CM J Jayalalithaa on Friday wrote to PM Manmohan Singh, pressing him to order the removal of contentious paragraphs in the NCERT Class IX Social Science textbook that showed the Nadars in poor light.
In her letter, Jayalalithaa cited historical evidence and literary references to reason why the section on Nadars must be removed. She noted that ruins beneath the Teri palmyra forests and the Pandyan capital of Korkai suggest the community could be descendents of early Pandyas. “Two inscriptions at Kallidaikurichi suggest that in medieval times Nadars served as administrators and accountants for both Chera and Pandya kingdoms. Thus, the Nadar community is not a lower caste as mentioned in the CBSE book,” she wrote.
She pointed out that Nadars were original inhabitants of Kanyakumari district, which she claimed was what remained of the mythological sunken continent of Kumari Kandam. She pointed out pertinent references to this in Tholkappiam and Silappathikaram.
The social and economic development achieved by Nadars over the years is commendable, she said, adding that the contribution of political leaders from the community, like K Kamaraj, was immeasurable. “The incorrect details given in the book... may leave a wrong impression in the minds of students,” read the letter. The Centre has said it would look into the issue. The assurance was given by HRD Minister M M Pallam Raju to his party colleague and Shipping Minister G K Vasan.