Tamil literature: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:30, 9 December 2024

Tamil Literature

Tamil literature is one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in the world, with a history that spans over two millennia. It is written in the Tamil language, which is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. Tamil literature encompasses a wide range of works, including poetry, prose, and drama, and it reflects the cultural, social, and political life of the Tamil people.

History

1. Sangam Literature

The earliest period of Tamil literature is known as the Sangam period, which dates from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE. This era is named after the Sangam academies, which were assemblies of poets and scholars. The literature from this period is primarily composed of poetry, and it is divided into two main categories: the "Aham" (inner) and "Puram" (outer) genres. Aham poetry deals with themes of love and personal relationships, while Puram poetry focuses on war, politics, and public life.

1. Post-Sangam Literature

Following the Sangam period, Tamil literature saw the emergence of the Bhakti movement, which was characterized by devotional poetry dedicated to Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. This period also saw the composition of the "Tirukkural" by the poet Thiruvalluvar, a seminal work of ethical and moral philosophy.

1. Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Tamil literature was heavily influenced by religious themes, with the rise of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Notable works from this period include the "Periya Puranam" by Sekkizhar, which narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars, and the "Divya Prabandham", a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by the Alvars.

1. Modern Period

In the modern period, Tamil literature has evolved to include a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, and essays. The 20th century saw the rise of prominent writers such as Subramania Bharati, who is known for his patriotic and reformist poetry, and R. K. Narayan, who wrote in English but drew heavily on Tamil culture and themes.

Themes and Styles

Tamil literature is known for its rich use of metaphors and similes, as well as its exploration of complex themes such as love, valor, ethics, and spirituality. The use of "Akam" and "Puram" themes continues to influence Tamil writers, and the language's extensive vocabulary allows for nuanced expression.

Influence and Legacy

Tamil literature has had a profound influence on the cultural and social life of Tamil-speaking people. It has played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Tamil identity and has contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy, religion, and politics.

Also see[edit]

Topics in Tamil literature
Sangam Literature
Five Great Epics
Silappatikaram	Manimekalai
Civaka Cintamani	Valayapathi
Kundalakesi
The Five Minor Epics
Neelakesi	Culamani
Naga Kumara Kaviyam	Udayana Kumara Kaviyam
Yashodhara Kaviyam
Bhakti Literature
Naalayira Divya Prabandham	Kamba Ramayanam
Tevaram	Tirumurai
Tamil people
Sangam	Sangam landscape
Tamil history from Sangam literature	Ancient Tamil music
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-[[File:தமிழ்த்_தாய்_திருக்கோயிலில்_அகத்தியர்_சிலை.JPG|தமிழ்த் தாய் திருக்கோயிலில் அகத்தியர் சிலை|thumb]] [[File:Ilango_Adigal_statue_at_Marina_Beach_closeup.jpg|Ilango Adigal statue at Marina Beach closeup|thumb|left]] [[File:Thiruvalluvar_Statue_of_kanyakumari.jpg|Thiruvalluvar Statue of kanyakumari|thumb|left]] [[File:Alwarsss.png|Alwarsss|thumb]] [[File:MarinaBeach_Kambar_cropped.jpg|MarinaBeach Kambar cropped|thumb]] [[File:பாரதி,_அபூர்வ_புகைப்படம்_(cropped).JPG|பாரதி, அபூர்வ புகைப்படம் (cropped)|thumb]]  '''Tamil literature''' refers to the [[literature]] written in the [[Tamil language]]. This body of work spans over two thousand years, making it one of the oldest and continuous literatures of the world. Tamil literature is renowned for its deep spiritual and moral insights, rich cultural content, and historical value. It encompasses a wide range of literary forms including [[poetry]], [[prose]], [[drama]], and [[folklore]].
+[[File:தமிழ்த் தாய் திருக்கோயிலில் அகத்தியர் சிலை.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Ilango Adigal statue at Marina Beach closeup.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Thiruvalluvar Statue of kanyakumari.jpg|thumb]] [[File:MarinaBeach Kambar cropped.jpg|thumb]] Tamil Literature
-== Origins and Historical Development ==
+Tamil literature is one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in the world, with a history that spans over two millennia. It is written in the Tamil language, which is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. Tamil literature encompasses a wide range of works, including poetry, prose, and drama, and it reflects the cultural, social, and political life of the Tamil people.
-The history of Tamil literature can be divided into five periods: Sangam, Post-Sangam, Bhakti, Medieval, and Modern.
-=== Sangam Literature ===
+* History
-The earliest phase of Tamil literature is known as the [[Sangam literature]], which flourished between 300 BCE and 300 CE. This period is marked by collections of poetry that were composed in assemblies of Tamil scholars called Sangams. The most notable works from this period include the ''[[Ettuthokai]]'' and the ''[[Pathupattu]]'', which consist of eight and ten anthologies respectively. Sangam literature primarily dealt with themes such as love, valor, and the social and political conditions of the time.
-=== Post-Sangam Period ===
+*# Sangam Literature
-Following the Sangam era, the Post-Sangam period (up to 600 CE) saw the creation of religious and ethical texts. The ''[[Tirukkural]]'', authored by [[Thiruvalluvar]], is a significant work from this period, offering moral guidance and wisdom in the form of couplets.
-=== Bhakti Movement ===
+The earliest period of Tamil literature is known as the [[Sangam literature|Sangam period]], which dates from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE. This era is named after the Sangam academies, which were assemblies of poets and scholars. The literature from this period is primarily composed of poetry, and it is divided into two main categories: the "Aham" (inner) and "Puram" (outer) genres. Aham poetry deals with themes of love and personal relationships, while Puram poetry focuses on war, politics, and public life.
-The Bhakti period, spanning from 600 CE to 1200 CE, was characterized by devotional literature dedicated to Hindu gods like [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]]. The [[Nayanmars]] and [[Alvars]], saint poets of Shiva and Vishnu respectively, composed fervent hymns that were instrumental in spreading Bhakti throughout Tamil Nadu.
-=== Medieval Tamil Literature ===
+*# Post-Sangam Literature
-Medieval Tamil literature (1200 CE to 1800 CE) saw the emergence of epics, such as the ''[[Silappadikaram]]'' and the ''[[Manimekalai]]'', which blended religious values with historical narratives. This period also witnessed the growth of commentaries on earlier works and the development of ethical literature.
-=== Modern Tamil Literature ===
+Following the Sangam period, Tamil literature saw the emergence of the [[Bhakti movement]], which was characterized by devotional poetry dedicated to Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. This period also saw the composition of the "[[Tirukkural]]" by the poet [[Thiruvalluvar]], a seminal work of ethical and moral philosophy.
-The modern period, beginning in the 19th century, was marked by a resurgence in Tamil identity and language, influenced by colonial and post-colonial changes. Modern Tamil literature includes a variety of genres such as novels, short stories, and essays, dealing with contemporary issues and themes.
-== Literary Genres and Forms ==
+*# Medieval Period
-Tamil literature boasts a variety of genres and forms, including:
-- '''[[Poetry]]''': Ranging from the classical Sangam poems to modern verses.
+During the medieval period, Tamil literature was heavily influenced by religious themes, with the rise of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Notable works from this period include the "[[Periya Puranam]]" by [[Sekkizhar]], which narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars, and the "[[Divya Prabandham]]", a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by the Alvars.
-- '''[[Prose]]''': Including ancient didactic works like the ''Tirukkural'' and modern novels and short stories.
-- '''[[Drama]]''': Though less prevalent, Tamil drama has evolved to include street plays and modern theatre.
-- '''[[Folklore]]''': Encompassing folk tales, songs, and legends passed down through generations.
-== Themes and Characteristics ==
+*# Modern Period
-Tamil literature is characterized by its use of high and low dialects, intricate metaphors, and deep philosophical and ethical considerations. Themes often revolve around love, war, valor, ethics, and devotion, reflecting the social and cultural ethos of the Tamil people.
-== Influence and Legacy ==
+In the modern period, Tamil literature has evolved to include a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, and essays. The 20th century saw the rise of prominent writers such as [[Subramania Bharati]], who is known for his patriotic and reformist poetry, and [[R. K. Narayan]], who wrote in English but drew heavily on Tamil culture and themes.
-Tamil literature has had a profound influence on the cultural and religious life of Tamil-speaking populations. It has also contributed significantly to Indian literature as a whole, influencing other literary traditions within India and abroad.
+* Themes and Styles
+Tamil literature is known for its rich use of metaphors and similes, as well as its exploration of complex themes such as love, valor, ethics, and spirituality. The use of "[[Akam]]" and "[[Puram]]" themes continues to influence Tamil writers, and the language's extensive vocabulary allows for nuanced expression.
+* Influence and Legacy
+Tamil literature has had a profound influence on the cultural and social life of Tamil-speaking people. It has played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Tamil identity and has contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy, religion, and politics.
+==Also see==
+* [[Sangam literature]]
+* [[Tirukkural]]
+* [[Bhakti movement]]
+* [[Tamil language]]
+* [[Subramania Bharati]]
+{{Tamil literature}}
 [[Category:Tamil literature]]
 [[Category:Indian literature]]
-[[Category:Dravidian languages]]
+[[Category:Classical literature]]
-{{Literature-stub}}