The Educational Environment Depicted in U. Ve. Sa.’s ‘En Charitram’

உ.வே.சா.-வின் ‘என் சரித்திரம்’ சித்தரிக்கும் கல்விச் சூழல்

Abstract

Mahakavi Bharati has praised Tamil Nadu’s educational excellence by calling it “Kalviyil Sirantha Tamilnadu” (Tamil Nadu excelling in education). Tamil Nadu, which possesses ancient literary and grammatical collections, has witnessed various transformations in its educational environment over different periods. Formal education was introduced to Tamil Nadu only after the European period. The word “Palli” (school) originally referred to the residential quarters of Jain monks, where subjects like medicine were taught. Jain monks established learning spaces adjacent to the caves and mountain retreats where they practiced meditation, providing education to students who sought them out. Over time, these places came to be known as “Pallikoodangal” (schools). The fact that educational institutions are still called “Pallikoodangal” and “Pallichalai” serves as evidence of the educational legacy that Jains contributed to Tamil Nadu.