Understanding the Most Ancient Tamil Literature: Tolkāppiyam and Sangam Period

Introduction to Ancient Tamil Literature

The exploration of ancient Tamil literature is a fascinating journey through time, revealing the rich cultural heritage of one of the oldest living languages in the world. Among the earliest and most significant works are the Tolkāppiyam and the Sangam literature. These texts not only provide insight into the linguistic structures and poetic forms of ancient Tamil but also shed light on the society, culture, and values of that era.

The Tolkāppiyam: A Foundation of Tamil Grammar

Tolkāppiyam is a foundational text on Tamil grammar and poetics, believed to date back to the period from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. This ancient work is considered the earliest surviving text in Tamil literature, establishing the rules and literary forms of the Tamil language. It comprises three books: Ezhuttadikaram (literary language), Solladikaram (the adorned speech), and Poruladikaram (the soul of speech). Each book is further divided into nine chapters, making it a comprehensive guide to Tamil grammar and poetics.

Tolkāppiyam is written in the form of noorpaa or short formulaic compositions. It deals with orthography, phonology, morphology, semantics, and prosody, providing a deep understanding of the Tamil language. The text classifies the Tamil language into sentamil (classical Tamil) and koduntamil (dialectal Tamil), reflecting the complex linguistic landscape of ancient Tamil Nadu.

Noorpaa format: Short, formulaic compositions for easy memorization and recitation. Classical and dialectal Tamil: sentamil for literary works and koduntamil for spoken dialects. Phonetics: Formulating thirty phonemes and three dependent sounds for Tamil.

The Significance of Sangam Literature

While Tolkāppiyam is a paramount text, it is important to note that the Sangam literature emerged later, around the period between 300 BCE and 300 CE. This literature is composed of various poems and texts that reflect the culture, society, and values of ancient Tamil civilization. The Sangam works are attributed to a group of poets and are divided into two main categories: Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (Ten Idylls).

Unraveling the Most Ancient Tamil Literature

Among the various works from the Sangam period, some scholars argue that Pathupaattu is the most ancient Tamil literature. This claim is based on the rare vocabulary found within the text, which suggests its antiquity. However, recent discussions have also pointed towards ancient Sumerian texts written in Eelam Tamil (now known as Tamil) as being among the oldest known texts in the language.

According to historical records, these Sumerian texts, written in Cuneiform style, date back to around 3500 years ago. They are held in the old Egyptian museums and are significant because they represent some of the earliest known examples of written Tamil. These texts, often referred to as Supa Paka Neri (Good Page law) in the Tamil language, provide a rare glimpse into the linguistic evolution of Tamil in the ancient world.

Conclusion

The study of ancient Tamil literature, from Tolkāppiyam to the Sangam period, offers a profound understanding of the linguistic and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. While the exact dates and origins of these texts are subjects of scholarly debate, the significance of these works is undeniable. Understanding these ancient texts not only enhances our appreciation of Tamil culture but also deepens our understanding of the rich tapestry of human linguistic expression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Tolkāppiyam? Tolkāppiyam is a foundational text on Tamil grammar and poetics, written in the 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE. What is Sangam literature? Sangam literature refers to works from the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE), composed by poets and divided into Ettuthokai and Pattupattu. What is Pathupaattu? Pathupaattu is one of the earliest Tamil texts suggested as the oldest in Sangam literature, based on rare vocabulary. Are there any ancient Tamil texts outside of India? Yes, ancient Sumerian texts written in Eelam Tamil (Tamil) from around 3500 years ago are held in old Egyptian museums. What are the categories of Sangam literature? Sangam literature is divided into Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (Ten Idylls).