Which one is ‘lower caste’ in Tamil Nadu: Periyar University asks controversial question to students in exam

The Periyar University, located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, has recently courted controversy after it asked students to identify social groups belonging to ‘lower caste.’ In a multiple choice question, students were asked to identify the ‘lower caste’ from four options.

“Which one of the lower caste belongs to Tamil Nadu?” the question read. The four options available were Mahars, Nadars, Ezhavas and Harjans.

The contentious question appeared in the MA first-year History paper on the subject ‘Freedom Movement in Tamil Nadu from 1880 CE to 1947 CE.’