Tamil Nadu Renames Caste-Based Villages

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Context:

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced the removal of caste-based and derogatory locality names ending with ‘colony’ or similar terms from State records to encourage social cohesion.

Historical Evolution of the Term and Social Segregation

Medieval Origin of Segregation:The segregation of lower castes into separate habitations based on the varnashrama system emerged prominently around the 12th century CE, reinforced by temple-centred socio-political structures under the Cholas.
Etymology of ‘Chery’ and ‘Colony’:Ancient Tamil literature used the word ‘chery’ to denote settlements for all people without derogatory intent; however, by the 20th century, ‘chery’ and ‘colony’ became synonymous with untouchable caste localities.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Shifts:European colonial powers used ‘colony’ for elite European quarters, but in rural Tamil Nadu the term gradually came to denote marginalised Dalit habitations, perpetuating social stigma through administrative records.

Socio-Political Impact and Stigmatisation

Social Stigma in Rural Context:In rural Tamil Nadu, the term ‘colony’ serves as a caste marker, revealing social identity in official documents such as Aadhaar and voter ID, often triggering prejudice and discrimination.
Psychological Consequences:Being identified through caste-linked locality names has lasting psychological impacts, fostering feelings of marginalisation and perpetuating systemic inequality.
Failed Attempts at Rebranding:Efforts to introduce terms like ‘Harijan’ or ‘Adi-Dravidar’—intended for social upliftment—were also co-opted into discriminatory language, adding to the lexicon of exclusion.

Government’s Renaming Initiative and Intended Outcomes

Administrative Measures:The Tamil Nadu government will remove caste-linked locality names in rural areas, replacing them with culturally neutral names, such as those of flowers, poets, or scientists, avoiding political figures.
Scope and Exceptions:The renaming initiative is targeted at rural habitations; urban localities like ‘Saibaba Colony’ or ‘Velachery’ without derogatory associations will remain unchanged.
Symbolic and Long-Term Goal:This renaming is intended as a symbolic yet historic step towards social cohesion, aimed at reducing caste-based discrimination and fostering inclusive community identities.

Practice Question:

“The nomenclature of places often reflects deep-rooted social hierarchies. Critically analyse the role of administrative reforms, such as renaming caste-linked localities, in promoting social justice and integration in India.” (250 words)

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