The Stigma of the Word ‘Colony’ in Tamil Nadu

• ‘Colony’ removed from official records to promote social integration.

• ‘Colony’ derogatoryly describes lower caste localities, leading to renaming of villages.

• ‘Colony’ triggers prejudiced reactions and biased decisions.

‘Chery’ in Tamil Nadu

• Used to denote lower caste settlements since 7th century BCE.

• Rise of grand temples and Bhakti movement in 6th and Ninth centuries CE led to ‘untouchable’ quarters.

Impact of Vijayanagar Rule and European Rule

• 14th century saw brutal implementation of varnashrama dharma, strengthening community segregation.

• ‘Harijan’ coined by Mahatma Gandhi to refer to untouchable castes.

• ‘Adi-Dravidar’ urged to group all untouchable castes under ‘Adi-Dravidar’ category in 1922.