HERITAGE OF
tAMILS
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
UNIT _I
Language Families India- Dravidian Language – Tamil as a Classical
Language – Classical Literature in Tamil – Secular Nature of
Sangam Literature – Distributive Justice in Sangam Literature –
Management Principles in Thirukural – Tamil Epics and impact of
Buddhism & Jainism in Tamil Land – Bakthi Literature Azhwars and
nayanmars – Forms of minor Poetry – Development of Modern
Literature in Tamil – Contribution of Bharathiyar and Bharathidhasan.
Language
Language is an essential tool for people's
communication and knowledge development.
✔ Tamil (5000 years old) – World’s Oldest Living
Language. Official language in Sri Lanka and
Singapore.
✔ It is the only ancient language that has survived to
the modern world.
INDIAN LANGUAGE FAMILIES
❖ Indo-Aryan languages
❖ Dravidian languages
❖ Austro-Asiatic languages
❖
Chinese Tibetan languages
DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES
Dravidian languages forms into three major
divisions.
They are,
1. South Dravidian Languages
2. Middle Dravidian languages
3. North Dravidian languages
SOUTH DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES
Tamil
Malayalam
Kannada
Kutaku
Tulu
Toda
Kota
Koraga
Irula
MIDDLE DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES
Telugu
kui
Kuvi
Konda
Kolami
Naiki
Pengo
Manda
Gondi
Koya
NORTH DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES
Kurukh
Malto
Brahui
WORLD CLASSIC LANGUAGES
Greek
Latin
Sanskrit
Persian language
Arabic
Hebrew (Hebrew)
Tamil
CLASSICAL
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Antiquity
2. Uniqueness independent of other languages
3. Motherhood
4. Uniqueness
5. Literary richness and grammatical excellence
6. General characteristics
7. Culture, expression of artistic knowledge
8. Higher thinking
9. Art Literary Unique Expression
10. Theory of Language
1. Anicut is a dam built across a stream or river for maintaining
and regulating irrigation.
2. Origin for the word cash derives from Tamil 'Kaasu', meaning
Important points among the Classical
status
Motherhood – Tamil has been for the
mother emergence of many languages.
Antiquity – There must around 10 grammar books and 100 of literary
books before the Tolkapiyam.
Absence of other language influence – Tamil language has remained
independent despite the influence of other languages on Tamil due to
politics, religion, business etc.
High level thoughts
Yathum Oore Yavarum Kelir – (UN
Council)
Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkum (Thirukural-972)
GRAMMATICAL FLUENCY
Tholkappiyam / pirappiyal /meyppattiyal /
marapiyal (Genetics) (Six Intelligence
Discrimination)
Verb Structure / Phrase Participles
Thinai/ Number/ Place/ Tenses
TAMIL CLASSICAL LITERATURES
Tolkappiyam -1
Ettuthokai -8
Pathuppaattu -10
Pathinen keel kanakku -18
Silappathikaram -1
Manimegalai -1
Iraiyanar Kalavialurai -1
Muthollayiram -1
41
Sangam literature is the name given to the earliest available Tamil literature.
Sangam literature is divided into two categories: Akam and Puram.
✔ Akam poetry is concerned with emotions and sentiments
✔ Puram poetry is concerned with exploits and heroic achievements in the setting of battle and public life.
✔ The Ancient Tamil Siddhar Agastaya is traditionally believed to have chaired the first
Tamil Sangam in Madurai. As such he is regarded as the father of Sangam literature.
✔ Sangam literature is one of the main sources used for documenting the early
history of the ancient Tamil country, be it the kings, rulers, poets, etc.
✔ Sangam means a gathering of learned men. The literature compiled in such
gatherings is known as 'Sangam Literature'. It is the most ancient literature
in Tamil.
✔ The word ‘Sangam’ literally means association. Here, it implies an
association of Tamil poets that flourished in ancient southern India.
✔ This period is known as the Sangam Period. The three chief Tamil kingdoms
of this period were the Cheras, the Cholas and the Pandyas.
✔ Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu,
Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named – Silappathikaram and
Manimegalai.
Sangam Literature – Three Sangams
As mentioned before, Tamil legends talk about three Sangams:
1.Madurai
2. Kapadapuram
3.Thenmadurai
Thirukkural
✔ First Dravidian work for ethics.
✔ Comprises of 1330 couplets.
✔ It has been translated into many languages including
foreign languages.
✔ Authored by Thiruvalluvar.
✔ A guide for human morals and betterment in life.
✔ It promotes a universal set of ethical and moral values
that can be applied by people of all faiths and beliefs
Tolkappiyam
✔ Composed by Tolkappiyar.
✔ Dated between 4th and 5th century CE.
✔ Offers information on social life, human psychology, political and
economic conditions during the Sangam Age.
✔ Also discusses Tamil grammar.
✔ The work is divided into three sections, each section further divided
into nine chapters.
Management Principles in Thirukural
All of them explained the various functions of an organization like planning,
organizing, coordinating, controlling, staffing, directing, motivating etc.
In this, the following part examines the management ideas of Luther Gulic, a
modern management scholar, 'POSDCORB' in Thirukkural.A modern
management concept called 'POSDCORB'
Planning (P)
Organizing (O)
Staffing (S)
Directing (D)
Co.ordinating (CO)
Reporting (R)
Budgeting (B)
Planning (P): Setting objectives and determining how to achieve them.
Organizing (O): Arranging tasks, people, and resources to achieve goals.
Staffing (S): Hiring and positioning the right people in the right roles.
Directing (D): Guiding and motivating employees to meet organizational
objectives.
Coordinating (CO): Ensuring all parts of the organization are working
together efficiently.
Reporting (R): Keeping track of activities and communicating progress
to stakeholders.
Budgeting (B): Allocating financial resources and controlling costs.
Planning- Thirukural – 476
Tamil:
"எ ணயஎ ண யா ேக ெசய பா எ ண யா
தி ண யா ஆ பச ."
Transliteration:
"Enniya enniyaangey seiyappa enniyaar
Thinniyaar aakuppa satru."
Meaning:
"Think deeply and plan carefully before you begin any action. Those who
do so will rarely face failure."
தி டமிட – PLANNING (P)
Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin
Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku - 467
Couplet:
Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry,
'Deed dared, we'll think,' disgraced shall be
Staffing Thirukural - 518
Tamil:
"ஒ வா எ லா வ ைனநாண தா வ
ெச வா தைலைம ெபறி ."
Transliteration:
"Ollum vaai yellaam vinainaan thaanveendru
Selvaan thalaimai perin."
Meaning:
"A leader should personally evaluate and appoint people to tasks they are
capable of doing, ensuring success for the organization."
✔ Bharathidasan's writings served as a catalyst for the growth
of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu. He is
popularly called Pavendar
✔ In addition to poetry, his views found expression in other
forms such as plays, film scripts, short stories and essays.
✔ Bharathidasan was conferred with the title of "Puratchi
Kavingyar" (meaning the "Revolutionary Poet") by
Periyar.
✔ A participant in the Indian independence movement, he
opposed the British and the French. He was imprisoned
for voicing his views against the French Government
that was ruling Pondicherry at that time.
•Thamizhukum Amudenru per
•Avalum Naanum Amudhum Thamizhum
1. Pudhiya Ulagam (New World)
This work is a reflection of Bharathidasan's vision for a new world free from oppression, inequality, and
poverty. It reflects his ideological leanings towards social justice, humanism, and socialism.
2. Irunda Veedu (The Dark House)
A thought-provoking play that exposes the harsh realities of life under poverty and oppression.
Bharathidasan used the medium of drama to critique the prevailing social injustices.
3. Manikodi (The Flag)
It is a political drama that speaks to the themes of patriotism, social equality, and revolution. It embodies
Bharathidasan’s support for the Dravidian movement and his dream of a socially equitable society.
Bharathidasan’s works are revered for their strong social messages, advocating for a just and egalitarian
society, and they continue to inspire generations of readers.
4."Isai Amudhu" is one of the significant works of Bharathidasan, showcasing his deep love for music and
Tamil literature. In this collection of poems, Bharathidasan reflects on the beauty and emotional power of
music, particularly Tamil music, and how it can serve as a tool for awakening social consciousness and
bringing about change.
5."Kudumba Vilakku" (The Lamp of the Family) is one of Bharathidasan's prominent works that centers
around the theme of family, particularly the role of women in a household. In this piece, Bharathidasan uses the
metaphor of a lamp to represent the illuminating and nurturing presence of women in the family. He emphasizes
their role as the guiding light that holds the family together through love, wisdom, and strength.
6. "Pandian Parisu" (Pandian’s Prize) is one of Bharathidasan's well-known plays, set against the backdrop of
ancient Tamil history and culture. It is a historical drama that revolves around the themes of love, valor, and the
cultural legacy of the Pandya dynasty, one of the great ancient Tamil kingdoms.
Here are some recognitions and honors related to him:
1.Bharathiyar University: Established in 1982 in Tamil Nadu, this university is named in his
honor to promote higher education and research.
2.Bharathiyar Memorial: Several memorials and statues have been erected in his memory
across Tamil Nadu and India, honoring his legacy.
3.Bharathiyar Day: His birthday, December 11, is celebrated as Bharathiyar Day in Tamil Nadu,
recognizing his contributions to literature and social reform.
He was deeply involved in the Swadeshi Movement, which emerged in response to British
colonial rule in India. His works emphasized unity among Indians, regardless of caste or creed,
to fight against colonial oppression, a core principle of the Swadeshi Movement.
1. Kuyil Paattu (Song of the Cuckoo)
This long narrative poem, inspired by nature, is one of Bharathiyar's most famous works. It emphasizes social
equality, freedom, and the rejection of caste discrimination through the symbolic bird, the cuckoo.
2. Panchali Sabatham (Panchali's Vow)
This is an epic poem inspired by the Mahabharata, where Bharathiyar draws parallels between Panchali's
humiliation in the Kaurava court and the oppression of women and the nation under colonial rule. It is a call
for justice and women's rights.
3. Kannan Pattu (Songs of Kannan)
In this collection, Bharathiyar wrote poems dedicated to Lord Krishna (Kannan), portraying him as a symbol
of divine love, mischief, and wisdom. However, the deeper meaning reflects Bharathiyar’s philosophy of life
and the struggle for a better society.
4. Manathil Uruthi Vendum (We Need Resolve)
This is one of Bharathiyar's famous patriotic songs that calls for courage, resolve, and determination in the
fight for independence. It has been a source of inspiration for freedom fighters.
5. Achamillai Achamillai (No Fear, No Fear)
This powerful poem is a bold declaration of fearlessness and resistance against oppression. It reflects Bharathiyar's
courageous stance against British colonialism and his call for bravery among the masses.
6. Pudhiya Aathichudi (New Aathichudi)
Bharathiyar created this work as an updated version of the traditional "Aathichudi" by Avvaiyar. It teaches moral
values in a modern and revolutionary context, advocating for equality, empowerment of women, and the importance
of education.
7. Pappa Paattu (Songs for Children)
Bharathiyar composed several delightful poems for children, filled with love, innocence, and wisdom. These poems
reflect his belief that children are the future of the nation, and through them, a new society can emerge. They also
emphasize values like kindness, honesty, and curiosity.
8. "Sakthi": A poem that personifies divine feminine energy, emphasizing the strength and potential of
women in society.
•Chinna kodi": A powerful poem invoking patriotism and the spirit of self-reliance, urging Indians to
support their own culture and economy.
•Oru Thamarai Mottu": A lyric celebrating the beauty of a lotus, often interpreted as a metaphor for the
struggle and resilience of the Indian spirit.
✔ The Bhakti movement originated in South India during the seventh to eighth
century CE,
✔ A movement emphasizing the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a
devotee toward a personal god
✔ These saint - poets travelled from place to place, singing hymns in praise of
different Gods.
