Journal of Tamil Culture and Literature

சங்ககால மக்களின் வாழ்வும் வாழ்வாதாரமும் - ஓர் பார்வை

V. Nalini — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Sangam people utilized regions encompassing mountains, forests, fields, seas, and sandy areas as foundations for their livelihood in ways suited to their survival. Subsequently, they discovered the three essential elements representing the next stage of life: food, clothing, and shelter. To fulfill the needs of these three elements and to enhance their economy, they employed various production methods including agriculture, hunting, and commerce. References to the livelihood of Sangam people can be found scattered throughout Sangam literary compositions.

தொல்காப்பியமும் அகராதியியலும்

V. Britta Jasmine — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Uriyiyal (Etymology section) of Tolkappiyam serves as the beginning of Tamil dictionary history. Besides Uriyiyal, there are several verses in other sections like Idaiyiyal and Marabiyiyal that provide word meanings and explanations. The Uriyiyal section of Tolkappiyam and certain meaning-explaining verses found in Tolkappiyam can contribute to the creation of a historically-based Tamil dictionary. Apart from this direct contribution, this article attempts to derive some concepts related to applied lexicography or methods that can assist in dictionary-making from certain verses created by Tolkappiyar for other purposes. Based on inferences drawn from verses created for other purposes, this article tries to extract some ideas related to applied lexicography. The article is divided into two parts: the first part contains some general information about Uriyiyal, and the second part presents information related to lexicography derived from Tolkappiyam verses.

A.Ki. Paranthamanar’s Historical Perspective

G. Karumuruganantharajan — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to evaluate the contribution of the late Tamil scholar A.K. Paranthamanar to the field of history. A.K. has been interested in history since his youth. A.K. studied politics and history as special subjects during his undergraduate studies at Pachaiyappan College, Chennai. D.R. Seshayangar, the author of the famous book ‘Dravidian India’, and Professor C. Srinivasacharyar were his teachers at that time. It can be said that A.K.’s ‘historical passion’ was instilled in him by those professors. A.K.P. knew the importance of historical knowledge. Evidence for this is available in the books written by A.K.P. In his book ‘Learn Tamil Literature’, he has stated that studying literature with knowledge of history is suitable for the scientific method. He also stated that “History and literature are twin sisters. If you know the political system of the Sangam period, you can know about the Enperayam, Aim perunguzhu, etc. Only if you know about the later Cholas, you can understand Kalingathupbarani, Muvar Ula. Although the friendship mentioned in the Thirukkural is generally seen, those who know the history of the Sangam can understand it well.” A.K.P.

Karaikkal Ammaiyar as the Pioneer of Innovation in Tamil Literary Tradition

R. Premkumar — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Until the beginning of the 20th century, devotional literature filled a major portion of Tamil literary space. Tamil devotional literature is unparalleled in quantity compared to any other language in the world. The devotional movement that emerged in the 6th century CE brought many changes in the socio-religious historical context of Tamil society, including the spread, circulation, and intervention among religions. During the devotional movement period, Nayanmars and Alwars emerged and enriched both Tamil language and their respective religious traditions.
Even before the devotional movement period, around 3rd-5th century CE, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a holy woman, established her unique place and dominated the literary world. She was an innovator who introduced many novelties into the ocean of Tamil literature. This article explains how Tamil literature gained rejuvenation through the literary techniques she employed.
Karaikkal Ammaiyar contributed 143 songs to the Tamil literary world:
Arputha Thiruandadhi - 101 songs
Thiru Irattai Manimaalai - 20 songs
Mootha Thirupathigam - 22 songs
She was the first to use the Venba meter in devotional literature, which had been popular in ethical literature. Following her example, the first Alwars, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Nammalwar and others composed devotional hymns in Venba meter.