Tamil Language and Literature

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.