தொல்காப்பியத்தில் யாப்பும் மரபுகள்

Prosody and Traditions in Tolkappiyam

Abstract

Tolkappiyam holds the preeminent position in the tradition of Tamil grammar. This work contains the foundational concepts for prosodical traditions (Yappu Marabu), which explain the structural order, rhythmic harmony, and design of poetic compositions.

Tolkappiyar demonstrates how elements such as the letter (ezhuttu), metrical unit (asai), foot (seer), linkage (thalai), and line (adi) intertwine to create the musicality and literary beauty of Tamil poetry. These traditions served as the bedrock for the development of later prosodical treatises like Yapparungalam and Yapparungalakkarigai. Furthermore, they reflect the practical conventions utilized in Sangam literature, such as Ettuthogai (The Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (The Ten Idylls).

Ultimately, the prosodical traditions found in Tolkappiyam stand as a vital foundation that illustrates the antiquity and continuity of Tamil poetic grammar..