The Tamils, who held valor in high esteem, honored Warriors Who achieved victory Without ever turning their backs on the battlefield. If a warrior laid down his life in battle, a hero stone Was erected to commemorate his bravery and honor his memory. Wishing to pay tribute to the fallen warrior – to behold his glory and sing his praises – others carved his mortal form into stone, immortalizing him forever. Beyond merely carving the Warrior‘s figure, they also inscribed his heroic deeds onto the stone in enduring script. Krishnagiri district stands as a historically significant region rich in archaeological evidence. The hero stones found in the Anandur area exemplify the traditions of valor, warfare tactics, cattle protection, and social culture of the times. Notably, there is evidence reflecting the influence the Gangar, Nolambas, Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. Furthermore, an inscription belonging to a merchant guild from the reign of kulothunga cholas III serves as key evidence of the thriving trade organizations in the area. A clear transition in artistic style – shifting Nolambas tradition to the cholas style – is also evident in these hero stones. This study examines the archaeological evidence found in Anandur from a historical perspective, highlighting the social, political, economic and cultural insights they reveal.
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As India's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) moves toward 2030, Arts and Science colleges are compelled to align the contributions of every academic department with institutional growth. This paper argues that the Tamil Department—often perceived merely as a language subject—possesses the potential to make significant contributions across all five NIRF parameters: Teaching, Learning & Resources; Research and Professional Practice; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and Perception. Centering on four dimensions—education, research, Indian Knowledge System (IKS), and community engagement—this article examines how the Tamil Department can contribute to enhancing institutional rankings. The analysis is grounded in recent Tamil studies research papers on Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam, folklore, and linguistic studies, as well as policy studies related to the National Education Policy 2020, NAAC, and NIRF. Additionally, a model Staff Scoring Sheet is included to measure the annual contribution of Tamil Department faculty in alignment with NIRF/NAAC parameters. This paper concludes that Arts and Science colleges can meaningfully achieve the goal of NIRF Excellence 2030 only by shifting away from viewing language departments as "soft" subjects and instead positioning the Tamil Department as a core partner in institutional growth strategy.
In the tradition of Tamil literature, the epic literary genre emerged and developed following the Sangam literature. Among the works revered as the Aimperumkappiyangal (Five Great Epics)—Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Sivaka Chintamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi—this research paper aims to examine the special features of the three epics that are available in their entirety today: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, and Sivaka Chintamani.
This paper analyzes political righteousness, social perspective, and feminist perspective through Silappatikaram; religious philosophy and social justice through Manimekalai; and religious doctrines, social structure, and culture through Sivaka Chintamani. Furthermore, this paper reveals from a comparative perspective how these three epics reflect the social structure and multifaceted human life of that period while carrying their respective religious philosophies (Jainism and Buddhism).
Bhava Relationship in Dasha Fructification
Pages 559-567The benefits (significations/results) received during a specific Dasha period depend on the ruling planet of that Dasha and its connection to the house of signification (Karaka Bhava). Every Dasha period does not deliver all the significations promised in the natal chart. It is the relationship between the Dasha lord and the significator house that determines whether a specific signification will yield results during that Dasha period. This research paper synthesizes information from traditional Vedic astrological texts and modern analytical insights to explain the importance of houses in predicting Dasha results, alongside modern approaches based on Argala and Significators (Soochakar).
Emboss painting is a unique artistic form that integrates the three-dimensional nature of sculpture with the visual expression of painting to record history, culture, religion, social lifestyle, and human emotions. The primary objective of this study is to connect the origin and evolution of this artistic tradition with the long cultural history of Tamil society. This study analyzes relief forms found across various artistic expressions from the Sangam period to the contemporary era, focusing on their themes, structure, technology, artistic elegance, and symbolic significance. Key areas of this research examine how nature, heroism, divine worship, royal lineage, and daily life were visually portrayed in ancient artistic culture, and how these representations transformed over time. In particular, relief forms featured in temples, monuments, architectural structures, and modern art creations are approached through a comparative lens. It also explains how lines, shapes, depth, movement, composition, materials, and decorative elements shape the aesthetic quality of Emboss painting. Furthermore, this study emphasizes that relief art serves not merely as a decorative medium, but as a visual archive transmitting a society's memories, beliefs, lifestyles, and cultural identities across generations. Expressions of contemporary relief art born from the fusion of tradition and modernity are also taken into consideration. Through this, the study attempts to bring to light the historical continuity, artistic character, aesthetic value, and cultural significance of relief art from an integrated perspective.
If we do not know the history of yesterday, we will fail to understand what happens today; and if we fail to understand what happens today, tomorrow will not be in our hands” — in the spirit of this observation attributed to poet Bharathidasan, this paper argues that forgetting the history of the Kani (Kanikkaran) people is tantamount to erasing an indigenous community and its culture from our collective memory. The Kani are a Scheduled Tribe who have historically inhabited the Kurinji (hill) and Mullai (forest) landscapes of the southern Western Ghats, living in close harmony with nature. This paper documents the historical background of the Kani people for future generations — their geographical distribution, the etymology of the name ‘Kani’, their distinctive settlement pattern, food habits, cultural style, leadership structure, religious worship, social organisation, language, traditional ecological and medicinal knowledge, and the way of life woven together with nature. Building on primary field-based secondary literature, the study is further extended with open-access scholarly articles, government reports and Census of India data to examine contemporary issues facing the Kani community, including land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, education, and the protection of traditional knowledge — most notably the Arogyapacha–Jeevani benefit-sharing case.
This research paper explores the principles of 'Meyppattiyal' (the aesthetics/physical manifestations of emotions) in the Porulathikaram of Tolkappiyar's Tolkappiyam through the lens of modern 'Dark Psychology'. This study demonstrates how 'Meyppadus'—the physical and psychological expressions of internal and external human emotions—relate to dark psychological traits such as internal emotional conflict, deceit, manipulation, mental stress, vengefulness, and social dominance. By analyzing the eight primary emotions specified by Tolkappiyar—humor/mockery (Nakai), sorrow (Alukai), contempt/degradation (Ilivaral), wonder (Marutkai), fear (Acham), pride/valour (Perumitham), anger (Vekuli), and joy (Uvakai)—along with their underlying causes and manifestations through classical poetic tradition, this paper uncovers the implicit psychological strategies utilized in ancient Tamil culture. Specifically, it examines how 'Ilivaral' (self-degradation/loss of dignity), 'Vekuli' (anger/vengeful wrath), 'Acham' (fear/dominance through intimidation), and the subtle nuances of 'Nakai' (dark humor/mockery) align with human negative and dark psychological states. Ultimately, this work establishes that ancient Tamil grammar is not merely a linguistic framework, but also a sophisticated psychological document offering deep insight into the darker dimensions of the human mind.
While Large Language Models (LLMs) demonstrate significant capabilities in standard Tamil, the extent to which they accurately understand and translate Kongu regional Tamil—spoken in the Kongu region including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, and Karur—remains an insufficiently explored area. This article examines the dialect-handling capabilities of AI language models, focusing on Kongu Tamil. For this purpose, a small-scale pilot Kongu Tamil benchmark dataset was curated by the author based on a verified Kongu dialect vocabulary. Using this dataset, zero-shot and few-shot experiments were conducted with a publicly accessible Large Language Model (Claude), and the responses were evaluated based on the author's linguistic knowledge, with errors categorized accordingly. Additionally, citing results from previously published studies comparing various LLMs (Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude), this paper proposes a comprehensive methodological plan for a complete multi-model comparative study for Kongu Tamil, along with a human expert evaluation protocol. Preliminary findings indicate that while the language model handles lexical dialectal variations reasonably well, significant errors occur in cultural nuances, syntactic variations, and idiomatic expressions. This study underscores the need to build large-scale, human-expert-verified benchmark datasets for Tamil dialects.
Tamil literature has long articulated moral principles and ethical values that guide human life. Among the Post-Sangam literature, the Pathinen Kilkkanakku (Eighteen Lesser Texts) hold a prominent place in detailing the righteous living and moral conduct of the Tamils. A notable work among these is Acharakkovai. The term Acharam denotes discipline, good conduct, and a righteous way of life, while Kovai signifies a compilation or sequence. Thus, Acharakkovai can be defined as a treatise that compiles rules on how a human being should live a disciplined and ethical life.
Thiruvalluvar emphasizes through the chapter ‘Seeking the Support of the Great’ (Chapter 45) that it is appropriate to take elders, who excel in experience and wisdom, as one's advisors, guides, and companions. The purpose of this paper is to examine this ethical principle against the background of modern scientific domains, namely Neuroscience and Cognitive Aging. Although the maturation of the human brain faces white matter degeneration, it strengthens experiential knowledge and personality through integrated neural activity of both hemispheres (HAROLD model) and advanced cognitive reappraisal. Drawing upon primary textbooks in the field—Kandel's Principles of Neural Science, Gazzaniga's Cognitive Neuroscience, and Kolb & Whishaw's Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology—the neuroscientific and psychological foundations of 10 couplets are analyzed in detail here.
Literature endures across time not just through its underlying ideas, but through its unique modes of expression—an aesthetic found in how content is conveyed to evoke genuine emotion rather than in the subject matter itself. Excellent literary style relies on the harmonious integration of all expressive techniques across all genres, as no single element can be isolated to account for a work's artistic elegance. Applying this principle, the article analyzes the language style of the poet Yathiri, who achieves his poetic effect not through an artificially stylized tone, but by skillfully transforming direct everyday speech into compelling poetry.
The lifestyle of the ancient Sangam Tamils did not merely consist of a simple existence in harmony with nature; rather, this paper thoroughly investigates how they developed and utilized remarkable indigenous technologies to meet their daily needs and sustain great empires. By comparing various scientific and handicraft references found in Sangam literature with modern archaeological excavation data, this academic study establishes the scientific and technological prowess of the ancient Tamils. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the scientific knowledge possessed by Tamils in fields such as agriculture, water resource management (Kallanai Dam), metallurgy (Kodumanal iron smelting factory), weaving, shipbuilding, and architecture. Supported by literary and archaeological data, this paper analyzes how the Sangam Tamils designed rare technological tools and methods through empirical experience, even in the absence of formal educational institution structures.
In the landscape of Tamil literature, the post-1990s period witnessed a revolutionary shift in the thematic content of women poets' writings. In particular, a new trend emerged during this time that declared the female body and mind—which had been silenced for ages by dominant social structures—as domains of self-sovereignty and rights. Standing at the forefront of such literary endeavors, the poems of Sukirtharani fiercely address the internal struggles faced by Dalit women at the intersection of caste oppression and gender discrimination.
This paper comprehensively examines the internal crises related to love, the body, the mind, and sexual desires expressed in Sukirtharani’s poetry through the lens of Dalit feminist theories. Furthermore, it analyzes how Dalit aesthetics are constructed in her poetic language and how they dismantle traditional dominant aesthetics.
சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் உள்ளத்தின் தற்காப்பு முறைகள்Defense Mechanisms of the Mind in Sangam Literature
Pages 61-76This article describes the psychological defense mechanisms employed by characters in Sangam literature to safeguard their peace of mind and prevent personality breakdown arising from life's frustrations, inner struggles, and anxieties. Defense mechanisms are temporary solutions generated by the unconscious mind to protect the human psyche and alleviate psychological stress. In this paper, psychological concepts are compared alongside evidence from Akam (interior/love) and Puram (exterior/heroic) poems of the Sangam period. Specifically, this study extensively examines how various psychological defense strategies—such as Repression (removing distressing thoughts), Denial (refusing to accept painful truths), Projection (attributing one's sorrow onto nature or other objects), Rationalization (justifying improper actions with excuses), Undoing (seeking atonement for a wrongdoing), Identification (finding satisfaction by aligning with others' achievements), and Sublimation (channeling instinctual energy into socially acceptable avenues)—are manifested in the behavior of Sangam literary characters.
This article establishes that modern psychological theories align remarkably well with the mental struggles and psychological feelings (such as Nothal / distress) of ancient Sangam characters.
Mullaippattu, which contains the fewest lines among the works in the Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) collection of Sangam literature, is centered on the Agham (internal/love) tradition of patient waiting (kaathiruthal). However, the historical, social, religious, and cultural data embedded within its background are immense. This research paper undertakes a detailed analysis of the ancient Tamils' family structure, hospitality, virtue of chastity (karpu neri), life intertwined with nature, worship of Mayon (Vishnu), the tradition of listening to Viritchi (good omens/words), and military encampment structures as revealed through Mullaippattu.
Furthermore, it analyzes social elements such as the involvement of foreigners like the Yavanas and Mlecchas in war camps, women lighting statues/lamps (Paavai Vilakku), and Sanskrit-speaking mahouts training elephants, alongside the global trade and political connections of the Tamils understood through these aspects. This study establishes that Mullaippattu serves as a historical treasure trove reflecting the high degree of civilization among the people of the Sangam era.
Kambaramayanam is one of the magnificent epics found in the Tamil- speaking world. It bears the name Kambaramayanam because it was composed by the poet Kamban; however, the title Kanban himself gave to the epic was Rama Avataram. Numerous commentaries have been—and continue to be—written for this epic, which comprises ten thousand verses of exquisite quality. Va. Mu. Gopalakrishnamachariar is the scholar who provided a systematic commentary for the entire Kambaramayanam. Yet, prior to him, there existed an earlier commentator whose name remains unknown; it was Dr. U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer, who introduced this anonymous commentator to the Tamil literary world. Just as there are anonymous, ancient commentaries for various Tamil works—ranging from grammatical treatises to literary texts—so too does Kambaramayanam possess such a commentary. Based on the edition by U. Ve. Staminate Iyer's commentaries are available for a total of 578 out of the 10,000 verses in the epic. A key feature of this study is its focus on highlighting the distinctive qualities of the commentary provided by this anonymous, early commentator.
வள்ளலாரின் உரைநடை நூல்களில் படைப்பிலக்கிய ஆளுமைCreative Literary Personality in the Prose Works of Vallalar
Pages 99-109Arutprakasa Vallalar, who propagated the philosophy of Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga to the world, occupies a distinguished place in the history of Tamil literature. He was not only an eminent poet but also an accomplished prose writer. Vallalar's prose works transcend the boundaries of religious expository literature and stand as remarkable literary creations that eloquently articulate the ideals of humanitarianism, compassion for all living beings, equality, moral discipline, and social reform. This paper examines the distinctive features of his prose, including its linguistic style, conceptual framework, narrative technique, social responsibility, spiritual humanism, the philosophy of Jeevakarunyam (compassion towards all life), and its literary devices. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that Vallalar's prose continues to offer meaningful guidance in addressing contemporary issues such as humanitarian values, religious harmony, environmental consciousness, and universal brotherhood, thereby affirming its enduring relevance.
The Varaha Purana is the twelfth among the eighteen Mahapuranas. This Purana centers around the Varaha avatar, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The story of the Varaha avatar, who rescued the Earth from the netherworld (Patala), is highly relevant to concepts such as environmental protection, the sanctity of the Earth, and sustainable development.
This research paper deeply examines the environmental concepts found in the Varaha Purana while shedding light on the contributions of the ancient Indian knowledge tradition toward Earth protection and sustainable development. The Varaha Purana refers to the five types of benefits provided by trees as the "Five Mahayajnas" (great sacrifices). Furthermore, this Purana emphasizes the belief that if a person plants five trees, they will not go to hell. This paper also explores how the teachings of the Varaha Purana can provide solutions to modern environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss..
This paper explores how Generative AI can be integrated as a supplementary tool to enhance Tamil language instruction for engineering students, addressing key challenges such as English-medium dominance, uneven student proficiency, a lack of modern learning materials, and low engagement. It examines AI’s practical applications across vocabulary, grammar, translation, communication skills, and Technical Tamil, while critically addressing risks like AI hallucinations, linguistic bias, academic integrity, and digital inequality. Ultimately, the study advocates for ethical, outcome-based, and context-sensitive pedagogical frameworks that leverage AI to expand Tamil’s presence in technical fields without sacrificing the cultural and intellectual depth of language learning.
This research paper examines the correlation between Tamil Nadu's digital transformation in education and the fluctuations in Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) pass rates since 2012, with a focus on the record high pass count of 320,014 by November 2025. By analyzing the digital divide, technology adoption, and teacher skill enhancement, the study attributes the 2025 surge in success to a revised question paper design, qualifying mark concessions, and increased use of digital tools fostered by government initiatives like Kalvi TV and free laptops. Ultimately, using secondary data, the paper concludes that while technology expands access—despite a persistent urban-rural literacy gap—digital tools alone are insufficient, as overall success heavily depends on training quality, curriculum alignment, and socio-economic factors.
The increasing prevalence of adolescent mental health challenges underscores the need for culturally responsive counselling approaches informed by indigenous knowledge systems. While contemporary counselling psychology has largely evolved within Western theoretical traditions, Sangam Akam literature preserves culturally grounded perspectives on emotional regulation, resilience, interpersonal relationships, and social support that remain relevant to contemporary practice. This integrative review examines indigenous counselling and mental health concepts across the five major Sangam Akam anthologies—Kurunthogai, Natrinai, Akananuru, Ainkurunuru, and Kalithogai. Guided by Indigenous Psychology and contemporary counselling theories, thematic synthesis identified six interrelated psychological constructs: emotion regulation, grief and loss, hope, resilience, identity development, and social connectedness. The review further revealed indigenous helping processes embodied by the Thozhi, Annai, Sevili, Vayil, family, and community, which collectively promote emotional adaptation and psychosocial well-being. These findings informed the development of the Sangam Indigenous Counselling Model (SICM), a culturally grounded conceptual framework that integrates indigenous Tamil counselling wisdom with contemporary counselling psychology. Rather than replacing established counselling theories, the SICM complements them by offering a culturally responsive perspective for adolescent counselling and provides a foundation for future empirical research in indigenous psychology..
The soul is a divine energy operating within the human body. Even after the death of our physical body, the soul remains indestructible, preserving its essence to continue forever. As an embodiment of the divine, this soul conquers death and possesses an eternal nature, functioning in union with supreme divine power. Across global religious and philosophical traditions, the soul is viewed as the fundamental core of living beings. Such understandings of the soul and funerary rites were deeply rooted in ancient Tamil society as well. Classical Tamil literature extensively documents the beliefs of Tamils regarding final rites and the soul. The objective of this article is to explore and reveal the theories held by ancient Tamils concerning the souls of the departed through the poems of Agananuru, one of the Ettuthokai anthologies.
முல்லை நிலத் தெய்வமும் கலித்தொகையின் மாண்பும்The Mullai Landscape Deity and The Literary Greatness of Kalithogai
Pages 188-200The ancient life of the Tamils was closely aligned with nature1. The Sangam Tamils, who lived based on the land, shaped their moral codes and modes of worship according to the specific geographical regions they inhabited1. Among the Eight Anthologies, Kaliththogai stands fifth1. Composed in the Kalippa meter, this work is characterized by its lively rhythm and dramatic style1. The section Mullaikali, composed by Chozhan Nalluruthiran, vividly portrays the life of the people of the Mullai region right before our eyes1. Among the five landscapes or Thinais, the Mullai Thinai denotes the forest and forest-adjacent way of life1. According to Tholkappiyam, the primary deity of the Mullai region is Maayon (Thirumal/Vishnu)1. This paper examines in detail the pastoral life of the cowherds, the bull-taming events, the modes of worship of the Mullai deity, and the unique literary merits found in Mullaikali of Kalithogai1. The study further explains how the worship of the Mullai deity and the distinctive literary qualities of Kalithogai reflect the culture of Sangam-age Tamils1. It also highlights how the worship practices of the Mullai people were intertwined with their bravery, love, daily life, and cultural identity.
Family serves as the fundamental unit of society. In the Indian context, the entirety of social dynamics revolves around the family system. When closely examining the practical functioning of each family, one can observe that it encompasses various conflicts and contradictions. The novels of S. Ramakrishnan portray family relationships, inter-familial disputes, and their consequences with remarkable realism.
This research paper aims to analyze the concepts of family depicted in S. Ramakrishnan's novels 'Sanjaram', 'Idakkai', and 'Pathin', along with the internal family conflicts, the impact of bad habits, the consequences of malnutrition, and the effect of male selfishness within the household. These novels possess a unique approach that captures the inner dynamics of the institution of family as realistic portrayals without resorting to over-sentimentalism.
A school serves as a beacon of light that refines the individual, enhances intellectual capacity, and guides one toward excellence in character and conduct. The Tamil schools established by the Tamil community in Malaysia act as seeds sown to ensure that the Tamil language—one of the world's ancient languages—flourishes like the sprawling banyan tree and takes deep, resilient root like the hardy Bermuda grass. These schools shine as repositories that preserve not only the Tamil language but also a wealth of distinctive elements, including Tamil arts, culture, traditions, heritage, religious philosophies, ethical values, and spiritual wisdom.
The Thirukkural stands as a universal code of conduct encompassing all aspects of human life. Within its three sections-Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure—the concepts found in the 'Wealth' section (covering politics, governance, administration, civil affairs, justice, warfare, economics, friendship, enmity, and the welfare of the citizenry) remain relevant to contemporary political administration. In modern democracy, principles such as transparency, accountability, corruption-free administration, human rights, social justice, and good governance hold significant importance. The central theme of this study is that the Thirukkural emphasized many of these political norms two thousand years ago.
This article presents guidelines for good governance by comparing the political thoughts found in the Thirukkural with contemporary political principles. It explains how aspects such as the qualities of a ruler, the qualifications of ministers, the judicial system, the welfare of citizens, state responsibilities, war and peace, taxation, ethical leadership, and the eradication of corruption relate to the fundamental principles of modern political administration. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring relevance of Thiruvalluvar’s perspective that political power should be a responsibility to ensure the welfare of the people, rather than an instrument of domination.
This study not only reveals the connection between classical Tamil thought and modern political science but also serves as an effort to re-examine the universal political vision of the Thirukkural.
வைக்கம் முகம்மது பஷீர் சிறுகதைகளில் காணப்படும் உத்திகள்Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Sirukathaigalil Kaanapadum Uthikal
Pages 228-237This study traces the evolution of Tamil literature from ancient Sangam poetry to modern genres like novels and short stories, highlighting the significant impact of translated works from neighboring Dravidian languages. Specifically, it focuses on the immensely popular Tamil translations of Malayalam author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's short stories and novels, translated by Sukumaran and Kulachal Yusuf. Ultimately, the research aims to analyze the various literary techniques employed in Basheer's short stories, with a particular emphasis on how he crafts his titles, beginnings, narrative flow, and conclusions.
The literary concept of Aram Pāṭuthal (ethical or curse-like poetic invocation) in Nandikkalambakam has been the subject of scholarly debate. Some researchers argue that Aram Pāṭuthal is incompatible with the Tamil literary tradition and that such a technique is absent in Nandikkalambakam. This study re-examines those claims and argues that Aram Pāṭuthal has existed as a continuous literary tradition from the Sangam period to the present. The study compares the Ānanda Kuṟṟam found in Malaipaṭukaṭām and the satirical poems of Kāḷamēga Pulavar (Āṟṟār, Kayaṟṟāṟu, and Āṟumuka Maṅkalam) with the Aram Pāṭuthal found in Nandikkalambakam. It further examines the traditional belief in the transformative power of music—such as lighting lamps through Dīpamālai, invoking rain through Amṛtavarṣiṇi, charming serpents through Punnāgavarāḷi, and curing diseases through Ānanda Bhairavi—to argue that poetic utterances endowed with Aram were also believed to possess the power to bring about tangible consequences. The study concludes that Aram Pāṭuthal in Nandikkalambakam is not merely a mythical belief but a significant literary device deeply rooted in Tamil literary, cultural, and traditional thought.
ஆதனின் பொம்மைசிறுகதை காட்டும் தொல்லியல் கூறுகள்Archaeological Elements Reflected in the Short Story Aathan's Toy
Pages 249-255The short novella “Aathanin Bommai” (Aathan’s Toy) depicts an ancient manner of living. Readers can see different archaeological elements related with the Indus Valley Civilization in this narrative, including excavated potsherds, coins, ceramics, and seals. The story emphasizes the Indus Valley people’s egalitarian thinking, civilization, culture, economy, technology, language, ethnicity, history, and antiquity, as well as the lifestyles and moral principles that their forefathers practiced. It also features children’s clay toys, cultural expression, artistic sensitivities, and craftsmanship. References to bead necklaces, coral-set rings, jewelry, pearls, old dietary habits, trade and commerce symbols, ancient architecture, and technical breakthroughs add to the archaeological theme. Thus, the short novella Athan’s Toy provides a wealth of archaeological, historical, and cultural insights into ancient life.
From Tolkappiyam onwards, one can trace how Tamil prosody (grammar of poetic composition) has evolved over time. Among the essential elements of verse specified in prosody, Thodai (poetic harmony/rhyme) is one. Edukai Thodai (second-letter rhyming), which stands as one of the primary types of Thodai, serves as a vital element in bestowing acoustic richness to a poem. It highlights the musical and rhythmic beauty of a verse. This research paper explores how this Edukai Thodai, as manifested across metrical foot positions (Sir-Nilai) in the poems of Agananuru, acts as a foundation for earlier prosodic traditions while paving the way for later poetic conventions.
The Thiruvalavayudaiyar Thiruvilayadal Puranam is the first Thiruvilayadal Puranam to appear in Tamil in the history of ancient literature. This book, which has various special names such as Vembattrar Thiruvilayadal, Aadi Thiruvilayadal Puranam, Pazhaya Thiruvilayadal, and Nambi Thiruvilaiyadal, contains 1,753 Vritta songs. This article is designed to analyze and explain the method of studying and the composition of the Kali Vrittams contained in this book, which was composed by Perumpatrapuliyur Nambi, based on the Vritta Paviyal. By dissecting the rhythmic nuances, metrical variations, and structural patterns within these verses, the study highlights how Nambi expertly adapted traditional prosodic norms to enhance the narrative's emotional and devotional depth. Furthermore, this research underscores the pivotal role of Kali Vrittams in bridging classical Tamil poetic forms with devotional literature, offering valuable insights for scholars of Tamil prosody (Yaappu) and medieval literary traditions.
Topography defines the setting of stories and it is essential to understanding literature. In literature, “Imaginary Topography” refers to constructing a fictional world’s setting, people, and culture through details such as landforms, climate, and natural resources. Ilango Adigal’s Silappathikaram presents such an imagined Topography through the journeys of Kannagi, Kovalan, and Kavunthiyadigal. Later, three researchers C. Govindarajan, R. Murugavel, and Pavel Bharathi added new dimensions to this footstep-based literature. Across their interpretations, the actual paths and their descriptions remain crucial. Because landscapes and routes have changed significantly over thousands of years, this article uses literary sources to connect historical travel points, routes, and their main land.
Tamil Heritage Education represents a rich body of traditional knowledge encompassing palm-leaf manuscripts, Sangam literature, Thinnai-based indigenous education, Siddha medicine, folk arts, and cultural practices that have been transmitted across generations. However, these invaluable knowledge resources face significant challenges, including physical deterioration, inadequate documentation, and limited digital accessibility. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers innovative opportunities to preserve, digitize, and disseminate Tamil heritage education while integrating it with contemporary educational practices.
This study proposes a conceptual AI-driven framework for enhancing Tamil Heritage Education through the integration of Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Voice AI, and Virtual Reality (VR). The proposed framework aims to facilitate the digitization of heritage resources, improve the interpretation of classical Tamil texts, and support personalized and interactive learning experiences. The study adopts a conceptual and literature-based research approach by reviewing contemporary studies on artificial intelligence, digital heritage preservation, educational technology, and Tamil cultural resources.
The findings suggest that AI technologies have considerable potential to support the preservation, accessibility, and dissemination of Tamil heritage knowledge while fostering learner engagement and digital scholarship. The proposed framework provides a foundation for future research on AI-enabled heritage education and contributes to the sustainable preservation of Tamil cultural and educational traditions in the digital era.
In the tradition of Tamil literature, the *Kambaramayanam* holds a significant place among the great epics that deeply chronicle the intricate psychological workings of the human mind. The character Manthara, despite possessing neither political authority nor military might, demonstrates the power to alter the political history of Ayodhya through her eloquence. She systematically transforms the mindset of Kaikeyi—who was initially overjoyed at the news of Rama’s coronation—by strategically invoking psychological elements such as fear, maternal affection, a sense of loss, trust, and a sense of entitlement. This study re-examines Manthara’s eloquence not merely as a literary event, but through the lens of modern psychological and communication theories. Manthara’s dialogue is compared with modern psychological theories such as fear appeal, loss aversion, emotional framing, source credibility, the foot-in-the-door technique, and cognitive justification. Furthermore, her eloquence is evaluated in light of the principles of verbal prowess articulated by Thiruvalluvar in the chapter on 'The Power of Speech' (Kural 641–650). The central thesis of this study is that Manthara is not merely a negative character; rather, she is a skilled communication expert who deeply understood the dynamics of the human mind and utilized language as a tool for political communication.
This paper examines the Garuda Purana not merely as a religious text on death, rebirth, and rituals, but as an influential moral treatise shaping individual ethics and social order. Reinterpreting its core doctrines against contemporary social change, the study highlights how the karmic principle of "reaping what you sow" promotes virtuous behavior, yet risks being misused to legitimize caste hierarchy, inequality, and suffering by birth, while its mandated funeral rites can create financial and psychological strain despite fostering family unity. Using a comparative textual approach with classical Tamil ethical works like the Tirukkural and Naladiyar, the paper identifies tensions between Puranic concepts and modern values of equality, reason, and diversity. It concludes that rather than rejecting ancient scriptures outright, their ethical essence should be responsibly adapted to reconcile traditional heritage with modern social justice and harmony.
In Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy, Shivalinga worship and the five-syllable Panchakshara Mantra (*Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya*) are complementary visual and acoustic representations of the same ultimate reality, bridging the transcendent and tangible through formless-form (*Aruva-Uruvam*) and sacred sound energy. Each of the five syllables corresponds directly to one of the five cosmic elements (*Panchabhutas*: earth, water, fire, air, and ether) represented physically by the Linga, creating a unified framework that embodies the core Shaiva Siddhanta triad of *Pati* (the Supreme Being), *Pasu* (the soul), and *Pasa* (bondage). Grounded in canonical sources such as Tirumular’s *Tirumandiram*, Shivavakkiyar's verses, Agamic literature, and the Siddha tradition, the synthesis of Shivalinga worship and Panchakshara chanting elevates external ritual into an internal, soul-liberating discipline that reveals the complete essence of Shaiva philosophy.
This study explores the Brahma Purana through the lens of Bhakti literature, analyzing its various modes of divine worship and the core philosophy of Saranagati (total surrender). By comparing Sanskrit Puranic concepts with the Tamil Bhakti traditions of the Alvars and Nayanmars, the paper argues that devotional practices such as chanting (Nama Japa), meditation (Dhyana), ritual worship (Archana), fasting (Vrata), and pilgrimage (Tirtha Yatra) serve as progressive spiritual steps (sadhana) that naturally culminate in complete self-surrender. Supported by textual evidence from the Brahma Purana, recent Tamil academic books, and fifteen research articles, the study concludes that outward worship rituals and Saranagati are not isolated practices, but rather two sequential phases along a continuous path of spiritual evolution.
Centered on the *Devi Mahatmya* section of the *Markandeya Purana*, this study examines the philosophical foundations of Shakti worship within Hinduism's Shakta tradition. Structured around a dialogue between Sage Markandeya and Kraustuki and anchored by three core mythological narratives—the slayings of Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura, and Shumbha-Nishumbha—the text establishes Parasakti as the supreme divinity responsible for cosmic creation, preservation, and dissolution. Using textual and expository methodologies, the paper demonstrates how the veneration of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati offers a blueprint to overcome the three *gunas* (*tamas*, *rajas*, and *sattva*), ultimately reframing Shakti worship from external ritualism into an internal spiritual journey of self-elevation.
The primary objective of this article is to examine how Thiruvalluvar's Thirukkural guides human life towards excellence, and to deeply explore how it provides guidance for future societal needs and modern life challenges1. Originating over two thousand years ago, the values of Thiruvalluvar—who formulated the three great foundational principles of Virtue (Aram), Wealth (Porul), and Love (Inbam) for the betterment of humanity—possess a universal nature applicable to all eras1. Based on data from the original text and compared with research data from modern international Tamil research journals, this article comprehensively establishes the practical life applications of Thirukkural. It covers a wide range of topics, from its mathematical structure, ethical management, and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), to Artificial Intelligence governance (AI Governance).
This research paper analyzes the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Input Tax Credit (ITC) restrictions on the working capital management of Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Despite ITC's design to prevent cascading taxes and improve liquidity, MSMEs face significant challenges securing timely credit due to CGST Act compliance conditions (Sections 16–21), GSTR-2B reconciliation, blocked credits, vendor reliance, and strict deadlines. Drawing on secondary data and 15 recent studies from the past five years, the paper highlights how ITC delays disrupt cash flow, inventory, trade cycles, and the Cash Conversion Cycle, ultimately increasing operational costs, bank debt reliance, and competitive pressure on MSMEs. Finally, it offers policy recommendations to streamline ITC processes and alleviate financial stress for the sector.
Tamil literature contains extensive references to various musical instruments such as Yazh, flute (Kuzhal), Murasu, Parai, Tannumai, Pandil, Kinnaram, and Tudi. Sangam literature glorifies the Yazh as an exceptionally fine melodic instrument, and literary evidence indicates that it was played by troupes of male (Panar) and female (Viraliyar) bards. The 18th verse (Nurpa) of Akattinaiyiyal in Tolkappiyam Porulatikaram highlights the Yazh and Parai as fundamental cultural treasures of the Tamil way of life. The musical intricacies of the ancient Tamils are elaborately explained across Tolkappiyam, Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls), Silappatikaram, Thevaram, and medieval inscriptions. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the origin, structure, crafting techniques, usage, and ensemble dynamics of the four categories of musical instruments—percussion (Thorkaruvi), wind (Kaatrukaruvi), stringed (Narambukaruvi), and idiophones/cymbals (Kanjakaruvi)—as found in Tamil literature and archaeological records.
In the history of Tamil Epic literature, Sulamani occupies a distinguished position next to Sivaka Sinthamani in terms of literary fame and significance. The original title given to this work by its author, Tholamozhi Thevar is Chenkan Netiyan Charitham. The Epic consists of twelve sarukkams and 2130 verses. This article examines and explains the compositional patterns of the kaliviruttam verses found in the work, based on the principles of Viruttappaviyal. Specifically, it highlights variations in rhyme schemes (etukai and monai), syllable counts, and rhythmic flow (chantham) within the kaliviruttam structures. By mapping these prosodic features against classical metrical rules, the study demonstrates how Tholamozhi Thevar skillfully adapted traditional verse forms to heighten emotional resonance and narrative momentum. Ultimately, this analysis provides deeper insights into the structural brilliance of medieval Tamil Jain epics and contributes to the broader understanding of Tamil metrics (Yappu).
India’s independence was a historic achievement made possible through the sacrifices, dedication, and relentless efforts of countless freedom fighters. Thousands of men and women fought for the liberation of the nation without caring for their lives, possessions, or personal interests. The freedom we enjoy today is the result of their immense sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the cause of national independence. However, only a few freedom fighters have received widespread recognition, while the sacrifices and contributions of many others remain largely unknown to the outside world. It is therefore essential to bring the contributions of these unsung freedom fighters of Tamil Nadu to the attention of the present and future generations. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the nation deserve to be documented, remembered, and commemorated as an integral part of India’s freedom struggle. The significance of the contributions of freedom fighters can never be overstated. Every Independence Day, the nation remembers the thousands of men and women who dedicated themselves to the cause of national liberation. Their sacrifices remain an enduring source of inspiration, and the people of India will continue to remember and honour their invaluable contributions to the nation’s freedom.
This research paper meticulously examines the impact, usage techniques, and structural elegance of ancient Tamil literature in the pioneer of modern Tamil historical novels—the late Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Ponniyin Selvan—adhering strictly to academic research methodologies.
The paper critically analyzes Kalki’s evolution of Tamil consciousness—starting from his experience with Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaram’s Navasakti journal—and the socio-political backdrop of the 1950s in which the novel was conceived. It details the methodology used to integrate Sangam literature, Thirukkural, epics like Silappathikaram, Shaivite Thirumuraigal, and Nalayira Divya Prabandham into the plot construction and character development. Furthermore, it presents a balanced discussion on the supportive and critical perspectives among various scholars regarding the blending of classical literature into historical fiction, alongside an assessment of Kalki’s own poetic artistry.
An earthquake is a natural disaster characterized by its unpredictable nature and destructive potential. Although Tamil Nadu is situated in a relatively low-to-moderate earthquake hazard zone, Tamil Wikipedia (2026) records that the Western Ghats region and coastal areas face unique risks. In this context, long before modern scientific instruments, the Tamil people observed natural phenomena and recorded natural calamities through Sangam literature, epics, folklore traditions, and proverbs.
This research paper proposes a multidisciplinary earthquake disaster awareness model by combining Tamil traditional knowledge, literary references, and folklore beliefs with Artificial Intelligence-based Tamil Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies. Consisting of four layers—a Traditional Data Aggregation Layer, a Tamil NLP Analysis Layer, a Scientific Sensor Data Integration Layer, and a Local Language Awareness Output Layer—this model presents traditional wisdom and modern technology not as competing systems, but as complementary ones.
Through an illustrative application example, this paper describes how this model can deliver awareness to the public in their local language with local cultural credibility. Finally, the paper reviews the practical challenges, limitations, and future research directions of this integrated approach.
Literature serves not only as a mirror reflecting the nature and values of human life, but also functions as a medium that transmits society's norms and culture across generations. In particular, the landscape of Tamil literature plays a vital role in cultivating human moral standards and guiding the individual along the path of righteousness. From Sangam literature to post-Sangam didactic texts, twin epics, devotional literature, and modernist works, literature across all eras subtly emphasizes how man should live with good conduct.
Sublime moral principles such as compassion, love, justice, impartiality, unity, humility, and charity are consistently put forward in Tamil literature. The nobility of family relationships, social responsibility, the benevolent mindset of helping other living beings, and ecological ethics that preserve the natural environment are conveyed to readers in an easily understandable manner through verses, poems, and narratives. Through this, Tamil literature stands out as an excellent guide for living that enhances man's inner virtues. Therefore, this study establishes that literature is not merely an art form of aesthetic expression, but also acts as a manual of life ethics that reforms human society and leads it on the right path.
The Self-Respect Movement, launched in May 1925 by Thanthai Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, served as a turning point in the social history of Tamil society. Rationally confronting all forms of human bondages—such as caste, religion, superstition, and women's subjugation—this movement sought to establish a new social order based on rationalism.
Based on historical documents, articles from the Kudi Arasu journal, and conference resolutions, this article critically examines the origin and philosophical foundations of the Self-Respect Movement, the resolutions passed through its conferences, its contribution to the women's liberation movement, the anti-Hindi agitation, and its impact on literature, drama, and music.
It also describes how the Self-Respect Movement charted an ideological path distinct from the Justice Party, the background of Periyar's exit from the Congress party, and direct actions taken for the eradication of untouchability. This study establishes that the ideological contribution of the Self-Respect Movement serves as a foundational basis for contemporary social justice principles and constitutional values.
Tolkāppiyam, the ancient grammatical text of Tamil, not only explains linguistic grammar but also records the geography, lifestyle, culture, and natural environment of the Tamil people. In particular, the Ainthinai (Five Landscapes) concept presented in the Porulatikaram is a significant framework that reveals the close relationship between the natural environment and human life. The five landscapes—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai—are characterized by distinctive geographical features, climatic conditions, plants, animals, birds, water resources, occupations, and ways of life. This study examines the Ainthinai concept in Tolkāppiyam from the perspective of modern ecology and biodiversity conservation. By analysing the natural elements and biological diversity associated with each landscape, the study highlights the ecological knowledge and nature-oriented thinking of the ancient Tamils. It demonstrates that the Ainthinai classification reflects an integrated understanding of the interrelationship between humans, nature, and biodiversity, offering valuable insights for contemporary environmental conservation and sustainable living.
பொன்னீலன் படைப்புகளில் நெய்தல் நிலத்தாவரங்கள்Neithal Land Flora in the Works of Ponneelan
Pages 521-532No creator can construct their fictional world without recognizing nature as the primary setting and central theme. It is a global literary tradition for writers born in naturally scenic regions to highlight the ecological structure of their native land and convey the necessity for both the public and the government to protect it. Among such creators, the works of writer Ponneelan—who wrote with Marxist thought and socio-historical awareness against the backdrop of Kanyakumari district, a domain of nature—are unique. The lifestyle system of the people of Kanyakumari district is in no way inferior to the Thinai-based lifestyle of the ancient Tamils, who organized their way of living around the five types of landscapes (Aivagai Nilam).
In particular, Ponneelan has brilliantly highlighted the coastal (Neithal) lifestyle of that region and the traditional ecological knowledge of its people through his novels Marupakkam and Thedal. This article comprehensively examines the uses of Neithal land flora featured in Ponneelan's works—such as Alexandria Laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius), and Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae)—along with regional dialect terms ('Paralgal', 'Velichhennai', 'Kolla Maram', 'Andi', 'Kadumbukkodi'), Sangam literature connections, and modern botanical/medicinal properties from the perspectives of Ecocriticism and Ethnobotany.