Periyar Maligai: a home that became a political landmark at Puthur in Tiruchi

Periyar Maligai in Tiruchi, home of E.V. Ramasamy, showcases his life and legacy through personal artifacts and stories.

A van in a glass enclosure is an eye-catching landmark of the Puthur neighbourhood of Tiruchi. Adjoining it, is the residence of ‘Periyar’ E.V.Ramasamy, the founder of the Dravidar Kazhagam.

The home, often referred to as Periyar Maligai, or palace, is situated on approximately 2.5 acres of land said to be bought by the late leader in 1950 for ₹50,000.

The estate originally also housed a teachers’ training institute and children’s orphanage and school, which were shifted to a bigger campus (formerly an agricultural farm belonging to Periyar) in Tiruchi’s K.K. Nagar area in 1980.

The residence, occupied by Periyar and his wife Maniammai permanently in the 1960s, was a part of the estate and remodelled in later years.

The walls of the reception room are adorned with photographs of Periyar with eminent leaders of the day.

Besides images of south Indian leaders, there is one of him with M.A. Jinnah and B.R. Ambedkar, taken in Bombay on January 8, 1940, in a meeting noted for its focus on joint action by parties opposed to the Congress, and the discussion of separate States for Mahars, Muslims and Dravidians.

Inside, the master bedroom is a time capsule from a bygone era. A vintage General Electric Company (GEC) radio is kept on a shelf. On a tepoy, is a round pedestal fan that was used when Periyar used to write, seated on the floor.