Methodology of Chattampi Swamikal for Refuting the Laws to Monopolise Access to Knowledge

Abstract

The paper analyses the tools and ideas in the book ‘Vedadhikara Niroopanam’ written by Chattampi Swamikal to establish the idea that Knowledge is free and everyone is eligible of its assimilation and dissemination. This also studies the means employed to refute the argument that women and lower class of the society cannot acquire knowledge as of the Vedas. The book has much socio-cultural relevance since it was written in a period when the lower sections of the society were denied education. The paper studies the various arguments put forward by Swamikal like the nature of Vedas, authority of Vedas, review of privilege, other means of proof and counsel of logic. Swamikal quotes various scriptural statements to prove that the prohibition imposed on learning was not supported by the scriptures. He also criticizes the authors and commentators for falsely attributing the meanings to certain statements. He uses Vedic statements along with logical arguments to prove the point. The paper also enquires about the thought process which was used in the verification of various scriptural testimonies. It is also found that Swamikal through his proper scientific way has proved that every human irrespective of his class, caste or gender is eligible to learn Vedas.