KALANJIYAM - International Journal of Tamil Studies
KALANJIYAM – An International Journal of Tamil Studies is a quarterly bilingual publication in Tamil and English that seeks to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of Tamil literature and culture among scholars, students, and the general public through its rigorous, high-quality articles. The editorial team and contributors of KALANJIYAM consist of renowned experts in Tamil studies from around the globe, who contribute their expertise and insights to the journal. Each issue includes a variety of essays exploring different dimensions of Tamil literature, such as poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction, along with folklore and translation analysis. Additionally, KALANJIYAM features comprehensive book reviews that offer critical evaluations of recent academic works. This journal serves as an essential resource for anyone intrigued by Tamil literature and culture, enjoying widespread readership and citation among scholars and researchers. The significant contributions it makes to Tamil studies have led to several awards and honors. In addition to its printed version, KALANJIYAM is also available online, making its rich academic content easily accessible. With its dedication to scholarly rigor, thoughtful analysis, and promotion of Tamil literature and culture, KALANJIYAM is a must-read publication for anyone passionate about the vibrant heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Department of Library, Nallamuthu Gounder Mahalingam College, Pollachi
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மதுரைக்காஞ்சியில் தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற பாண்டிய நெடுஞ்செழியனின் வீரம், வெற்றி மற்றும் ஆட்சிச் சிறப்பு: ஒரு வரலாற்று ஆய்வு
Comprising 782 lines, Maduraikkanji, composed by Mangudi Maruthanar, stands as the longest literary work among the Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) anthology in Sangam literature. This work historically and morally frames the martial prowess, political maturity, righteous governance, and economic management of Madurai city under Pandyan Nedunjeliyan, the victor of the Battle of Talaiyalanganam. This paper analyzes Nedunjeliyan's early entry into war, his historically renowned vow of resolve (Vanjina Urai – Purananuru 72), and his battlefield sacrifices (Porkkala Velvi) within the context of Sangam society. Furthermore, this paper critically examines modern scholarly debates surrounding the Arangkuru Avayam (court of justice) and Iruperu Niyamam (the twin major markets) described in Maduraikkanji. Finally, the article comparative-analyzes the victory at 'Nellin Oor' mentioned in Sangam literature (identified with the Yavanas' port of Nelcynda/Nelkinda) against the later victory at 'Nellore' in Andhra achieved by Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I in Later Pandyan history, thereby clarifying chronological and geographical contradictions.
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எட்டுத்தொகையில் தமிழர்களின் வாழ்வியல் கூறுகள்
Furthermore, these texts serve as a crucial socio-historical repository, shedding light on the transition of ancient Tamil society from early tribal organization to structured agrarian and urban states. By applying a cultural anthropological framework to Ettuthogai, this study systematically analyzes how these literary representations reflect everyday practices, moral values, and governance systems. Ultimately, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of the foundational roots of Tamil cultural identity, providing invaluable insights into early South Asian civilization and its enduring heritage.
நவீன தமிழ்ச் சிறுகதைகளில் வாழ்வியல் அழகியலும் மானுட உறவுகளின் இயக்கமும்: வண்ணதாசன் படைப்புகள் குறித்த ஓர் ஆழமான பகுப்பாய்வு
This research paper extensively analyzes the livelihood aesthetics, character portrayal, and various dimensions of human relationships reflected in the short stories of Vannadasan (S. Kalyanasundaram), considered one of the most prominent creators in the world of modern Tamil short fiction. Vannadasan’s stories capture the everyday lives and internal conflicts of ordinary people with poetic undertones and subtle descriptions. In this paper, primary short story collections such as Nadugai, Thanumai, Micham, Nabikkamalam, Kuthukkal, and the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Oru Siru Isai are subjected to detailed analysis. Furthermore, based on academic data published in leading research journals such as Modern Thamizh Research and Shanlax International Journal of Tamil Studies, his linguistic artistry and the cultural challenges encountered when translating his stories into English are comprehensively evaluated. Entwined with the fluidity of the Thamirabarani River and the realism of the Tirunelveli regional dialect, his works illustrate how humanity is reclaimed within the mechanized context of contemporary life.
நற்றிணையில் சமூகக் கூறுகள்: பழந்தமிழர் வாழ்வியல் விழுமியங்களின் பன்முக ஆவணம்
Sangam literature serves as a historical repository recording the internal (Akam) and external (Puram) lives of ancient Tamils. Among them, Natrinai, which is praised as the first text in the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), centers on inner love traditions while offering incomparable historical data through the embedded social elements in its background. This paper comprehensively examines the family structure, women's personality and social status, moral codes of love, landscape-based (Thinai) occupations, barter-based commercial economy, the culture of hospitality considered the primary virtue of ancient Tamil life, ecological values, and the political framework portrayed in the poems of Natrinai. In particular, using literary evidence, this article analyzes how individual ethics laid the foundation for overall social stability in Sangam society, and how the relationship between nature and human beings encompassed principles of eco-feminism.
நற்றிணையில் பெண்கள்: சங்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகத்தில் பெண்ணின் நிலை, சமூகப் பங்களிப்பு மற்றும் உளவியல் - ஓர் விரிவான ஆய்வு
Natrinai, the foremost among the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) texts, is a rare literary treasure that delicately and realistically portrays the inner life (Akam) of Sangam Tamils. This study aims to examine the status of women in Sangam Tamil society, the social constraints they faced, their contributions to family and society, and their psychological struggles. Against the backdrop of feminist theories, the characterizations of female figures depicted in Natrinai—such as the Heroine (Thalaivi), the Companion (Thozhi), the Biological Mother (Natray), the Foster Mother (Sevilithay), and the Courtesan (Parathai)—are analyzed in detail. Specifically, this paper explores moments of elopement (Udanpokku) marking the transition from childhood to married life (Song 179), elements of ecofeminism (Song 172), and the differing perspectives between male and female poets in depicting bodily aesthetics. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that Sangam women were not merely family members, but personalities endowed with autonomy and mental resilience.
நற்றிணையில் சமூகக் கூறுகள்: சங்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூக வாழ்வியலின் வரலாற்றுப் பகுப்பாய்வு
Narrinai, praised as the first among the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) of Sangam literature, primarily focuses on inner life (Akam theme). Nevertheless, it stands as a social historical document that meticulously records the cultural excellence, economic structure, family system, women's social agency, occupational practices, and ethical principles of the Tamil society from two thousand years ago. This paper comprehensively analyzes the social elements embedded in the songs of Narrinai through the lens of landscape-based (thinai) lifestyle, social transitions from primitive communism to feudalism, moneyless barter economy, domestic ethics such as "hospitality even at midnight," and nature-oriented social eco-consciousness. Furthermore, utilizing supporting evidence from other Sangam literary texts, this paper establishes how family ethics, women's autonomous agency, hospitality, and social moral values found in Narrinai poems hold special significance from a modern socio-anthropological perspective.
தொல்காப்பிய மெய்ப்பாட்டியல் கோட்பாட்டின் அடிப்படையில் நற்றிணை அகப்பாடல்கள்: ஓர் விரிவான வாழ்வியல் மற்றும் இலக்கியத் திறனாய்வு
Narrinai, which is counted first among the Sangam literature, is an unparalleled Tamil literary treasure that vividly depicts the subtle emotions and states of love in human inner life ($Akam$). Tamil grammatical tradition defines ‘Meyppadu’ (physical manifestation of emotion) as the expression of deep emotions arising within the minds of the characters ($Akamaandhar$) through their outer bodily organs and behavior. In his Poruladhikaram, Tholkappiyar established a dedicated chapter called ‘Meyppattiyal’, where he detailed the eight primary emotions ($Enbehar\ Meyppadugal$), their source contexts ($Nilaikkalangal$), and the psychological states ($Avathai$) appearing in love characters, applicable to both theatrical Tamil ($Naadaka\ Thamil$) and literary Tamil ($Iyat-Thamil$). Based on the theory of Meyppattiyal formulated by Tholkappiyar, this research paper comprehensively analyzes how emotions are employed with poetic finesse and psychological vitality across the 400 $Akam$ poems in Narrinai. It analyzes with evidence how the eight primary emotions—Laughter ($Nagai$), Sorrow ($Azhugai$), Disgust/Inferiority ($Ilivaral$), Wonder ($Marudkai$), Fear ($Acham$), Pride ($Perumidham$), Anger ($Veguli$), and Joy ($Uvagai$)—along with their corresponding 32 source contexts, align with the landscape-based backgrounds ($Thinai$) and the speeches/monologues of the characters. Furthermore, by comparing Tholkappiyar’s Meyppattiyal with the Wheel of Emotions theory proposed by modern Western psychologist Robert Plutchik, this paper establishes the excellence of Sangam poets in portraying human emotions as well as their underlying life values.
சங்ககால தமிழர்களின் வாழ்வியலும் மருத்துவ முறைகளும்
The Sangam era (300 BCE – 300 CE) is widely regarded as the Golden Age of Tamil civilization, characterized by a lifestyle deeply attuned to nature, rich cultural traditions, and advanced scientific thinking. This paper examines the traditional medical systems practiced by the Sangam Tamils, detailing their foundational methods, objectives, and practical applications. Furthermore, it analyzes how these ancient healthcare practices have evolved into modern medical frameworks and highlights their potential relevance to global treatment practices today.
சஞ்சாரம் நாவலில் மொழியியல் மற்றும் அணிநடை அமைப்பியல் பகுப்பாய்வு
A creator's work is a mirror of time. When depicting the diverse emotions and lifestyles of fellow human beings, writers employ various techniques to effectively reach the people. Among these, the most crucial literary aspect is style. A literary work emerges from the high thinking of its creator, and writing creates a distinct style unique to them. Every piece of literature possesses its own style. Analyzing the manner in which a writer utilizes this style is known as stylistic study (linguistic style analysis). In S. Ramakrishnan’s Sahitya Akademi Award-winning novel Sancharam, language serves as a vital tool to capture the subtle nuances of rural life and the lived reality of folk artists. In this regard, this paper analyzes the stylistic features of the work. Furthermore, this article explores the various figures of speech (alankaras / rhetorics)—such as similes, metaphors, and personification—present in the novel that add beauty to its style. By examining these rhetorical devices, the study demonstrates how stylistic choices enhance the narrative flow, heighten emotional resonance, and reflect the unique creative personality of the author.
தமிழிசை – வளர்ச்சியும், இலக்கியமும், கர்நாடக இசையின் தொடர்ச்சியும்
Thamizh Isai holds a truly special place in the cultural side and musical history of South India. It is much more than just a regional style of music. It is an ancient way of understanding and experiencing beauty, sound, and emotion. From the earliest Tamil poets to today’s Carnatic concerts, its influence can be traced through literature, music theory, and performance. Long before the term “Carnatic” came into common use, ancient Tamil texts already had a deep grasp of paṇ, tāḷam, poetic form, and how music should be performed. Concepts like paṇ, yāḻ, varipāṭal, and paṇṇamaippu show just how experienced that early understanding was. This study follows the journey of Thamizh Isai through time from the Sangam and post-Sangam eras, through the devotional verses of the Bhakti period and the grand epics, all the way into the Carnatic tradition we know today. Along the way, it also looks at the social and political forces that shaped it, the royal support of the Cholas, Pallavas, Nayaks, and Marathas, and the modern Tamil Isai movement, which fought to bring Tamil language and Tamil musical sensibilities back into the concert spotlight. Ultimately, this paper discusses that Thamizh Isai is not a small footnote to Carnatic music. Instead, it is one of Carnatic music’s deep historical roots and a living, foundational tradition in its own right.
பல்லவர்கால நாணயங்கள் வெளிப்படுத்தும் சமயநிலை – ஓர் ஆய்வு
This study analyzes Pallava-period coins (6th to 9th century CE) as crucial historical and numismatic evidence to reconstruct the religious landscape of South India during the transformative "Age of Bhakti." Utilizing both primary and secondary sources—including recovered coins, inscriptions, and historical texts—the research investigates how coin symbols and designs reflect the era's religious shift, notably the rebirth of Hinduism following its post-Sangam decline and the conversion of Mahendravarman I from Jainism. The analysis reveals that while the predominant presence of symbols like the Nandi and Trishula underscores the primacy of Shaivism, the inclusion of Vaishnavite motifs (Shankha and Chakra) alongside indirect traces of Jainism and Buddhism highlights a period of peak growth for various Hindu sects, prevailing religious tolerance, and extensive royal patronage.
நற்றிணை - நெஞ்சுக்குச் சொல்லும் பாடல்களின் கட்டமைப்பு
Thiruparankundram has been an important centre of worship from the Sangam period to the present day. During the Sangam age, it was primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan, as evidenced in the Paripāṭal literature. Over time, the site evolved into a multi-religious centre, accommodating the worship of deities such as Lord Shiva, Perumal, Vinayagar, and Goddess Durga. The worship traditions of Thiruparankundram also reflect the continuity and transformation of ancient religious practices, including nature worship, Vel (spear) worship, and image worship. Among these, Vel worship, one of the earliest forms of Murugan worship, continues today through annual religious festivals. Likewise, the ancient belief that worshipping Lord Murugan brings happiness and worldly benefits has evolved into the contemporary belief that He blesses devotees with obstacle-free marriages. Anthropologists identify such enduring traditions as cultural survivals, which represent remnants of earlier cultural practices preserved through time. This study employs the theories of cultural change and cultural survivals to examine the transformation, continuity, and sequential development of the worship traditions of Thiruparankundram based on the evidence presented in the Paripāṭal literature.
தமிழ் இலக்கியங்கள் மற்றும் தொல்லியல் சான்றுகள் வழி புகார்ப் பெயராராய்ச்சி
Kaveripoompattinam flourished as a world-class port and a major commercial metropolis of the Chola Empire in ancient Tamilakam. The objective of this paper is to comprehensively examine the origin of this city's name, its linguistic evolution, literary records, and modern archaeological-maritime discoveries. Through the linguistic theory of 'Specialization of Meaning' (Restriction of Meaning), this paper explains how 'Puhar'—originally a generic term for a river mouth—evolved over time into a specific proper noun designating Kaveripoompattinam. Furthermore, this study compares the historical myths behind alternative names such as Kaveripoompattinam, Sampapathi, and Kakanthi as depicted in Sangam literature, the Five Great Epics, and Buddhist Jataka tales, alongside names like 'Kamara' and 'Kaberis' found in the accounts of foreign travelers. Finally, through recent underwater excavations, carbon dating methods, and satellite-based geomorphological data, the multi-millennial antiquity of Puhar and its destruction by marine transgression (tsunami/sea floods) are scientifically established.
பாரதி பாடல்களில் சித்தர் சிந்தனைகள்: ஓர் ஆழமான மெய்யியல் மற்றும் சமூகவியல் ஆய்வு
The Siddhars expressed profound ideas such as humanism, equality, self-confidence, spirituality, love of nature, yoga, meditation, and wisdom in simple Tamil.1 These philosophical ideals have had a significant influence on the poetry of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati.1 Like the Siddhars, Bharati strongly opposed caste discrimination, superstition, and social injustice while emphasizing human equality and rational thinking.1 His poems, such as "Sādhigaḷ Illaiyadi Pāppā" ("There Are No Castes, Dear Child"), reflect the egalitarian principles of the Siddhar tradition.1 Furthermore, the continuity of Siddhar thought is evident in his emphasis on self-confidence, love of nature, humanism, spirituality, yogic discipline, and meditation.1 This study examines how the philosophical ideas of the Siddhar tradition are manifested in the poems of Mahakavi Bharati.1 The study concludes that Bharati was a poet who reinterpreted Siddhar philosophy in a form suited to the needs of modern society.1 His poetry stands as a rich literary legacy that promotes social transformation, human progress, and spiritual awakening.
திருப்பரங்குன்றம் பண்பாட்டுப் படிமலர்ச்சியும் பண்பாட்டு மாற்றமும்
Tamil literature boasts a deep historical background, with diverse literary genres evolving to meet the essential needs of society across different eras. These literatures serve as a medium to express human life experiences and inner emotions. Originating as unwritten oral traditions before being recorded on palm leaves, these genres have been heavily shaped by public preference, political landscapes, educational standards, foreign literary influences, and social transformations. Among the profound experiences captured in literature, the blessing of children holds a paramount place. Children are viewed as a priceless treasure capable of making humans forget life's many sorrows; without them, even immense wealth and worldly status leave life feeling empty. Highlighting this indispensable value, the ancient poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar remarked thousands of years ago in Thirukkural (Couplet 61) that there is no greater blessing in life than obtaining knowledgeable children. Ultimately, children represent an unmatched wealth defined by their innocent and pure nature.
பண்டைய கால மக்கள் இயற்கையோடு இயைந்த வாழ்வியலை வாழ்ந்தனர். இயற்கைக்குப் புறம்பாக எது ஒன்றையும் செய்வதற்குப் பயப்பட்டனர். அறிவியல் யுகமான இன்றைய காலகட்டங்களில் இருக்கும் மருத்துவ முறைகளுக்கே சவால் விடும் வண்ணம் மருத்துவ முறைகளில் சிறந்து விளங்கினர். அவ்வாறு அவர்கள் சிறந்து விளங்கிய மருத்துவ முறைகள் அவர்கள் படைத்த இலக்கியங்களிலும் வெளிப்பட்டுள்ளது என்பதை விளக்குவதே இந்த ஆய்வின் நோக்கமாக அமைந்துள்ளது. பண்டைய கால மக்களின் இயற்கை சார்ந்த மருத்துவ முறைகளை ஆராய்ந்து விளக்குவதால் இந்த ஆய்வுக்கட்டுரையில் இடம்பெறும் ஆய்வானது விளக்கமுறை ஆய்வாக (Descriptive Research Design) மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டுள்ளது.
எட்டுத்தொகை அக நூல்களில் "பெறுக" வியங்கோள் வினைமுற்று: உரையாசிரியர்கள் வழி பொருள்தரும் முறைகள்
The internal (akam) and external (puṟam) lives of ancient Tamil Scholars are intricately documented in the Sangam literary works, Eṭṭuthokai (The Eight Anthologies) and Pattuppāṭṭu (The Ten Songs). Among these, the interior-themed texts of Ettuthokai effectively convey the diverse emotional states of love and the perspectives of a variety of characters within established linguistic frameworks. Optative verbs (viyaṅkōḷ vinaimuttṟu) are frequently employed in Sangam literature to communicate the characters' four primary internal emotions and expressions: blessing (vāḻttal), scolding (vaital), requesting (vēṇḍutal), and commanding (vitittal). This research paper focuses on the specific optative verb "peruga" (may you receive/attain) as it is used in the core Ettuthokai love anthologies: Natrinai (natṟṟiṇai), Kurunthokai (kuṟuntokai), Aingurunooru (Aiṅkuṟunūṟu) and Akananooru (akanāṉūṟu). This study endeavors to examine the semantic shifts and unique contextual meanings of this word in relation to the changing landscapes (tiṇai) and the utterances of the characters, from both grammatical and literary perspectives.
In the history of Tamil Literature, poetry is more than just a collection of words, it is a cultural identity of a society, a political tool, and a subtle expression of human emotions. With a continuous history spanning over two thousand years, the Tamil poetic tradition has undergone various transformations-from the grammatical rules of Yappu (prosody) in the era of Tolkappiyam to the liberated “New Poetry” (Pudukkavithai) of today. This research paper explores in detail how the Akavarpa and Kalippa traditions of Sangam Literature flourished, and the shifts brought about in poetic forms by medieval Bhakti literature and epics. Specifically, it deeply analyzes the revolution of prose-poetry (Vasana Kavithai) initiated by Bharathiyar in the 20th century, followed by the formal and thematic contributions made to modern poetry by literary movements such as Manikkodi, Ezhuthu and Vanambadi. Furthermore, it describes how Japanese poetic forms like Haiku, Senryu, and Tanka took root in the Tamil literary landscape and explains their technical structures. This study also examines how contemporary Tamil poetry aligns with global literary trends and provides a visionary perspective on future poetic forms.
நற்றிணை: ஒளவையார் பாடல்களில் சொற்பொருண்மை செயற்பாடுகளும் மொழிநடைச் சிறப்பும்
Language must adapt over time to survive; while many ancient languages have declined, Tamil has flourished continuously due to its inherent flexibility and adaptability. Even prior to antiquity, Tamil achieved remarkable linguistic and structural development, as evidenced by foundational grammatical works like the Tolkāppiyam and the refined compositions of Sangam literature. Today, Tamil studies expand across diverse fields, with linguistic and lexicographical research playing a vital role in analyzing the inseparable relationship between words, meanings, concepts, and references. Features such as synonymy and polysemy further enrich the language's expressive capability and functional scope. Integrating these semantic and linguistic elements, this research article provides a detailed examination of the songs composed by the poet Avvaiyar in the Natṟiṇai.
This research paper presents an exhaustive study on the concept of 'Education' (Kalviudamai) as expounded in the Thirukkural, an ancient Tamil ethical masterpiece. The analysis categorizes education into four distinct dimensions: General Education, Vocational Education, Ethical Education, and Experiential Education. It explores the conceptual intersection between Thiruvalluvar's didactic principles and modern pedagogical theories, such as John Dewey’s Experiential Learning ("Learning by Doing") and Mahatma Gandhi’s vocational "Nai Talim" philosophy. Furthermore, this study integrates contemporary neuroscientific research to demonstrate how Valluvar's concept of flawless learning ("Karka Kasadara") aligns with high-order cognitive functions governed by the brain's Prefrontal Cortex, and memory consolidation mechanisms in the Hippocampus.4 Through this interdisciplinary approach, the paper establishes that ancient Tamil educational wisdom is not merely an ethical guide but a scientifically sound framework designed to cultivate holistic, ethically responsible, and socially conscious citizens.
The objective of this research paper is to analyze the information related to the art of music in Udayanakumara Kavyam. The central themes of this study include the indispensability of arts in human life, the Jain perspective on art, the social and cultural significance of music, and the practical application of music in daily life. This paper explains the importance given to arts in Jain literature, the classification of arts meant for men and women, and the cultural value of these arts. In Udayanakumara Kavyam, the art of music is depicted as having the power to captivate not only humans but also animals, birds, celestial beings (Gandharvas), and other living creatures. Udayanan's musical skill brings about various turning points in his life. Events such as gaining freedom from imprisonment, earning the respect of kings, teaching music to Vasavadatta and Padmavati, and reclaiming the divine lute (Devayazh) demonstrate the power and social value of music. Furthermore, the epic emphasizes the necessity of preserving and passing down artistic traditions to the next generation by teaching arts from early childhood..
When documenting the history of marginalized communities, traditional historical evidence is often scarce. This is because a group whose cultural identities have been stripped away or denied is unlikely to possess formal historical records. However, if a group or clan is dispersed across various locations within a specific territory, evidence unavailable in one area may be found in another. Furthermore, oral traditions preserve data regarding a community's antiquity, occupations, and culture. There is an intrinsic link between the history of a community and its folklore-which encompasses oral traditions and customs; in essence, folklore constitutes an integral part of a community's history. These elements are inextricably intertwined. Evidence of a community's socio-cultural history is found within its oral traditions, rituals, customs, and material culture. The objective of this study is to document and disseminate the cultural identity of the Kadar tribe as a historical record.
கவிஞர் வாணிதாசனாரின் மொழி மற்றும் நாட்டுப்பற்றுச் சிந்தனைகள்
Poet Vanidasan extols the Tamil language as a life-giving force that animates the beauty reflected in painting, as well as an embodiment of the aesthetic elegance manifested in sculpture. He further equates Tamil with the valor deeply embedded in the hearts of warriors, thereby venerating Mother Tamil as a powerful and inspiring presence. The poet celebrates Tamil as a youthful and progressive feminine entity, proudly acknowledging her as the progenitor of eminent sages such as Thiruvalluvar and Ilangovadigal. Recognizing Tamil as one of the classical languages distinguished by its grammatical precision and literary richness, Vanidasan emphasizes the necessity of preserving it with the same care a mother extends to her child. He advocates safeguarding the language from external linguistic influences and promoting education through the medium of the mother tongue. This study seeks to examine the aesthetic pleasure derived from Tamil music, the cultural and historical pride associated with Tamil Nadu, and the deep-rooted sense of patriotism towards the motherland embedded within Tamil identity.
கண்ணதாசன் திரையிசைப்பாடல்களில் சமுதாயச்சிந்தனை
Society represents a collective way of life. It emerged when humans transitioned from an animalistic state to one of mutual interaction and relationships. People come together and function based on shared foundations such as religion, culture, politics, science, and patriotism. A community of people living together is referred to as a society. If a writer drifts away from social reality, he becomes isolated. Works created in harmony with society are cherished by people long after their time. 'Kaviarasar' has woven his personal experiences into his poems and songs, presenting them in a manner that resonates with society. The poet has been deeply influenced by experiences in both his personal and public life. Consequently, he has crafted his poetry with a focus on society, while maintaining literary excellence. Family relationships form the foundation of people's way of life; indeed, it is these family bonds that blossom into society itself. Literature portrays the social interactions and lifestyles of people living together in society, the highs and lows they experience, their likes and dislikes, their culture, and the inner anguish of the working class. This article examines the social norms and moral principles found in the songs of the poet Kannadasan.
வாலியின் திரையிசைப் பாடல்களில் பன்முகச் சிந்தனைகள்
From the Sangam era to the present modern age, poetry has held a unique value and place. Historical records reveal that this stage of development adapted itself to the times. Poets and scholars have endeavored to bring about social change by instilling various ideas among the people through literature. Emerging and developing in Tamil Nadu at the beginning of the twentieth century, films have been functioning as a medium for the emotional exchange of information among the public, as a source of entertainment, and as a document recording culture. India is one of the countries with a globally developed film industry. Tamil Nadu has made a significant contribution to the soaring fame of the Indian film industry. The success of Tamil films which serve as a vehicle for carrying elements of Tamil culture and heritage to nations across the globe is due to the fact that many creators and artists have sacrificed their lives for them. Poet Vaali stands foremost among the poets who gifted the world of Tamil cinema with monumental, timeless creations throughout their lives. He has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of Tamil literature through his works. Although he presented literary works to the Tamil people in various forms such as poetry, epics, essays, and prose he remains firmly etched in the hearts of Tamils worldwide to this day through his film songs. This research paper aims to examine the life events of the illustrious poet Vaali and trace his journey to the pinnacle of fame.
Periyar is a visionary who awakened society globally through his rationalist thoughts. This study aims to analyze the trajectory of rational thought in literature across various eras and compare the rationalist perspectives of scholars preceding Periyar with his own, highlighting the unique distinctiveness of his ideology. By exploring core themes—including the resolutions of the First Self-Respect Conference, perspectives on caste, oppression in the education system, economics, communism, the dynamics between labor and capital, and the disparity between the rich and the poor—this research elucidates the unique features of Periyar’s rationalist philosophy.
Aasarakkovai is a noteworthy text among the literatures that emerged to nurture human dignity. It was created on the foundational principle that moral values and discipline must endure in every aspect of life. The Pathinenkeelkanakku (Eighteen Lesser Texts) books are classified based on the concepts of Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Love/Pleasure). Aasarakkovai highlights moral and disciplined virtues through Venba (a form of classical Tamil stanza) consisting of five or fewer lines. Specifically, this paper delves into how the text outlines the core responsibilities of a householder, emphasizing that a harmonious domestic life is built on clean habits, respect for elders, and unconditional hospitality. By analyzing these poetic verses, the study illustrates how daily routines and social etiquette are elevated into spiritual and moral duties. Ultimately, this research aims to highlight the enduring relevance of these ancient domestic ethics in guiding modern family structures toward a righteous path.
Thoughts on domestic life (Illarachindanai)
Doing charity/virtuous deeds (Aram seydhal)
Good discipline/Good conduct (Nallolukkam)
Just as a mother is profoundly important to every individual, the mother tongue is equally cherished with utmost significance. In this regard, Tolkappiyam is the most ancient among the grammatical texts available to us in Tamil today. While all world languages have formulated their own grammars, Tolkappiyam brings unparalleled prestige to the Tamil language. It is a classical, ancient text that elucidates the culture of the Tamil language, the antiquity of Tamil literature, and the excellence of its civilization. Generally, in the present era where readers who appreciate grammatical texts are becoming scarce, the reason many still seek out Tolkappiyam is that, although it is a great grammatical treatise, it does not stop at prescribing rules merely for letters (orthography) and words (morphology). Rather, it also establishes the grammar for literature rooted in the lifestyle of the Tamils. Beyond formulating a comprehensive grammar for the entirety of the Tamil language, Tolkappiyam also reveals the Agam (inner life/love) and Puram (outer life/valor and society) of the people of its time. Tolkappiyar naturally and authentically documented the exact lives of his contemporaries within his grammatical framework. Furthermore, he beautifully captured their lifestyles, presenting them as a picturesque grammatical masterpiece. Moreover, a country's inscriptions, copper plates, architectural structures, coins, and its ancient literature serve as vital tools to understand the ancient history, lifestyle, and civilization of its people. Born from the ancient clan that "originated even before stones and soil appeared," the literary treasure for discovering the history of the Tamils is Tolkappiyam—a foundational text that shines as an eternal guiding lamp for our classical Tamil language. The rare Tamil elements found within it serve as essential aids in articulating the magnificent civilizational history of the people. Accordingly, the primary objective of this research is to analyze the domestic virtues (Illaravolukkam) as indicated in Tolkappiyam.
இருத்தலியம் முன்வைக்கும் தனிமனித அந்நியமாதலும் குற்றமும் தண்டனையும் நாவலில் அதன் வெளிப்பாடும்
The World War subjected humanity to various crises, alienating individuals both from their labor and from themselves. Existentialism emerged as a response to this personal crisis, attempting to seek the meaning of life through the lens of death. While Existentialism sets aside external objects to raise questions concerning the inner self, Marxism employs the concept of alienation to critique socio-economic conditions. This article discusses the individual dilemmas presented by Existentialism and the evolution of Hegel's concept of 'Alienation'. Furthermore, it examines the theme of alienation as manifested in Kutramum Thandanayum by Fyodor Dostoevsky, a writer celebrated as a precursor to Existentialism.