10 Questions
Where is Tamil an official language?
Tamil is an official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the sovereign nations of Sri Lanka and Singapore, and the Indian Union territory of Puducherry.
How long has recorded Tamil literature been documented?
Recorded Tamil literature has been documented for over 2000 years.
What did A. K. Ramanujan say about Tamil?
A. K. Ramanujan described Tamil as 'the only language of contemporary India which is recognizably continuous with a classical past'.
When is the earliest period of Tamil literature dated?
The earliest period of Tamil literature, Sangam literature, is dated from c. 300 BC until AD 300.
Where is Tamil also natively spoken besides South Asia?
Tamil is also spoken by the Tamil diaspora found in many countries, including Malaysia, Myanmar, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Mauritius.
Who is Krishna in Hinduism?
Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right.
When is Krishna's birthday celebrated by Hindus?
Krishna's birthday is celebrated every year by Hindus on Krishna Janmashtami according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, which falls in late August or early September of the Gregorian calendar.
In which texts is Krishna a central character?
Krishna is a central character in the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, and the Bhagavad Gita, and is mentioned in many Hindu philosophical, theological, and mythological texts.
What are some of the qualities associated with Krishna?
Krishna is associated with protection, compassion, tenderness, and love.
How is Krishna depicted in different stages of his life?
Krishna's iconography reflects various stages of his life, such as an infant eating butter, a young boy playing a flute, a young boy with Radha or surrounded by female devotees, or a friendly charioteer giving counsel to Arjuna.
Study Notes
Tamil Language
- Tamil is an official language in Singapore and Sri Lanka
Tamil Literature
- Recorded Tamil literature has been documented for over 2,000 years
- The earliest period of Tamil literature is dated to the 5th century BCE
A. K. Ramanujan on Tamil
- A. K. Ramanujan described Tamil as "a classical language in the Dravidian language family"
Tamil Speakers
- Tamil is also natively spoken in Mauritius, Reunion Island, and Malaysia besides South Asia
Hinduism and Krishna
- Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism
- Krishna's birthday, Janmashtami, is celebrated by Hindus on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada
- Krishna is a central character in the texts of the Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita
Qualities and Depiction of Krishna
- Krishna is associated with qualities such as bravery, wisdom, and divine love
- Krishna is depicted in different stages of his life, including as a divine prince, a shepherd, and a warrior
Test your knowledge of the Tamil language and its cultural significance with this quiz. Explore vocabulary, grammar, and cultural elements unique to Tamil-speaking regions.
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