Podcast
Questions and Answers
When did the first literary works in Tamil begin appearing in south Indian history?
When did the first literary works in Tamil begin appearing in south Indian history?
Which system was used by Sangam poets around 600 CE to develop the Tamil script?
Which system was used by Sangam poets around 600 CE to develop the Tamil script?
What special status does the Classical Tamil language have under the Government of India?
What special status does the Classical Tamil language have under the Government of India?
Which modern scripts are considered to have been inspired by the Tamil script?
Which modern scripts are considered to have been inspired by the Tamil script?
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In which Indian states does Tamil serve as the official language?
In which Indian states does Tamil serve as the official language?
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What feature did the Tamil script developed by Sangam poets include?
What feature did the Tamil script developed by Sangam poets include?
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Study Notes
Tamil is one of the major languages spoken in India where it serves as the official language in three states - Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep; as well as in the Union Territory of Kanyakumari district in Kerala. It has historical roots dating back to around the second century BCE when the first literary works began appearing in south Indian history. Tamil literature, which emerged during this period, can trace its ancestry through several thousand years of uninterrupted development and evolution, making it one of the oldest literatures still actively used today.
The Tamil script was developed by Sangam poets from around 600 CE using a system called Vatteluttu, which eventually evolved into what we know now as Tamil Brahmi. This script had written forms for all sounds found in the later Tamil grammar, including consonants, vowels, sibilant, retroflexion, and aspirates. Tamil is also considered to have inspired several other modern scripts like Grantha and Malayalam, contributing significantly to the writing systems of southern Asia.
Aside from being a widely recognized linguistic heritage site, the Tamil language also plays an important role in popular culture, with many films, songs, and books produced in Tamil every year. Additionally, the Classical Tamil language is regarded as one of the classical languages of India, receiving special status from the Government of India under Article 351(d) of the Constitution. Today, Tamil continues to play a significant cultural and economic role in Southeast Asia, demonstrating its lasting importance throughout history.
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Description
Explore the rich history and cultural significance of the Tamil language and literature, which has roots dating back to the second century BCE. Learn about the development of the Tamil script by Sangam poets and its influence on other scripts in southern Asia. Discover the enduring legacy of Tamil in popular culture and its special status as a classical language in India.
