Tamil literature
From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.
Tamil literature is literature in the Tamil language which most prominently includes the contributions of the "Tamil country" (or Tamizhagam) history, a large part of which constitutes the modern state of Tamil Nadu in India. Because of the antiquity of the Tamil language, Tamil literature has a rich literary tradition spanning more than 5000 years and is particularly famous for its poetic works as well as for its epics, philosophical, and secular works.
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History
Sangam Period
The works of the Sangam period, known as Sangam literature, at the turn of the first millennium are the most ancient and considered very important. The word Sangam refers to an academy. This period spanning aroung 1700 years was considered as the golden age of Tamil Literature.
Major Works of Sangam Period
- Aganaanooru
- Tolkaappiyam
- Purananooru
- NedunalVaadai
- Natrinai
- Pathitruppathu
- Pathuppattu
- Kalithogai
- Kurundhogai
Post-Sangam Period
The post-Sangam period witnessed the growth of Buddhism and Jainism in Southern India. This is reflected in the literary works of this period. Thirukkural, Silapadhigaaram and Aathichoodi were some of the major works of this period. Silapadhigaaram by Ilangovadigal tells the tale of Kannagi, Kovalan and Maadhavi. Thirukkural by Thiruvalluvar consists of 1330 couplets which discuss about various aspects of life and is widely known even today. Aathichoodi, a collection of single-line quotes was written by Avaiyar, a young poetess who became prematurely old according to folklore. The first word in each saying is based on alphabetical order.
The Dark Age
Tamil literature witnessed a temporary slump due to the Kalabrah invasion which happened around 250 AD. Being Non-Tamil speakers, Tamil literature and art was not promoted by the rulers of this regime. Jainism also flourished during this period. The notable literary work of this period was "Muthollayiram", a collection of poems that describe the glory of the Chola, Chera and Pandya dynasty.
The Bhakti Cult
The spread of religions like Jainism and Buddhism resulted in a new religious movement called "The Bhakti Cult" which saw the revival of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. This also resulted in the creation of huge number of literary works,primarily by the Alvars and the Nayanmars, who sung the praise of Vishnu and Shiva respectively. Periya puranaam , Divya Prabhandham ,Thiruppavai, Thiruvempaavai and Dhevaaram were all written during the Bhakti cult.
The Epic Period
The emergence of the Cholas around 800 AD greatly benefitted Tamil Literature. Just as Pandyas provided a strong patronage for art and literature during the Sangam and post-Sangam period, Cholas provided a strong supporting hand to arts and literature. Kambaramayanam, considered one of the best poetic work in Tamil emerged during this period. Kambaramayanam was a version of the Ramayana by the poet Kamban (Kambar). Manimegalai, Seevaga Sindhamani, Valayaapathi and Kundalakesi (along with Silapadhigaaram , they constitute The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature) were the most significant works of this period.
The Modern Era
The nineteenth and the twentieth century witnessed works with predominantly social themes. Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram, the first novel in Tamil was written in 1857. The greatest poet of this era was Subramanya Bharathy (better known as Bharathiar), who was also a great freedom fighter. His works are particularly stimulating in their progressive themes like feminism and freedom. Inspired by Bharathy, many poets resorted to poetry as a means of reform. Bharathidasan was one such poet whose works stand out for its "poetic richness" and revolutionary messages. Kalki Krishnamurthy, one of the most renowned and respected writers took Tamil novels to a different plane through his works - Sivagamiyin Sabhadham and Ponniyin Selvan which are both based on historical themes.Some famous contemporary writers include Pudhumaipithan, Mowni, Jayakanthan, Ashoka Mitran, Thi.Janakiraman, Ambai a.k.a C.S Lakshmi, Ku.Pa.Rajagopalan, La.Sa.Ramamrutham, Sundara Ramasamy, Sujatha, Jayamohan, S.Ramakrishnan.
Emerging modern Tamil women poets like Salma, Malathi Maithree, Uma Maheshwari, Sugitharani, Kutti Revathi are under heavy controversy/fame because of their what is been referred as obscene language.
External links
- Project Madurai - A collection of Tamil e-texts
- Kalachuvadu - Electronic version of famous literature magazine, published from Nagercoil
- For better or verse - Deccan Herald critique (in defense) on modern women poets' work
