil-speaking people, who saw it as an affront to their cultural and linguistic identity.

DMK and the Continued Legacy of Black

Following Periyar’s death, his ideas were carried forward by the DMK, which was founded by C.N. Annadurai in 1949. The DMK, inheriting Periyar’s ideals, made black a central element of its political identity. The party used black flags during protests and rallies to symbolize its opposition to the state and central governments. Black became the Dravidian party’s trademark during elections and protests, as it embodied the ideals of self-respect, social justice, and Tamil pride.

One of the most notable uses of black in DMK-led protests came in the form of the 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation. This movement, sparked by the Indian government’s push to make Hindi the sole official language of the country, was met with fierce opposition in Tamil Nadu. The DMK, along with other political groups, mobilized masses across the state, and black clothes, black flags, and black badges were worn to symbolize protest against the perceived imposition of Hindi. The agitation was significant not only for its political consequences—leading to a revision of the Official Languages Act—but also for cementing black as an emblem of Tamil resistance.

Black in Contemporary Politics

The legacy of black as a color of protest continued into the 21st century, especially with the DMK’s continued political dominance in Tamil Nadu. Under the leadership of M. Karunanidhi and, more recently, his son M.K. Stalin, the DMK has utilized the color black to voice opposition to various policies, both at the state and national levels. The color continues to symbolize solidarity with marginalized groups and is often used during demonstrations against perceived injustice or discriminatory policies.

In the 2000s, during protests against the central government’s policies—particularly in relation to the rights of Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka—black became a key tool for expressing solidarity. Protesters would wear black clothes and hold black flags to demand the Indian government’s intervention in the Tamil conflict, highlighting the ongoing struggles of Tamils both within India and abroad.

From Parliament to the Streets

While the use of black has traditionally been associated with street protests, it has also found its place in formal political settings, such as the Indian Parliament. DMK MPs have often worn black attire to protest against the policies of the central government, a direct continuation of the Dravidian tradition. In fact, wearing black in the Indian Parliament has become a form of silent protest by DMK leaders, especially in response to decisions they view as detrimental to Tamil Nadu or its people. For example, during debates on issues like the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), DMK MPs have worn black clothes to express their opposition to the national education system, which they argue disadvantages students from Tamil Nadu.

The DMK’s use of black in Parliament reflects the continued relevance of the color as a symbol of defiance, even in the most formal of political spaces. It shows how the symbol has transcended street protests to become a part of institutional resistance, an unspoken yet powerful statement against policies that undermine regional autonomy and social justice.

The Symbolism of Black Today

Today, black remains a central symbol of protest in Tamil Nadu’s political culture, and its significance has only grown with time. Beyond the DMK, other parties, social movements, and even individual citizens have adopted black as a symbol of resistance against injustice. Whether it’s protesting the treatment of Dalits, demanding better education, or standing in solidarity with marginalized groups, the color black continues to unite people in their fight for equality and self-respect.

In a sense, black has become more than just a color of protest in Tamil Nadu; it has evolved into a symbol of Dravidian identity, a representation of Tamil pride, and a mark of resistance against any form of oppression. Its power lies in its simplicity and its ability to unite people from all walks of life, creating a collective voice that speaks louder than words.

Conclusion

From Periyar’s early movements to the modern-day protests led by the DMK and other groups, black has remained a powerful symbol of resistance in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Whether on the streets or in the halls of Parliament, the color continues to evoke a sense of unity and defiance against forces that threaten social justice, linguistic rights, and regional autonomy. As Tamil Nadu continues to evolve politically, the color black will undoubtedly remain a central part of the state’s protest culture, echoing the legacy of its most iconic social reformers and leaders.