Caste Rejection Thoughts in Siddhar Songs

Abstract

Siddhar literature is still a unique literature in Tamil literature. The Siddhas have formulated their principles and doctrines in grammar. The word community means not only people living together but also living together based on an order in a society. The set of thoughts formed about what should and should not be done by a human being in a society is called morality or ethics. Based on this virtue, various virtues including the virtue of life have been said. Through the Vedas and the Puranas, the Vaidikas, the Brahmins, portrayed themselves as superior and treated other caste people as slaves. Many were considered as untouchables and unfit based on caste hierarchies. The Siddhars have raised a revolt against the Vedics, their principles and doctrines. Caste and religion are inextricably intertwined in Indian society. They are inextricably intertwined. The Siddhars are foremost in denouncing the caste system which is the main reason for the division in the society. Siddhars who saw the inequalities that existed between them in their time, stood bravely and opposed the caste system. Caste oppression is one of the most prevalent things in Indian society.  One of its inputs is the untouchability and is created as a result of a dominant mindset that does not treat fellow human beings as equals. If you touch the untouchables you will be defiled. Seeing this cruelty, the Siddhars raised their voices against untouchability. The Siddhars have also sung against untouchability as a part of caste oppression. The Siddhars condemned the Vedas for citing grass-eating as the main reason for untouchability.