Conversation so far:
When was Periyar born?
born on 17 September 1879.
What did Periyar do as a child?
he joined his father's trade at the age of 12.
What did he do at his father's trade?
CANNOTANSWER.
What was Periyar's hobbies as a child?
He used to listen to Tamil Vaishnavite gurus.
What were the gurus like?
gave discourses in his house enjoying his father's hospitality.

Question: what was Periyar's father like?
Self-contained rewrite: what was Periyar's father like