- Kuwait Tamil Sangam Association
தமிழ் எம் மொழி, தமிழ் எம் அடையாளம்! எமது தமிழ்ச்சங்கம் தமிழை அடுத்த தலைமுறைக்கு எடுத்துச் செல்லவும் எடுத்துச் சொல்லவும் முயற்சி பூண்டுள்ளது.
The Tamil language, one of the oldest living languages in the world, boasts a rich history and an illustrious literary tradition that spans over two millennia.
Tamil belongs to the Dravidian family of languages, Linguistic evidence suggests that the Dravidian languages predate the arrival of Indo-Aryan languages in the Indian subcontinent, making Tamil one of the earliest recorded languages in the region. The roots of Tamil can be traced back to at least 500 BCE, with some scholars arguing for an even earlier timeline. The earliest records of Tamil are found in inscriptions and ancient texts written in Tamil-Brahmi script.The Sangam literature, a collection of poems and songs from the early centuries of the Common Era, provides a wealth of information about the early Tamil society, its values, and its linguistic characteristics.
The Sangam era, which lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE, is considered the golden age of Tamil literature. During this time, Tamil poets and scholars produced an extensive body of work, including poetry, prose, and grammar. The Sangam literature is divided into three main categories: Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), Pathuppaattu (Ten Idylls), and the Tolkappiyam (an ancient Tamil grammar text). The Ettuthokai and Pathuppaattu collections consist of poems that cover a wide range of themes, including love, war, politics, and nature. These poems are characterized by their vivid imagery, emotional depth, and linguistic elegance.
Throughout its history, Tamil has been shaped by the rise and fall of powerful dynasties that ruled over the Tamil-speaking regions. The Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras were among the most prominent dynasties that contributed to the growth and development of Tamil culture and language.The Pandya dynasty, known for its patronage of the arts and literature, also left a lasting impact on the Tamil language. The Pandyas supported the compilation of the Sangam literature and encouraged the growth of Tamil as a literary and administrative language. The Chola dynasty, which reached its zenith between the 9th and 13th centuries, is particularly noteworthy for its contributions to Tamil literature and architecture.
Efforts to preserve and promote the Tamil language continue to be a priority for both governmental and non-governmental organizations. In India, the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) and the Tamil University in Thanjavur are dedicated to the study and promotion of Tamil language and literature. These institutions conduct research, publish scholarly works, and organize conferences to celebrate Tamil’s rich literary heritage. Organizations such as the Tamil Language and Cultural Society work to promote Tamil language and culture through educational programs, cultural events, and publications.
As we look to the future, the continued vitality and growth of the Tamil language will depend on the collective efforts of its speakers, educators, and policymakers. It is essential to encourage the use of Tamil in all spheres of life, from education and administration to media and entertainment. Promoting bilingualism and multilingualism can also help ensure that Tamil speakers remain connected to their linguistic heritage while engaging with the global community. Community engagement and cultural events play a vital role in fostering a sense of pride and belonging among Tamil speakers. Cultural festivals, literary competitions, can bring people together.
