Shanlax International Journal of Tamil Research

Rules and Exceptions in Ancient Tamil Literature

N Murugesa Pandian — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

During the Sangam period, when tribal life was in decline, the Vedic religion introduced upper-lower distinctions based on the four castes. The Vedic religion, which emphasizes on the basis of law or dharma that there should be no mixing of castes, also emphasizes purity, impurity, and exclusion. When land became the property of men, women also became the property of men. The socio-economic and political conditions of that day, combined with sexual politics, created new rules for women. Tolkappiyar has recorded the fact that women's status in a property-owning society has become a matter of law.

The Livelihood of Paravas in Tamil Novels

N Rathinakumar — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fisherfolk constitute one of the major ethnic communities living in the southern districts. They are known by various names such as Parava, Fernando, Mukkuvar, and Nulayar. Literary evidence about them has been available since the Sangam period. Neythal Tinai poems are among the most renowned in ancient Tamil literature. ‘Senbagharaman Pallu’ is considered an important text that described the lives of fisherfolk during the medieval period. Even with the emergence of modern literature, fisherfolk have been discussed extensively. Notable works include Rajam Krishnan’s Alaivaaykaraiyile, Bodhi Sattva Maitreyava’s Sippiyin Vayittril Muthu, Vannanilavan’s Kadalpurathil, Thoppil Muhamuthu Meeran’s Oru Kadalora Kiramatthin Kathai and Thuraimugam, Ponneelan’s Thedal, Sridara Ganesan’s Vaangal, Joe D. Kurus’s Azhisuzh Ulagu and Korkai, Christopher Anthony’s Thuraivan, Kurumbanai Berlin’s novels, and Varithaya Constantine’s stories. These fictional works hold great significance. This paper examines the space given to fisherfolk in these narratives, their livelihood challenges, and cultural aspects.

The Performing Features of the Ancient Traditional Theyyam Dance

Thakshayiny Paramadevan — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:34:14 +0000

Kerala is Often described as ‘Godswn Country’ a title that its natural beauty and cultural richness truly justify. Among India’s ancient art forms, Kerala holds a remarkable place for its traditional dances. The roors of many rural dance traditions such as Theyyam, Kolam, Thullal, Vettatullal, and Chittu Nadakam trace back to this land. One of the most distinctive and tural, is a rutulitic dance deeply interwined with Hindu coutoms and religious practices. It is not merely a dance but a sacred ritual performance. The art form is centered around the Weapons they once wielded. Histrocial references to smilar traditions can be found in ancient Tamil Sangam literature, where warrior worship was known as Velan veriyadal. Comparable traditions exist in other parts of India for instance the Thira dance of north India shares similarities with Theyyam in its performance style. Songs, Costumes, and heroes themes, signifying the cultural continuity of warrior workship throughtout the nation. In thew south canara region of Karnataka smilar ritual dances dedicatied to heroes and spirits are called Bhoota or Kola. Theyyam is beliveved to have originated over 1500 years ago. Its songs and rituals have been preserved through oral transmission across generations. Familes belonging to specific hereditary lineages perform Theyyam as part of their clan traditions, blending workship with community faith and creating unique cultural expressions. Theyyam performances are dedicated to divine beings, animals, ancestral spirits, and even diseases as as a form of spiritual offering. Like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, Theyyam involves elaborate costumes, makeup, and symbolic colors. The performance consists of two main part: Kettum (the preparatoryritual) and Velattam (the dance of valor) Begin inning with solemn workshipand ending in an intense, trance-like climax, the dance evokes deep emotional and spiritual responses. The accompanying musical instruments, ritual songs, and dance movements blend harmoniously to create a powerful artistic and devotional experience. Theyyam festivals are typically held annually in rural ares, lasting from two to seven days.

Interrogative Particle “Aekaaram” and Emphatic Particle “Aekaaram”

G Sakthivel, K Sankara Narayanan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Letters that have a prolonged sound are called long vowel letters or elongated letters. These letters are aa, ee, oo, ae, ai, no, and au. What is special about this is that according to Tholkappiyar’s reference, the long letter ‘Ae’ has a unique characteristic. The letter ‘ae’ is noted by Tholkappiyar and other grammarians as standing as an interrogative letter, conveying the meaning of a question. Tholkappiyar also states that the letter ‘Ae’ is used as a conjunction. Further, he specifies that the elongated form expresses meaning even as a word. This article explores in detail the ways in which the letter ‘Ae’ is used.

Canalization Artists: Sangam Literature and Tolkappiyam

K Sankara Narayanan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The word canalization means to guide. Koothar, Panar, Porunar, and Viraliyar are called artists. Singing, dancing, and directing are their professions. References to these artists and some traditions related to them can be found in the Tolkappiyam. This article aims to present the records of these artists in the Sangam literature Pattuppattu and Ettutogai.

Sociology of Religion and Cultural Practices During Ramadan: A Sociological Study Focusing on East Sri Lankan Muslims

Mohamed Hanifa Mohamed Sifkan, M Nusrath Banu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sociology of Religion is a branch of sociology that examines the relationship between society and religion. In East Sri Lanka, Islam is the predominant religion, with Muslims forming the majority of the population. The Muslim community in this region has developed a distinct set of cultural practices that are widely observed during the Holy month of Ramadan. This study seeks to explore why the observance of cultural rituals and social practices associated with Ramadan is more pronounced during this particular period, and how these practices contribute to the social dynamics of East Sri Lankan Muslims. So the primary aim of this research is to investigate the cultural practices surrounding Ramadan, among East Sri Lankan Muslims. This qualitative study uses case study approach to collect data. Primary data was gathered through interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions, while secondary data was sourced from documentaries, research articles, books, and magazines. The data was analysed using Ms Word. The findings of this study reveal that 14 distinct cultural events, including house washing, painting, night prayers, ihthikaf, special prayers on Lailatul Qadr, and the preparation of traditional foods, are commonly practiced by East Sri Lankan Muslims during Ramadan. This study highlights the sociological significance of these cultural events and strengthens the theoretical concepts within the field of sociology. This research contributes to the understanding of how religious observances and cultural practices during Ramadan shape the social fabric of the Muslim community in East Sri Lanka, offering valuable insights into the intersection of religion, culture, and society.

A Postmodernist Parody Game Featuring or Following Three Poetesses (Salma, Sukirtharani, Kutti Revathi)

Ravi . — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Postmodernism is a rebellious theory. It contains impossibilities that shake both idealists and optimists. The essence of postmodernism is to attempt to dismantle all the arrangements that have kept our society immobile and static until now. The core of this research is to examine the poetry of Salma, Sukirtharani, and Kutti Revathi—who write with a similar rebellious mindset—within the theoretical framework of postmodernism.

Hospitality in Islam and Thirukkural: A Comparative Study

ALM Mujahid — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hospitality is a universal ethical principle valued across human societies, fostering respect, compassion, and social cohesion. Welcoming guests with care, providing food, and showing them honor are practices that strengthen human solidarity and social harmony, transcending geographical, religious, and cultural boundaries. In the Tamil tradition, the Tirukkural presents hospitality as a foundational aspect of domestic life. Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that households practicing hospitality exemplify true dignity and meaningful living, framing it as a moral virtue that enhances both individual and societal well-being. In Islamic tradition, hospitality carries both spiritual and social significance. It is considered a command of Allah and a demonstration of faith. The Qur’an and Hadith underscore its importance, with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stating, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest,” thereby establishing hospitality as a religious and ethical obligation. A comparative analysis reveals both traditions recognize hospitality as a means to nurture human values, social unity, and respect. However, while the Tirukkural emphasizes humanism and moral duty, Islam integrates spiritual accountability and divine obedience. Thus, hospitality emerges as a universal virtue that transcends culture and religion, linking human beings through shared ethical practice.

Literacy Development in Tamil Nadu from the Perspective of Social and Educational Research

P Shanmugavadivel, K Sankara Narayanan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Literacy is an important tool for the progress of human society. Literacy is a fundamental part of society. Since writing is a tool for sharing information, the development of literacy in society is very important. Writing and literacy in Tamil Nadu have been witnessing great development since the Sangam period till date. All sectors like education, industry, social progress are intertwined with literacy. This article examines the development of writing, literacy in Tamil Nadu, its importance and the government’s measures for the development of literacy.

Lifestyle Aspects and Changes of Kaluwanchikudy

Chrisdina Nirojini Mosasrupan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The historical antiquity is hidden among the villages. It is called reflects all the aspects of a particular society from birth to death. The primitive existence of man can be revealed through lifestyle features. Cultural traces of early human presence are sought. This scenario highlighted the traditional cultural features of Kaluwanchikudy. It is a village located 27m southeast of the city of Batticaloa District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is in the coastal region. Most Hindus live in this village. It aims to historically explore aspects of life that have been buried by the passage of time. A qualitative research approach has been used in this study. Primary data for this study are interviews, field study and Maddakalappu Purva Sarithra. Secondary data are books related to lifestyle, articles published in journals and information from the web. This study is the first attempt to document the lifestyle of this village and give to the coming generation.

Koothu and Koothar in Tamil History: A Study Centered on Sangam Literature

Alagiah Vimalaraj — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The historical periods of Tamil are classified in various ways. Among these, the Sangam period is considered the beginning of the literary era. Literature belonging to this Sangam period is available in Tamil. The Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) including Natrinai, Kuruntokai, and Ainkurunuru; the Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) including Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai, Porunarāṟṟuppaṭai, and Cirupāṇāṟṟuppaṭai; and the Eighteen Minor Works (Pathinenkilkanakku) such as Tirukkural, Naanmanikkadigai, Inna Narpatu, and Iniyavai Narpatu—numerous literary works can be viewed as Sangam literature.
Tamil language historians such as Te. Po. Meenakshisundaram, S. Agathiyalingam, Se. Vai. Shanmugam, and Su. Shakthivel consider that two works from the Ettuthokai collection—Paripādal and Kalittokai—were not composed during the Sangam period but during the post-Sangam transitional period. They arrive at this conclusion based on the fact that only in Paripādal is the new first-person singular form “nān” found, and only in Kalittokai does the neuter plural suffix “kaḷ” appear in the honorific plural. However, there are also arguments that Kalittokai and Paripādal can be considered Sangam literature, as Nallantuvanar, who composed poem 43 in Ahanānūṟu, also composed in both Paripādal and Kalittokai.
Among the arts that identify the Tamil tradition, Koothu is one. Mayilai Seeni Venkatasamy states that the art of Koothu is as ancient as the art of music. The art of dance and the art of acting developed together. The Abithana Chintamani explains that Koothu is performing with gestures to suit the song, incorporating ‘Bhava, Raga, and Tala.’ Ilango Adigal was the first to specifically refer to Koothu as “drama” (natakam). The term “Koothu” is commonly used for both “Nāṭṭiyam” (dance) and “Nāṭakam” (drama). The words “Koothu” and “Koothar” appear in Tolkappiyam. The word “Koothu” also appears abundantly in Sangam literature: “Koothar ādukaḷam kaṭukkum” (Puram 28), “Iruvagaik kūttin ilakkaṇam aṟintu” (Silappadikaram 3:12), “Nāṭṭiyam nannūl naṉku kaṭaippiṭittu” (Silappadikaram 3:46), “Nāṭakamēttum nāṭakak kaṇikai” (Silappadikaram, Pathigam 15), “Kūttāṭṭu avaikkaḷam” (Tirukkural 332) are found in Sangam literature. Koothu is drama performed from night until dawn in costume, based on a story. The word Koothu initially referred to dance and later to story-based drama.
On this basis, this research is presented to compile information about Koothu found in Sangam literature and information about Koothars (performers), and to demonstrate that Koothu (drama) was in practice among the people during that period.

Grammatical Necessity and Origin – A Historical Perspective

R Sivalingam, K Sankara Narayanan — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Since ancient times, the origin of grammar has been created from literature. The origin of this grammar is the language of the people, called the dialect, and the literary forms used by the people, called poetry. The grammarians who tried to understand the system of the language, through their intelligence, have developed into grammar. The roots of the grammarians who created such grammar are different, and the grammars created and recited by them through the hereditary tradition are taught with their religious background stories that came after it. From a linguistic perspective, the grammar based on the structure of the language has two different periods. Grammar emerged from literature and later, through the grammar that was formed, new literatures have been formed. The origin of literature was formed in the land where the dialect and poetry of the language were formed through folk literatures. The people of that land created grammar to see the structure of their language. It is believed that a foreigner who came on behalf of a religious and political background dared to see the structure of the language due to ideology and rule and created the first grammar and then the grammar developed. This study is a study on the original origin of grammar.