'Which is the lowest caste in Tamil Nadu?': Periyar University exam question stokes row, VC orders probe

SALEM: A question paper in the Periyar University in Tamil Nadu has stoked controversy after a caste-related question was asked in the first-year exam conducted on Thursday. However, Vice Chancellor Jagannathan assured an investigation into the matter.

The caste-related question - "Which one is the Lower Caste which belongs to Tamil Nadu" with four caste options-- was asked to the first-year (second semester) Master in History students who were taking their exam in the subject 'Freedom Movement of Tamil Nadu: From 1800 to 1947'.

சேலம் பெரியார் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் நடத்தப்பட்ட முதுகலை வரலாறு இரண்டாம் பருவத் தேர்வில் தமிழ்நாட்டில் தாழ்த்தப்பட்ட சாதி எது? என்ற வினா எழுப்பப்பட்டு, அதற்கு மகர்கள், நாடார்கள், ஈழவர்கள், ஹரிஜன்கள் ஆகியவற்றிலிருந்து ஒன்றை தேர்வு செய்யுமாறு கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது!(1/4)#PeriyarUniversity pic.twitter.com/knv7AviVXQ

— Dr S RAMADOSS (@drramadoss) July 15, 2022

Speaking on the issue, the Vice Chancellor said that another university had prepared the question and he did not get any information regarding the paper.

"Question papers for exams are not prepared by Periyar University. Other university and college lecturers prepared the question paper. Usually, to avoid a question paper leak, we don't read the question paper before the exam. I didn't get any info regarding the controversial question. We will investigate this," the VC said.

"We are seeking a report from the controller of examination today who set the question paper. We are not considering conducting a re-exam," he added.