Was Mahakavi Bharathiyar Poor in English?

Mahakavi Bharathiyar, a prominent Tamil poet and freedom fighter, is celebrated for his exceptional command of the Tamil language and his revolutionary ideas. While he did have exposure to English during his school days and his interactions with British colonial authorities, his primary contribution to literature was in Tamil. This article explores whether Bharathiyar was truly proficient in English, and how his use of the language influenced his literary work.

Exposure to English

During his schooling and early life, Bharathiyar likely had some exposure to English. However, his interactions with British colonial authorities and the overall context of the time did not significantly impact his mastery of the Tamil language. The primary language of the Tamil region and his deeply rooted cultural identity were his primary focus. Despite this, there is evidence that Bharathiyar did possess a level of English proficiency that allowed him to contribute to English-language journals and newspapers.

Proficiency in English and Literary Contributions

Bharathiyar was not just a Tamil poet but a well-read individual who consumed literature in various languages. He was influenced by the poetry of western writers like Walt Whitman and Edward Carpenter. This influence is evident in his work Vacana Kavithaigal, where he experimented with a new genre of prose-poems that resonate with the style of Leaves of Grass by Whitman. This demonstrates a certain level of English proficiency that was sophisticated enough to engage with and adapt to the style of influential Western poets.

Bharathiyar's English writings are also evident in his contributions to the English newspaper Bala Bharathi and the literary columns of The Hindu. He was a frequent contributor to the Letters to the Editor column, indicating a command of the language that was both expressive and intelligent. These contributions to the English literary and journalistic scene further reinforce his proficiency in the language.

Conclusion

While Mahakavi Bharathiyar was primarily a Tamil poet known for his revolutionary ideas and poetry, his command of English was not as robust as his command of Tamil. Yet, his proficiency in English was significant enough to allow him to influence and contribute to the English literary and journalistic scene. His engagement with English literature and his ability to express his ideas through the medium of poetry and prose-poems highlight his broader literary and intellectual acumen.

In sum, Bharathiyar's engagement with English was a testament to his overall intellectual capabilities. His contributions to both Tamil and English literature demonstrate a well-rounded individual who was deeply rooted in his cultural identity while also engaging with the broader world of literature.