Basics of algebra were known to Indians, mostly to Brahmins but other castes knew it too. B Tech in construction, design, mba or its equivalent was awarded to people of other castes.
Brahmin had philosophy and religious services, and was separate in his own way.
Periyar's masters attacked brahmin to convert the philosophy into a racial one, to convert the hindus. Most of these egalitarian hindus would run away if you say them Rama Rama, thats what Peiyar has achieved.
Most of periyar supporters are racists, they will self destroy themselves in few generations.