Early Tamil literature is one of the oldest literary traditions in India and is an essential topic for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams. It provides insights into ancient Tamil society, culture, politics, and religion.
1. Sangam Literature
The earliest Tamil literature is known as Sangam Literature (சங்க இலக்கியம்), composed between 300 BCE – 300 CE. It was written in Tamil and deals with ethics, love, war, and governance.
Sangam Period
- The word “Sangam” means a literary academy or assembly of poets.
- Three Sangams were held in Madurai under Pandya kings.
- Only the works of the last Sangam (Third Sangam) have survived.
2. Major Works of Sangam Literature
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies) | Collection of poetry by various poets. | Kurunthogai, Ainkurunuru, Purananuru, Agananuru, Kalithogai, etc. |
| Pathupattu (Ten Idylls) | Long poems mostly praising kings and chieftains. | Tirumurugarrupadai, Mullaippattu, Maduraikanchi, Pattinappalai, etc. |
| Tolkappiyam | Oldest Tamil grammar book, discusses language, society, and ethics. | Written by Tolkappiyar. |
| Silappadikaram | Epic on Kannagi’s revenge, composed by Ilango Adigal. | Story of Kovalan, Kannagi, and Madhavi. |
| Manimekalai | Buddhist epic, composed by Chithalai Sattanar. | Story of Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. |
3. Themes in Sangam Literature
- Akam (Love & Personal life) – Focused on emotions, love, and relationships.
- Puram (War & Public life) – Described wars, heroism, and kingship.
- Five Landscapes (Tinai) – Poems categorized based on regions:
- Kurinji (Mountains) – Love & Union.
- Mullai (Forests) – Waiting & Separation.
- Marutham (Plains) – Domestic life.
- Neythal (Seashore) – Sorrow & longing.
- Palai (Desert) – Hardship & journey.
4. Religious & Philosophical Texts
| Text | Description |
|---|---|
| Tirukkural | Written by Thiruvalluvar, contains 1330 couplets on ethics, politics, and love. |
| Naladiyar | Collection of Jain moral teachings. |
| Paripadal | Religious poetry on Lord Murugan and Vishnu. |
5. Importance of Early Tamil Literature
- Provides historical insights into Tamil society, politics, and economy.
- Sangam texts mention South Indian dynasties like Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.
- Describes trade links with Rome, Egypt, and Southeast Asia.
- Preserved and enriched Tamil language and culture.
6. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Prelims-Based Questions (MCQs)
- Which is the oldest Tamil grammar text?
- (a) Manimekalai
- (b) Tirukkural
- (c) Tolkappiyam
- (d) Silappadikaram
- Answer: (c) Tolkappiyam
- Silappadikaram, an epic of Tamil literature, was written by?
- (a) Thiruvalluvar
- (b) Ilango Adigal
- (c) Sattanar
- (d) Kapilar
- Answer: (b) Ilango Adigal
- Which Sangam work is called the “Bible of the Tamil people”?
- (a) Naladiyar
- (b) Tirukkural
- (c) Pattinappalai
- (d) Manimekalai
- Answer: (b) Tirukkural
- Who wrote Manimekalai?
- (a) Ilango Adigal
- (b) Tolkappiyar
- (c) Sattanar
- (d) Kapilar
- Answer: (c) Sattanar
- Which Tamil text describes the five landscapes (Tinai)?
- (a) Tirukkural
- (b) Silappadikaram
- (c) Tolkappiyam
- (d) Manimekalai
- Answer: (c) Tolkappiyam
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive)
- Discuss the major themes of Sangam literature.
- Examine the significance of Tolkappiyam in early Tamil literature.
- Compare and contrast Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
- Describe the role of Tirukkural in shaping Tamil ethical and moral values.
7. Conclusion
- Early Tamil literature is a rich source of history, culture, and philosophy.
- Sangam texts help us understand ancient Tamil civilization, trade, and administration.
- Works like Tirukkural and Silappadikaram are still studied worldwide.
Would you like a timeline or mind map to summarize this topic? 🚀
Leave a Reply