An Introduction to Tamil Literature2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Introduction to Tamil Literature

(A brief summary of the paper submitted by Dr. N. Subramanian at Meiyakam on 29.03.2014.)

 

1. General Information about the scope and types of Tamil Literature

 

Tamil literature can be classified into (1) folk literature and (2) classical literature. Folk literature such as stories, proverbs, poems, etc. although prevailed for a long time in auditory form, were later preserved through written form. The authors of folk literature are not known. Classical literature refers to creative writings of learned people from Sangam period onwards. These writings were preserved in written olas(seasoned palmyra leaves) and in stone inscriptions.

 

2. Mental and Historical factors influencing Tamil literary Development

 

2.1. Poems of Sangam Period

 

Sangam period existed before 3rd century CE. Literature belonging to this period is mainly found in two ancient collections of 18 books called Ettuthokai and Pathuppattu.

 

The Sangam works were classified by their themes as Akam and Puram. Works of subjective themes were called Akam (as in Akananooru) and objectives themes were called Puram(as in Purananooru). Akananooru and Purananooru are two of the eight collections found in Ettuthokai.

 

The other Sangam book Pathuppattu is a collection of eight long poems could be considered as a developmental process of short poems collected in Ettuthohai. 

 

Thematically, Sangam works present the advanced and cultured life of the ancient Tamil people. Following Sangam works arose didactic books that are found in Pathinenkeel kanakku (the Minor Eighteen anthology). Of these works of ethics, the most popular are Thirukkural and Nalatiyar. These works deserve a presentation at a later stage.

 

2.2. Silappathikaram and Manimekalai

 

These two epics view the totality of human life. It is believed that these epics could have been written during 4-5th century CE. The social and cultural aspects reflected in these works differ from those recorded in Sangam literature.

 

Silappathikaram contains accounts of religious and cultural details of ancient Tamil Naadu reigned by the Cera, Chola and Pandiya emperors while Manimekalai which is a continuation of Silappathikaram’s story, engages in analyzing people’s life based on the ethical and moral philosophy of the Buddhist religion.

 

These two works also highlights injustice and corruptions that prevailed amongst the ruling class. Another point worthy of noting is the practice of prostitution in those days. Elango, the author of Silappathikaram and Sathanar, the author of Manimekalai draw our attention to the fact women suffered as result of male domination.

 

2.3. Devotional Movement and Devotional Literature

 

Although religion was treated in Sangam works and in books such as Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Tholkappiam, etc., religious beliefs and associated activities gained importance in Tamil Naadu during the period between 6 – 9th century CE as a result of devotional movement carried on by Saiva and Vaishnava saints. This devotional movement gave birth to devotional literature. By the 10th century this movement began to spread in the northern part of India. The literature produced by this devotional movement that originated in Tamil Naadu is thought to have influenced later campaign based literature such as Ghandian literature, Dravidian Literature, Marxist literature, Women literature, Dhalith literature, etc.

 

2.3.1. Changes in methods of expression

          Composing the verse called Virutham

 

This differs from the types of verses used in Sangam works and subsequent collection called Pathinenkeel kanakku. Virutham is a flexible and convenient form for not only to express more opinion but also for musical rendering.

 

Another addition to the first devotional movement is the works of mystics. St.Thirumoolar, the author of Thirumanthiram, is considered to be the pioneer of mystic literature. Mystics like Sivavakiar, Kuthamabai Sithar and others whose tradition influenced even Ramalinga Swamikal, Bharathiyar, followed him.

 

A second devotional movement developed following the 12-13th century CE in Tamil Naadu. Arunakirinathar, Kumarakuruparar could be considered as the leaders of this movement.

 

2.4. Tradition of Minor literature and Epics.

 

This kind of literature includes Ula, Kalambakam, Kuravanchi, Kovai, Pathikam, Parani, Pallu, Pillai Thamizh, etc. These are also called Pirapantham. Pirapantham forms were used mainly to praise either gods or kings.

 

Following  7-8th century CE, epics were employed to praise gods, kings and heroes of uncommon powers. The first of its kind was Seevakasinthamani sung by Thiruthakka Thevar. But its origin is not Tamil as in the case of Silappathikaram or Manimekalai. Sivaka Sinthamani is related to Sanskrit. Another form of Sanskrit epic rendered in Tamil is Ramayana by Kambar. These and other epics employ Virutham well to narrate the stories.

 

2.4.1. Kambar and other poets: A comparison

Poets differ in their outlook. Some confine themselves to their own country’s political not with their country but with whole world. Kambar belongs to the second category. We see him through his epic Kambar Ramayanam as a poet who is concerned about the welfare of people of the whole world. Hence his works propagates justice, equality,

benevolence, etc. It is worth noting that Ilango and Sathanar precede Kambar in global outlook and humanitarian values.

 

3. Stagnation in creative writing until the time of Bharathi      

  • Mechanical method of writing

 

Following Kambar, an imitative trend became predominant in Tamil literary field. The constructive and expressive style of Thiruvilaiyaatal Puranam, Kanthapuraanam, Villiparatham, Nalavenpaa, Naitatham, Thempaavani, Seeraapuranam, Radchaniya Yaathirikam etc. are that of previous epic style. During this period many kinds of Pirapantham were aplenty.  Makavidwan Meenadchisuntharampillai, a 19th century poet alone authored more than 40 Pirapanthams.

 

This kind of imitative tendency resulted in lack of creativeness. This is attributed to the writers’ intention of following and preserving past literary tradition. This attitude, critics say, was due to the fall of Chola Kingdom in the 13th century CE and the following subjugation of Tamil Naadu by foreign and other Indian powers.

 

4. History of Modern Tamil Literature

 

Owing to limited time, I can only give you an outline of the history of modern Tamil literature. Changes in the social condition of the Tamil people in Tamil Naadu and Ealam during the mid 19th century CE could be considered as a boundary line between ancient and modern literature. These changes are the result of education, democratic ideas, advent of printing press, growth of communication media, etc. Easy access to the newly printed ancient ola books gave birth to modern literature. Mayooram Vethanayagampillai, P. Rajam Iyar, A. Mathavaiya, Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar and others appeared as the morning stars signaling the dawn of modern literature.

 

The second stage of the development of modern literature is the western style of writing short stories and novels. In the 1970s, there appeared a post-modern trend in Tamil literary writing.

 

In conclusion …

 

The sincerity and determination found in the writings of Bharathi, Puthumaippithan and others could hardly be found in the present day writings. Commercial publications, self- promoting and eulogistic writings have become the order of the day. I conclude, therefore, by inviting all writers to think very seriously about lifting up modern Tamil literature from the current low level of standard.

 

Thank you.