Tamilmanam Journal

The section 'Kutram Kadithal' (Chapter 44: The Avoiding of Flaws), which comes under the sub-section of Politics (Arasial) within the Book of Wealth (Porutpal) in the Thirukkural, offers unique principles and vital ethics to enhance human behavior, morality, and leadership skills for the world. This chapter elaborates on the ideal practices for a leader or ruler to eliminate their internal negative traits and flaws, and to carefully guard themselves so that those shortcomings do not return. The primary objective of this comprehensive research report is to analyze these noble ethical principles, formulated by Thiruvalluvar over two thousand years ago, against the backdrop of modern Neurology, Physiology, Neuroethics, and Cognitive Neuroscience.

This study extensively discusses how all ten couplets in this chapter align profoundly with the physiological laws governing various functional networks of the human brain, such as the Prefrontal Cortex, the emotional regulation center (Amygdala), the brain's Reward System, the Default Mode Network, and Cortical Midline Structures. The research thoroughly demonstrates how specific human behaviors and vulnerabilities—namely pride or hubris (Serukku), anger (Sinam), lust or baseness (Sirumai), greed (Peraasai), egotism (Tharperumai), inappropriate mirth (Poruhamatra Magizhchi), and secrecy (Iragasiyam Kaathal)—are determined by changes in neurotransmitters and the functioning of neural circuits. Furthermore, the brain's predictive capacity to anticipate future consequences (the prediction engine) and the core tenets of Preventive Neurology are cross-examined and explained in relation to Valluvar's tenets using the latest medical and scientific evidence.

Tamil literature has continuously passed down ethical values and living principles that refine human life across generations. Among the Post-Sangam works, the Pathinen Kilkkanakku (Eighteen Lesser Texts) clearly articulate the righteous life and moral standards of the Tamils. One such key work is Inna Narpathu, authored by the poet Kapilar. This text highlights the actions, traits, and circumstances that bring sorrow and hardship into human life. Inna Narpathu is not merely a compilation of afflictions; it functions as a moral treatise that indirectly teaches how to achieve a good life by identifying what ought to be avoided.

This study examines the astrological configurations found in the horoscopes of students pursuing Marine Engineering who belong to the Aries (Mesha) Ascendant (Lagnam). Utilizing fundamental astrological principles, the research investigates planetary interrelationships to identify specific astrological combinations indicative of this field. Marine engineering inherently involves technical acumen, machinery, and maritime travel. Accordingly, the analysis focuses on the positions, aspects, and planetary associations of key significators: the Ascendant (Lagnam), Moon (Chandran), Mars (Sevvai), Mercury (Budhan), Saturn (Sani), and Rahu. By evaluating these celestial influences, the paper aims to outline the recurring planetary patterns that align with the choice and pursuit of marine engineering education.

Language has evolved from the spoken word to written form and eventually into literature. Female poets stood on equal footing with their male counterparts in the art of composing poetry. Numerous texts elucidate the heroic age depicted in Sangam literature. Through their verses, these women—possessing tender hearts—have articulated themes of heroism, the unique identity of women, and Tamil culture.

The study highlights the distinct qualities, valor, and poetic prowess of these female poets. Their works encompass diverse subjects such as widowhood, the anguish of loss (kaiyaru-nilai), the significance of friendship and virtue, the ascetic life, and various other themes. Furthermore, their compositions offer invaluable historical insight into the socio-political dynamics, ethical codes, and domestic structures of ancient Tamil society. By challenging the traditional dichotomy between male-dominated war poetry (Puram) and internal emotion (Agam), these poets brought a nuanced, empathetic lens to the realities of conflict, statecraft, and sacrifice. Ultimately, this research underscores how the literary contributions of Sangam female poets not only enriched Tamil literature but also cemented their role as pivotal custodians of cultural identity and moral philosophy.

This paper explores the application of Digital Humanities technologies—including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Natural Language Processing (NLP)—to preserve and digitize over two millennia of Tamil linguistic heritage currently threatened by physical decay. It examines the technical challenges of parsing ancient script variations and damaged physical artifacts like palm-leaf manuscripts and stone inscriptions, while evaluating modern computational tools and Tamil-specific Large Language Models (such as Tamil-LLaMA and AI4Tamil). Ultimately, the study highlights how integrating AI-driven workflows safeguards invaluable historical knowledge, advances computational Tamilology, and makes Tamil intellectual heritage globally accessible.

This study examines how the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)—a holistic repository of philosophy, ethics, and science—is deeply embedded within the rich continuum of Tamil literature from the Sangam era to the modern age. By analyzing foundational Tamil texts that address governance, ethics, social justice, and environmental stewardship, the research explores their direct alignment with the five key pillars of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision: economic growth, environmental sustainability, social justice and inclusivity, effective governance, and cultural resurgence. Ultimately, bridging traditional Tamil wisdom with contemporary development objectives serves as a vital framework to guide India's sustainable progress while preserving its cultural identity on the global stage.

Tamil literary research has traditionally been rooted in textual analysis, comparative study, and historical approaches. However, recent advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs) and Prompt Engineering techniques have introduced new tools and methodologies to the field of Tamil literary studies. This paper explores how artificial intelligence and Prompt Engineering techniques can be applied to Tamil literary research. Specifically, focusing on language models, datasets, and evaluation metrics developed for Tamil within the context of low-resource languages, this paper describes how these can be utilized for tasks such as text analysis, sentiment analysis, summarization, translation, and question-answering systems. Additionally, the paper highlights the challenges, ethical concerns, and the necessity of human expertise when adopting these technologies.

Old Tamil literature differs completely from Modern Tamil in both word structure and sentence structure. Tense markers or infixes play a crucial role in denoting the tense of verbs. Although Tolkappiyar defined the tenses as three, he did not analyze and specify the exact tense markers for them. It was Nannular, who came later, who categorized the four markers—-t- (-த்-), -ṭ- (-ட்-), -ṟ- (-ற்-), and -in- (-இன்-)—as past tense infixes.

Beyond these boundaries, various allomorphs and morphophonemic variations were in practice in Old Tamil. This paper comprehensively examines past tense markers using evidence from Sangam literature, grounded in the theories of Descriptive Linguistics, Historical Comparative Grammar, and Morphophonemics.

In particular, it categorizes phonologically conditioned allomorphs, final consonant doubling (gemination), and other past tense markers not mentioned by traditional grammarians (-tt-, -nt-, -i-, -n-, -y-, -k-) from a morphological perspective, providing a detailed explanation of their historical background and universal linguistic parallels.

This research paper deeply analyzes the thoughts on nature-based human development expressed in the short stories and poems of Vannadasan (Kalyanji)—one of the premier creators of contemporary modern Tamil literature—from an ecocritical perspective. Vannadasan employs a literary technique that connects Tolkappiyar's Ainthinai (five landscapes) theory and Karupporul (native flora, fauna, and elements) traditions with modern contemporary realism.

Rather than viewing nature as a mere background decoration, he establishes it as a spiritual extension of human emotions and an essential ecological balance. This paper explores how the Thamirabarani River, trees, flowers, and birds serve as driving forces for cultural and internal human development in his works. Furthermore, this paper highlights the creator's ecological warning: how the degradation caused to the Thamirabarani River by modern industrialization and sand mining inflicts deep fractures on human personality and moral values.

Good governance is a universal concept applicable to all times and all nations. Ancient Tamil literary works, Thirukkural and Naladiyar, detail the fundamental elements of good governance from an ethical standpoint. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the principles of good governance presented by these two texts, identify their similarities and differences, and examine their relevance to contemporary systems of governance. Based on a qualitative research methodology, this study uses the Porutpal (Book of Wealth/Politics) of Thirukkural and the political-related chapters of Naladiyar as its primary sources.

• Thirukkural emphasizes the qualities of a ruler, impartiality, citizen welfare, and the key elements of governance: army, citizens, ministry, friendship, and fort/defense.
• Naladiyar focuses on the qualifications of a leader, the impermanence of political power, the qualities of noble lineage, and the ethics of charity.

Although both texts align in prioritizing public welfare on an ethical foundation, they differ in their structure, authorial perspective, and mode of explanation. Specifically, while Naladiyar explains ethics with Jain religious influences, Thirukkural, as a universal creed (Ulagappodhumarai), presents universal ethics for all humanity. The principles of good governance stated in these works show strong alignment with modern democracy, management, and leadership theories. Ultimately, this study affirms that the ethical values stressed by Thirukkural and Naladiyar are timeless truths that transcend eras and continue to guide future modes of governance.

Compound structures serve as an indispensable syntactic and grammatical component within the Tamil grammatical tradition. Tolkappiyar classifies these compound structures into six distinct categories. Among these, two divergent perspectives currently exist regarding the structure and definition of case compounds. One school of thought argues that a case compound is formed merely by the elision of case markers between two constituent words. Conversely, another school contends that beyond the mere elision of case markers, these constituent words must fuse indivisibly to function with the "nature of a single word." This article comprehensively analyzes these contrasting viewpoints by comparing the commentaries of traditional grammarians, the interpretations of grammatical scholars, and the theories of modern linguists. By prioritizing semantics—the fundamental core of language—this study establishes that it is grammatically appropriate to define a case compound as a compound syntactic structure that not only conveys case meanings but also functions organically as a unified, single lexical unit without any phonetic hiatus.

In the Tamil literary tradition, the raiding (capturing) and retrieving of cattle hold a significant place among warfare methods belonging to the Purathinai (outer/war ethics) tradition. Tamil grammatical texts, namely the Purathinaiyiyal of Tolkappiyam and Purapporul Venbamalai, codify these traditions through the poetic themes (thinai) of Vetchi (cattle raiding) and Karanthai (cattle retrieval).

This paper aims to investigate where the occurrences of cattle raiding and cattle retrieval are found within Villi Bharatham, a prominent Tamil adaptation of the Mahabharata. Furthermore, this study demonstrates how the events of cattle raiding and retrieval depicted in Villi Bharatham align with the grammatical rules and traditions articulated in Tolkappiyam and Purapporul Venbamalai.

In a modern world where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, ancient Tamil devotional literature serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the depths of the human mind. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the concepts of faith and mental health recovery found in Tamil Bhakti literature through the lens of modern psychological theories.

Adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study relies on primary devotional texts such as Thiruvasagam, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Thayumanavar Songs, and Kandar Sashti Kavasam. These are analyzed alongside key modern psychological frameworks, including Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, Martin Seligman’s positive psychology, and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

The findings of this study reveal that faith in devotional literature is not merely religious devotion; it functions as a potent psychological force that reduces stress, regulates emotions, and provides purpose and meaning in life. Manikkavasagar's expression of inner darkness in the Thiruvasagam aligns with self-expression and emotional catharsis techniques used in modern psychological therapy. The verses of the Alwars in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham offer comfort and psychological security to the mind through collective emotional resonance and archetypal metaphors. The songs of Thayumanavar deeply analyze the mind's workings, recalling CBT techniques used to reframe negative thoughts. Protective literary works such as Kandar Sashti Kavasam dispel mental fear, acting as protective shields and affirmative declarations for the mind.

Thus, ancient Tamil devotional literature offers significant contributions to contemporary mental healthcare, including emotional expression, instilling hope, mental mindfulness/focus, social connection, and imparting meaning to life. Future research focusing on developing mental health therapeutic interventions based on these literary works would be highly beneficial.

Located in the Tondai Nadu region of Chennai city, the Thiruvanmiyur Sri Valmikeswarar (Marundeeswarar) Temple stands as the 258th shrine among the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams (shrines praised in the Devaram hymns). According to the temple's sacred history (Sthala Puranam), the place derived the name "Vanmiyur" because Sage Valmiki worshipped the deity here.

This research paper comprehensively analyzes the mythological background of this sacred shrine, literary evidence from the Devaram, the historical architecture of the temple, and the origins of the Lord's various divine names. Furthermore, it explains the growth and patronage the temple received during the eras of Tamil dynasties—the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara rulers—alongside a comparative analysis highlighting its similarities with other Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Based on textual analysis and local historical records, this study demonstrates how ancient Tamil temples served as a confluence of literature, history, and society, through the specific lens of the Valmikeswarar shrine.

The objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the ecological food theory highlighted in Tolkappiyam Porulathikaram within the context of contemporary ecological, linguistic, and posthumanist theories. Treating land and time as primary elements (Muthalporul), Tolkappiyam gives paramount importance to food—which serves as the abode for human existence among the essential elements (Karuporul). This paper details the Thinai (landscape-based) foods suited to climatic conditions, the eight types of food mentioned in the section on genetics (Marabiyal), and the biodiversity food chain. Furthermore, this study discusses how the five-fold land (Ainthinai) food systems, culinary techniques, and ecologically oriented principles of nurturing biodiversity depicted in Sangam literature align with modern Ecolinguistics and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this, the research deeply highlights the ecological principles used by the ancient Tamils to preserve the balance of nature, alongside their ethical way of life.

Studies of medieval Sri Lankan religious history have traditionally emphasized political conflict, dynastic change and the impact of South Indian intervention on the island’s Buddhist institutions. Comparatively less attention has been devoted to the role of Tamil epigraphic evidence in reconstructing the everyday interactions that connected Buddhist and Hindu communities within shared social, economic and administrative environments. This article examines a selected corpus of Tamil inscriptions from Polonnaruwa and related regions dating between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries CE in order to investigate the nature and mechanisms of Buddhist–Hindu interaction during a period of significant political transformation. Drawing upon epigraphic analysis supported by archaeological and historical evidence, the study analyses inscriptions associated with Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, mercantile corporations, military organizations and royal administrative networks. Particular attention is given to records of religious patronage, land grants, temple endowments, mercantile activities, military obligations and institutional administration. Through a contextual examination of these inscriptions, the article explores how religious communities participated in broader structures of governance, economic exchange and political authority. The findings demonstrate that Tamil inscriptions reveal a pattern of sustained religious interaction that extended beyond doctrinal or ritual spheres and was embedded within the institutional foundations of medieval Sri Lankan society. Evidence from inscriptions such as the Vēḷaikkārar Charter, merchant guild records, temple endowment inscriptions and administrative grants indicates that Buddhist and Hindu institutions operated within interconnected networks of patronage, resource management and political legitimacy. Tamil-speaking merchants, military corporations, officials and local elites participated actively in the support, protection and maintenance of both Buddhist and Hindu establishments, thereby facilitating forms of cooperation that transcended rigid sectarian boundaries. The article argues that Buddhist–Hindu relations in medieval Polonnaruwa are best understood through the concept of institutional pluralism, whereby distinct religious traditions maintained separate identities while functioning within shared administrative, economic and socio-political frameworks. By foregrounding the evidentiary value of Tamil inscriptions, this study contributes to broader debates concerning religious coexistence, cultural interaction and state formation in South Asia and demonstrates the importance of epigraphy for reconstructing the complex religious landscape of medieval Sri Lanka.

Kumanan was a patron who continued to generously provide for those who sought his aid, even after the era of the 'Seven Great Philanthropists' (Pegan, Pari, Ori, Kari, Athigan, Aay, and Nalli) had passed. Because he had lavishly bestowed vast wealth upon poets to foster he   growth of the Tamil language, he incurred the wrath of his younger   brother (Ilangumanan), lost his kingdom, and was forced to live in the forest. "Tamilukku Thalai" is a short epic   that illustrates the extraordinary generosity of the Tamil patron - king Kumanan; he instructed   his younger brother-who had set a price on his head-to take his head and use it to alleviate the   poverty of the great poet. Perunchithiranar, who had come seeking his aid.

The origins of the world and living organisms remain mysterious to this day. Research regarding them has not confirmed any definitive conclusions; many ideas are put forward based on speculation. Among the visible living organisms, the human species stands out as the most advanced. Among the things created by humans, the most superior is language. This is considered the cradle of human civilization. Although language is referred to as a singular concept, it has multiplied and diversified in various ways depending on location and climate conditions. Linguists of the world have categorized them into 7,102 languages. Tamil is one among them. This language stands out as a unique language that has thrived without being subject to temporal constraints. One of the grammatical definitions of this language concerns its structure. This article aims to examine the concept of the initial letters of the language across different periods.

If you ask the common people of Tamil Nadu to name a few Siddhas, the first name they mention will likely be Pattinathadigal. To that extent, his name holds immense renown among the public. Among all the Siddhas, none have sung about impermanence and spirituality as extensively as he did. Pattinathadigal brilliantly ascended from ordinary human devotion (bhakti) to the ultimate state of a Siddha. The environment is the driving force behind the actions of the mind. Similarly, the environment plays a pivotal role in awakening spirituality as well, and Pattinathar was no exception to this rule. It can be said that this environment is precisely what brought out the latent spiritual consciousness buried within him. Even though he was a highly successful merchant, it was his environment and mind that led him to embrace asceticism.

The way his spiritual mind functioned after experiencing the divine is truly remarkable. This research paper deeply analyzes Pattinathar's spiritual journey, mental self-restraint, the impermanence of the physical body, and his social awareness, comparing these concepts with Shaiva Siddhanta principles as well as the philosophies of other contemporary Siddhas.

This study examines the historical evolution of the various Banis (styles) of Bharatanatyam and analyzes their distinctive aesthetic characteristics. Although Bharatanatyam is recognized as a unified classical dance tradition, it has developed unique stylistic dimensions through different guru–shishya (teacher–disciple) lineages and regional cultural traditions. The study traces the origins and development of the Thanjavur Bani, which was systematized by the Tanjore Quartet during the nineteenth century, along with its subsequent stylistic branches, namely the Pandanallur and Vazhuvoor Banis. It also examines the emergence of the Kalakshetra Bani, restructured by Rukmini Devi Arundale in the twentieth century, as well as the Kanchipuram and Melattur Banis.

Furthermore, the research comparatively analyzes how each Bani differs in its execution of adavus (basic dance movements), hastas (hand gestures), abhinaya (expressional techniques), and costume traditions. It also investigates the aesthetic transformations that occurred as Bharatanatyam evolved from a temple-based ritual tradition into a modern stage performance art. Finally, the study emphasizes the significant role of these Banis in preserving the diversity and richness of Bharatanatyam while highlighting the importance of safeguarding these stylistic traditions within the contemporary cultural landscape.

Tholkappiyar articulates universal truths regarding life—applicable to all people—within the Kalaviyal section of Porulathikaram, the third part of his grammatical treatise, Tholkappiyam. Kalaviyal depicts the life shared by a hero and a heroine who fall in love, marry, and live in union. Kalavu (secret love) and Karpu (wedded life) constitute the two divisions of Agathinai, which deals with the inner life of the heart. Kalaviyal extensively highlights details concerning the subject matter of Agapporul (inner life) and, specifically, the characteristics of the hero. Kalavu refers to the romantic bond formed between the hero and the heroine in secrecy, unbeknownst to others; in this phase, the hero plays a predominant role. This article examines the hero's virtues as depicted in Tholkappiyam's Kalaviyal, focusing on the specific details that highlight his contributions and character.

The Tamil community has lived in adherence to a poetic tradition since ancient times. Songs and poems have held a significant place across various stages of human life, from birth to death. As a continuation of this very tradition, messages have also been inscribed in poetic form on Tamil inscriptions. Although numerous inscriptions have been discovered in Tamil Nadu, poetic inscriptions are relatively few in number.

During a recent field study, two new poetic inscriptions were discovered:

• The Hero Stone Inscription: One of the discoveries is a hero stone (nadukal) inscription dedicated to warriors. It records the glory of a warrior who attained martyrdom in battle, written with literary flair in a poetic format. Based on current research, this is considered to be only the second poetic hero stone inscription discovered in Tamil Nadu.
• The Sluice Pillar Inscription: The second inscription is associated with a sluice pillar (madaithoombu). Written in verse, it highlights the importance of water resources, the preservation of irrigation systems, and the nobility of public welfare work.

Consequently, these two poetic inscriptions serve as rare historical evidence reflecting the heroic tradition, literary heritage, water management philosophy, and social culture of the Tamils. Furthermore, they stand as an important research contribution that adds fresh data to the history of Tamil inscriptional poetry.

Based on historical documents compiled by Colin Mackenzie in the early 19th century, this research paper examines the primal religious and worship traditions of South Indian tribal communities. The spiritual elements of five primary tribes—Irular, Kadavar, Vedar, Villiyar, and Kuravar—are discussed here. Using evidence from the Mackenzie Manuscripts, this paper establishes that their worship is centered around nature worship, female deity (Kannimar) worship, spirit/ancestor worship, and weapon/animal worship, which exist beyond the realms of mainstream deities and Agamic rituals. Furthermore, this paper highlights how their indigenous spiritual identities shifted over time due to Sanskritization and integration with plains-dwelling communities.

Dance is a preeminent aspect of the philosophy of aesthetics. The structural dynamics of a subatomic atom reflect an artistic composition highly comparable to the cosmic dance performed by Lord Nataraja. The continuous motion of the five elements (Panchabhootas) constituting the universe represents the cosmic dance of the Lord of Dance, sustaining the vital pulse of all cosmic and biological activities. The exquisite bronze sculpture of Nataraja, symbolizing the Cosmic Dance, provides an aesthetic and scientific explanation of this cosmic phenomenon. Aesthetics and beauty are cherished as metaphysical realities embodying skill and subtlety. Creative mediums such as sculpture, painting, and poetry are eternal expressions of beauty. Even when the creators pass away, art remains immortal, merging eternally with the divine nature.

The metaphysical journey of the soul strives toward ultimate beauty, which eventually elevates the soul into a divine state. By using the cosmos as His stage, God, as the ultimate Lord of Dance (Aatta Nayagan), governs the physical movements of the universe through a disciplined, moral, and aesthetic framework. He performs the Dance of Bliss (Ananda Tandava) as the Divine Bliss Dance (Sivananda Tandava) at Thillai (Chidambaram) to grant liberation and protection to all living souls. Realizing that the entire cosmos operates solely under His dynamic movement subdues human ego and pride.

In the Shaivite temples of Tamil Nadu, the tradition of Linga worship extends beyond a purely formless (arupa) state of worship; it is described in many sacred spaces through local legends (Sthala Puranas) as a vibrant, living relationship between God and devotee. This paper focuses on the research of the Sthala Purana legend of 'Shiva Blessing from the Linga Form' at the Arulmigu Mahalingaswamy Temple located in Thiruvidaimarudur, Thanjavur district.

According to the temple legend, when Adi Shankara questioned Mahalingaswamy about the truth of his Advaita philosophy, the Linga split open, a hand emerged, and blessed him by proclaiming "Advaitam eva Satyam" (Advaita alone is the truth). This narrative is presented as a unique theological event where a manifest (sarupa) blessing emerges from within the formless-form (arupa-rupa) symbolic structure of the Linga.

This paper comparatively analyzes such puranic stories of divine blessings (including legends related to Markandeya, Varaguna Pandyan, and Chandra), explaining the philosophical message of Advaita they present and the role they play in the Sthala Purana tradition of Tamil Nadu. Drawing upon 15 recent research papers, this article evaluates the unique significance of this sacred site by linking it with current research trends in Tevaram literature, the genre of Sthala Puranas, and Chola temple architecture.

This research paper explores the vivid portrayals of society and culture in the early short stories of the renowned contemporary Tamil writer, A. Muttulingam. Rather than serving merely as a source of aesthetic pleasure, literature functions as a vital historical document that reflects a community's lifestyle, cultural traditions, and evolving social dynamics. Drawing upon the theoretical perspective of Karthigesu Sivathamby regarding literature's role as an accelerator of societal modernization, this study delves into Muttulingam’s deep observations of human life spanning over forty years of literary contribution. Specifically, this paper analyzes a selection of his foundational early short stories—including Iruppu (Existence), Azhaippu (The Invitation), Kodai Mazhai (Summer Rain), Pakkuvam (Maturity), Akka (Elder Sister), Anula, Oorvalam (The Procession), and Oru Siruvanin Kadhai (A Boy's Story). Through these narratives, the study highlights how the author intricately weaves themes of individual, social, and economic challenges, folk traditions, and developmental differences like autism into his fiction, thereby creating a profound socio-cultural chronicle of Tamil society.

Devotional literature is one of the most important elements of ancient Indian philosophical tradition. Within it, two major branches existed: Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Among the Vaishnavites, the revered figure was Nammalvar. His depth of devotion is clearly evident in other literary works. During his lifetime, he stood as a counterforce to other religions. At a time when other religions held dominant styles, he restrained them like a mahout controlling an elephant with a goad. Using the intensity of his devotion to Vishnu as a foundation, he paved the way for the growth of Vaishnavism.

பக்தி இலக்கியம் பண்டைய இந்திய தத்துவ மரபின் மிக முக்கிய கூறுகளில் ஒன்று. இவற்றில் சைவம், வைணம் என்ற இரு பெரும் பிரிவு நிலவியது. வைணவர்களால் போற்றப்பட்டவர் நம்மாழ்வார். இவரின் பக்தியின் திறம், இவரது படைப்புகளில் வெளிப்படையாக தெரியும். தான் வாழ்ந்த காலத்தில் பிற சமயங்களுக்கு அங்குசமாக திகழ்ந்தார். பிற சமயங்கள் பெரிய யானையாக நிலவிய காலத்தில் யானையை கட்டுப்படுத்த பாகன் கையில் உள்ள அங்கும் போல பிற சமயங்கங்களைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தினார். விஷ்ணு மீது கொண்ட பக்தியின் திறத்தினை முன் வைத்து, வைணவ சமயம் மேம்பட வழிவகை செய்தவர்.

The water management techniques of the ancient Tamils hold a highly exalted place in the history of world civilizations. The 'Kumizhi Thoombu' (Silt-Ejecting Sluice) used in lakes stands as a prime testament to the unparalleled engineering knowledge possessed by the ancient Tamils in rainwater harvesting, groundwater conservation, and systematic irrigation water distribution.

This research paper explores the structure, operational mechanism, and socio-cultural background of the Kumizhi Thoombu, while providing a detailed analysis of the laws of physics manifested within it. This paper establishes how modern fluid dynamics principles—such as hydrostatic pressure, Pascal's law, Bernoulli's principle, the equation of continuity, and the Venturi effect—were utilized in this structure. Furthermore, it examines the ecological cycle of how this technology suctioned and removed the sediment (silt) from the bottom of the lake, transporting it to agricultural lands as nutrient-rich natural fertilizer.

The holy shrines of Tamil Nadu are not merely places of worship; they are living archives of traditional knowledge accumulated over centuries across multiple domains, including architecture, water management, ecology, and social administration. This paper broadly examines these traditional knowledge systems embedded within the holy shrines of Tamil Nadu and provides a detailed study on the unique significance of the Machapureeswarar shrine in Kovil Devarayanpettai, located near Papanasam in the Thanjavur district.

Built during the reign of Aditya Chola I (c. 870–907 CE), this shrine is a prominent site representing the Early Chola architectural style and the Tevara Vaipputhalam tradition (shrines mentioned in the Tevaram hymns). Its unique architectural features include a perfectly linear alignment stretching from the sanctum sanctorum to the Kodi Maram (flagstaff), a brick-built enclosure wall (Thiruchutru Madhil), and a dual-entrance structure. Drawing upon 15 recent research papers, this article highlights the current research trends regarding the preservation of traditional knowledge in Tamil Nadu shrines and underscores the need to analyze the Devarayanpettai shrine within this broader framework.

Humanity survives because of good and beneficial thoughts and actions of men while managing their day-to-day life! However, humanity and humaneness are uplifted and made to thrive, because of great statesmen, whose upheld the noble thoughts and deeds, even in the most trying and adverse circumstances!

Nobility, Generosity, Mercy, Compassion, Sympathy and Empathy are some of the emotions which symbolise how the inner turmoils of the mans’ feelings, are expressed explicity in action, in the noblest manner! This extreme benevolent response from any individual, is the evidence of the how the individual’s SELF is psychologically mature and had evolved by his experiences of life, his wisdom, his learning and by his virtuous life!

This essay attempts to present the exhibition of human psyche in the Sangam Age, through Purananooru, one of the eight Anthologies of Sangam Literature, depicting the most vulnerable moments in the war field! A poet seeking patronage from a benefactor in the middle of a war at the war field and the benefactor willingly showering the patronage!

Akalankan is a prolific writer who has made significant contributions to the creative literary genres of poetry, drama, and short stories. He has also published numerous articles and books on literature, society, religion, history, and folklore. In addition, he is well known as a orator  on literature and religion. As a writer deeply committed to literature and society, Akalankan has also demonstrated a keen interest in children's literature. As a result, he has published five collections of children's songs: Suttik Kuruvikal (2003), Chinnach Chittukkal (2005), Panthu Adippom (2010), Sirikka Vidungal (2010), and Chinnanj Siriya Siragugal (2012). These collections primarily deal with themes such as the natural environment, moral values, and didactic ideas. Against this background, the present study examines whether Akalankan's children's songs are distinguished by thematic richness and literary excellence. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate his contribution to the development of Sri Lankan children's songs. Based on the five collections of children's songs as secondary textual sources, the study employs descriptive, analytical, and comparative research approaches. The analysis reveals that themes related to nature, philosophy of life, moral instruction, and value education are prominently reflected in Akalankan's songs. Many of his nature-themed songs exhibit melodiousness, imaginative expression, poetic ornamentation, effective narration, and linguistic simplicity. These qualities have established his distinctive place in the field of Sri Lankan children's literature. However, the study also identifies certain limitations. Some songs present ideas that lie beyond the experiential world and cognitive maturity of children, while others convey perspectives that are inconsistent with contemporary social life. These constitute the principal findings of the study.

Depicting the lifestyle of people and the core values of the soil is a long-standing tradition in Tamil literature. For more than the past twenty years, writer Imayam has been documenting through his unique linguistic style the lives of marginalized people, Dalits, women, and vulnerable sections subjected to patriarchal oppression. Using his Sahitya Akademi Award-winning novel Chellatha Panam (2018) as the primary source, the objective of this paper is to analyze the self-determined choices of modern educated women, class and caste contradictions, and the brutal realities of domestic violence. Furthermore, drawing upon research data from open-access journals like the International Research Journal of Tamil (IRJT), this paper comprehensively analyzes the significance of the character 'Arunmozhi', who echoes a new feminist voice of companionship in the novel, and the existential downfall faced by the protagonist 'Revathi'.

This paper is a conceptual study that comparatively analyzes the modern technological field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the traditional scientific-philosophical heritage of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), with a specific focus on the Tamil literary tradition. The study explores how the knowledge systems embedded within the Tamil tradition—such as Sangam literature, Thirukkural, and Siddha medical texts—can converge with modern AI technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Neuro-Symbolic computing to build new bridges of knowledge.

Furthermore, this paper examines the policy directions of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which advocates for integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into international science education, and evaluates the possibilities of aligning Tamil literature with this vision. Drawing upon 15 research papers published over the last three years (2023–2026), this study analyzes Tamil language intelligence systems, Thirukkural-based AI applications, OCR tools for Sangam literature palm-leaf manuscripts, and awareness studies on AI in higher education institutions across Tamil Nadu. Finally, the paper highlights the ethical challenges that arise when traditional knowledge meets modern technology and proposes policy recommendations to address them.

Marriage, the most crucial milestone in human life, is analyzed in astrology based on various planetary positions. In particular, the transit of Jupiter (Guru)—the slowest-moving planet among the non-generational planets and the bestower of highly auspicious results—plays a pivotal role in determining the timing of marriage. This article extensively explores the impacts of transit Jupiter on an individual's marital life, as well as favorable and unfavorable planetary conditions.

Furthermore, this study integrates modern astrological techniques based on the "Double Transit Theory" (which explains the combined contribution of Saturn along with Jupiter's transit) and the Navamsa Chart. Accurate methodologies for predicting the timing of marriage through the relationships between Jupiter's transit positions, the seventh house (Kalathra Sthana), and the seventh lord are explained herein with data.

Among the earth's climate changes, cyclone formation and its associated atmospheric turbulences are the most severe atmospheric phenomena. Although modern meteorological science has made significant advancements in predicting atmospheric events and monsoons, India's ancient astro-meteorology principles possess highly detailed, empirical, and deep observational rules. This paper comparatively analyzes scientific factors—such as ocean thermal energy changes and the Coriolis force—alongside astrological concepts like planetary conjunctions and retrograde motion.

Specifically, this study compares the cloud gestation period (Garbhalaksana - the 195-day rule), the classification of four types of clouds (Avartaka, Samvartaka, Pushkara, and Drona), planetary conflicts known as 'Graha Yuddha', and ancient rainfall measurement techniques, as described in the 6th-century CE text "Brihat Samhita" authored by Varahamihira, with modern scientific data. Furthermore, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the statistical evaluations, drought indices (DPI and DM) developed by the ancient Indian hydrology and meteorology researcher R. N. Iyengar, and the predictive accuracy of modern Machine Learning models (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Linear Regression) that incorporate Varahamihira's theories.

The purpose of this research article is to compare and examine the dream of Anangavisalanai, which occurs in the Udayanakumara Kavyam, on the basis of Carl Gustav Jung's psychological theory. According to Jung, dreams serve as symbolic expressions of the unconscious mind. Based on this theory, the symbols occurring in Anangavisalanai's dream—such as the lion cub, cave, silver mountain, pearl necklace, flower garland, and the earthly world—are explained from a psychological perspective. Specifically, the lion cub is analyzed as a symbol of the animus, the cave as a symbol of the unconscious mind, the silver mountain as a symbol of elevation and life transformation, and the pearl necklace and flower garland as symbols of married life and feminine identity. Furthermore, it is explained that this dream serves as a symbolic expression of Anangavisalanai's future life, mental preparation, and inner psychological growth. Through this, this study demonstrates that dreams appearing in Tamil epics go beyond just predicting the future and serve as a literary technique that reveals the inner world and psychological state of the characters.

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is a vast repository of wisdom that has guided human life in harmony with nature for centuries. Particularly in Tamil rural societies, traditional knowledge systems—passed down through generations orally and through practice—have played a vital role in nurturing the relationship between humans and nature. These knowledge systems serve as the foundation for a sustainable lifestyle across various domains such as agriculture, water management, healthcare, dietary habits, environmental conservation, and social cohesion.

Traditional agricultural practices prevalent in rural Tamil Nadu, rainwater harvesting structures, local herbal medicine, and seasonal dietary habits are considered key elements of sustainability in modern times. For instance, traditional methods that preserve the diversity of rice varieties, organic manuring techniques that protect soil fertility, and natural pest control methods ensure food security without relying on chemical inputs. Traditional water management systems, such as ponds, wells, and oorunis (communal water bodies), ensure water availability even during droughts, thereby maintaining ecological balance. Furthermore, social structures in rural communities, such as cooperation, sharing practices, and the panchayat (local governance) system, provide the essential social capital required for sustainable living.

As the contemporary world faces diverse challenges like climate change, depletion of natural resources, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, these traditional knowledge systems are being re-evaluated. By integrating this traditional wisdom with modern scientific approaches, effective solutions for sustainable development can be identified. Rural knowledge systems, an essential component of the Indian Knowledge System, pave the way for a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature, rooted in social justice, and conducive for future generations. This paper analyzes the nature of Tamil rural knowledge systems and their contribution to a sustainable lifestyle through the lens of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being of Saivism, manifests not only in the formless and form-and-formless state (Aruvuuruva) of the Shiva Lingam but also assumes various physical forms (Uruva) through divine plays (Thiruvilaiyadal) to protect living beings and establish righteousness. While the forms assumed by the Lord are categorized into sixty-four in total, twenty-five primary Shiva manifestations (Maheswara Murthams) are classified as the most significant among them.

This research paper meticulously analyzes the iconographic structures, mythological and divine incarnation backgrounds, the spiritual benefits attained by devotees through worshipping these specific manifestations, and their primary shrines of worship. The paper elaborately discusses the philosophical meanings of the 25 forms—including Sri Chandrasekhara, Sri Nataraja (Sadanritta Murthi), Sri Ardhanarishwara, and Sri Dakshinamurthi—alongside the historical-mythological backgrounds where the pride of deities like Brahma and Vishnu was subdued.

Furthermore, this exposition is enriched by integrating Chola period bronzes, their metallurgical backgrounds, comparative iconographical studies of the Pallava, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara royal dynasties, the Talamana measurement rules of the Sritattvanidhi, and iconographic evidence found in the Thevaram Thirumurai hymns. This study serves as an essential guide to understanding Saivite sculptural art, iconography, and traditions of worship.

In today's digital era, the monumental growth of social media has brought about a major revolution in the usage platform of the Tamil language. Traditional media, such as print, radio, and television, handled the Tamil language in a refined and grammatically precise form. However, following the advent of social media, the usage of Tamil has reached entirely new dimensions. This platform has triggered inevitable changes in both the structure of the language and its mode of expression.

The way Tamil is utilized on social media stands as a testament to the language's inherent nature to adapt itself to the times. Specifically, the creation of neologisms (new words), the dominance of colloquial speech, the blending of other languages, and grammatical flexibility are the hallmarks of this new transformation. The gap between written Tamil and spoken Tamil has drastically narrowed on social media. As users attempt to share their thoughts naturally, they predominantly use words from daily conversations. While this simplifies the language, it has also created certain challenges for its grammatical structure.

Furthermore, "code-switching"—the practice of mixing words from other languages while speaking—has become entirely natural on social media. The way English words are blended and used with Tamil has paved the way for the creation of a hybrid known as "Tanglish." Debates have arisen among linguists as to whether this change diminishes the richness of the language or rejuvenates it in accordance with changing times. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that the unprecedented widespread use of Tamil in the digital space has increased interest in the language among the younger generation.

This paper examines the evolution of the Tamil language on social media through various lenses, including its historical background, linguistic shifts, social impacts, and future challenges. It explores in detail how the Tamil language adapts itself to technological advancements and how these changes should be managed to protect the language's richness without compromising it. In short, social media has transformed Tamil into a modern interactive tool; at the same time, navigating these changes with the right understanding is highly essential for the future of the Tamil language.

Language is the assemblage of words. Language is the general term we use, to refer an organised collection of words. When referring to a language as an ancient language, it would also mean that words constituting the language are also ancient. Thus, “Thamizh”, a preeminent language, acknowledged as an ancient language constitutes words of ancient origin. “Thamizh” words commonly used by people in conversations are referred as of common words and those used by scholars in literature are poetic words. However, there are, in “Thamizh”, innumerable poetic words, which gained popularity and usage among the people and have been deemed common words. One such word is “kuzhandhai”. “kuzhandhai” is a noun meaning child. It is the purpose of this paper to research and present with validation, when and in which period this word originated in literature, who started the usage and the nouns which were used in literature prior to it to denote a child and as to how the word “kuzhandhai” was handled in literature subsequent to its origin.

In the historical trajectory of Tamil literature, the voices of the unwritten and the life experiences of the unseen have long been neglected. However, in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, this trend has undergone a significant transformation. In particular, communities marginalized on the basis of caste, religion, and gender have begun to record their life experiences in written form. Among these, the autobiographies of transgender women occupy a crucial place, as they bring to light the truths hidden in the dark corners of society. Politics of gender identity, power struggles over the body, and the atrocities of human rights violations are central themes in these works.

In this context, the autobiography Naan Saravanan Vidya (I am Saravanan Vidya) written by Living Smile Vidya serves as a highly significant document. This book records a transgender woman's journey from childhood to the present day through her own perspective. It delves deeply into the psychology of a young boy realizing his gender variance, the cruel reactions of society, and the fractures that occur within family relationships.

The core themes of this book include:

• The humiliation faced by transgender individuals in educational institutions.
• The barriers they encounter in employment opportunities.
• The forced circumstances that push them into sex work.
• Her struggle to break free from these challenges and live with self-respect.

This is not merely an individual's history; it stands as a testament to the structural violence endured by gender minorities. Such autobiographies expand the horizons of Tamil literature and elevate debates surrounding humanity, identity, and social justice to a new dimension.

The Play “Pothaiththurai” is a master’s scripted of the Eastern University the lecture Dr. S. Chandrakumar. This study is based on this play. This study mainly focused on addiction. Drug abuse is a common problem identified among today’s young generation. Beyond the legal restrictions, it is being used everywhere by all genders, regardless of age. In this, the effects of addiction, especially among school and university students, are discussed. Methods of getting rid of it. Methods of action to be taken by parents, security forces, doctors, police, etc. this play focuses on getting rid of this addiction with the information to be given to the society and the activities related to it. This study is also based on this. This study is participatory research study.

”போதைத்துரை” நாடகமானது கிழக்கு பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் முதுநிலை விரிவுரையாளர் கலாநிதி சு. சந்திரகுமார் அவர்களால் நெறியாள்கை செய்யப்பட்டது. இந் நாடகத்தை மையப்படுத்தியதாக இவ்வாய்வு அமைகின்றது. இந்த ஆய்வு பிரதானமாக போதையை மையப்படுத்தியது. போதைப்பொருட்பாவனை இன்றைய இளம் தலைமுறையினரிடம் அடையாளம் காணப்பட்ட பொதுப் பிரச்சினையாக உள்ளது. சட்ட வரையறைகளுக்கு அப்பால் இன்று வயது எல்லையைத் தாண்டி அனைத்து பாலினராலும் அனைத்து இடங்களிலும் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டு வருகின்றது. இதில் போதையால் ஏற்படும் பாதிப்புக்கள் குறிப்பாக பாடசாலை> பல்கலைக்கழக மாணவர் மத்தியில் எப்படி பாதிப்புக்களை ஏற்படுத்துகின்றது> அதிலிருந்து விடுபடும் முறைகள்> பெற்றோர்> பாதுகாப்புப் பிரிவினர்> வைத்தியர்> காவல்துறை போன்றனர் செயற்பட வேண்டிய முறைகள்> சமூகத்திற்குக் கொடுக்க வேண்டிய தகவல்கள்> அது தொடர்பான செயற்பாடுகள் என்பவற்றைக் கொண்டு இப் போதையிலிருந்து விடுதலை பெறுவதை மையப்படுத்தியதாக ,ந்த நாடகம் காணப்படுகிறது. இதை ஒட்டித்தான் இவ் ஆய்வும் அமைகின்றது. இந்த ஆய்வு பங்குகொள் ஆற்றுகை மைய ஆய்வாகக் காணப்படுகின்றது.

The Narikuravar community, a nomadic tribe of Tamil Nadu, is a marginalized community possessing a unique language, lifestyle structure, and cultural values. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the social, economic, and educational status of the Narikuravar people widely living in the Dharmapuri district, based on the principles of ethnography.

In the modern era, factors such as illiteracy, lack of proper guiding leadership, and legal restrictions that prohibit them from pursuing their traditional forest-based hunting occupation have severely impacted their economic development. Amidst these existential crises, this paper elaborately explains how this community preserves and protects its ancestral identity—the 'Vaagriboli' language—and their clan worship systems. Furthermore, this study discusses in detail the social impact of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status recently (2023) granted to this community after a long struggle, and explores how they can be led toward a path of economic progress without compromising their cultural uniqueness.

This study examines the significance of thoughts and their influence on human life as portrayed in Tamil ethical literature, with particular reference to the Tirukkural. The capacity for rational thinking, which distinguishes human beings from other living organisms, forms the foundation of speech, action, and personality development. The study explores the meaning of the concept of thought (eṇṇam), its literary usage, and its relevance to human life, while highlighting the role of positive thinking in personal growth and progress. Thiruvalluvar regards purity of mind as the highest of all virtues. Through various couplets in the Tirukkural, the study demonstrates that elevated thinking, firm determination, and a motivated mindset guide individuals toward success and excellence. Couplets such as “Manathukkan Maasilan Aathal,” “Vellathanaiyathu Malar Neettam Maanthartham Ullathanaiyathu Uyarvu,” and “Ulluvathu Ellam Uyarvullal” emphasize the power of thought in shaping human achievement and advancement.

Furthermore, the study analyzes the functioning of thoughts from a psychological perspective by drawing upon Sigmund Freud’s theory of the mind. The roles of the conscious mind, preconscious mind, and unconscious mind are examined in relation to human behaviour and development. The paper also highlights Thiruvalluvar’s view that mental strength, motivation, and determination are more essential than physical strength for achieving success and growth. Thus, the central argument of this study is that the cultivation and effective implementation of noble thoughts can lead to both individual and social progress.

Art is considered a vital creative form that exquisitely expresses human inner emotions, sublime thoughts, and external life experiences. It serves as a primary historical source to precisely understand the chronological background of human civilization, its associated culture, social structure, and beliefs. Among these, cave paintings occupy a unique place. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, the Bhimbetka cave paintings serve as a global archaeological document that helps us understand the lifestyle characteristics and socio-structural changes of the humans who lived there from the prehistoric Lower Paleolithic period through the historical period and beyond. The primary objective of this study is to examine the historical background, artistic quality, and the changes in human life reflected in the Bhimbetka cave paintings, thereby explaining their cultural and scientific significance. Furthermore, the foundational approach of this research is to establish that the Bhimbetka cave paintings are not merely temporary artistic expressions, but historical records that reveal the social life, hunting strategies, religious beliefs, and the inseparable relationship that contemporary humans shared with their natural environment. To achieve this, secondary data such as archaeological excavation reports, research books, international academic research articles, and photographic records have been analyzed.

Through this study, the lifestyle changes experienced by human society from the Lower Paleolithic period to later periods, as well as the cultural evolution from a hunting-gathering society toward a settled agricultural society, are clearly established through the Bhimbetka cave paintings and stone tool deposits.

The moon has been consistently personified as a symbol of feminine beauty, emotional depth, and expressions of love in Tamil literary traditions from Sangam literature to contemporary works. Bethlehem Kuravanchi, a notable Christian minor literary work, portrays the birth and life of Jesus Christ and has been widely studied for its literary structure, stylistic features, and allegorical richness. This paper establishes that this  text also holds potential for scientific interpretation. The  aim of this paper is to compare the descriptions of the moon  in Vedanayaga Sasthriyar’s Bethlehem Kuravanchi with astronomical discoveries made between 1750 and 1900. Invention of  telescope during this period enabled accurate observations of the moon’s surface, craters, and the number of planets and their moons. Remarkably, long before these scientific findings were formally established,Vedanayaga Sasthriyar recorded several astronomical truths  in his literary worksuch as the number of moons around Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn, the nature of lunar light, the waxing and waning phases of the moon, and its influence on ocean tides.

சங்க இலக்கியங்களிலிருந்து தற்கால இலக்கியம் வரையிலான அனைத்து இலக்கிய வடிவங்களிலும் நிலா, ஒரு தலைவியின்அழகியல் குறியீடு, காதல் உணர்ச்சியின் வெளிப்பாடு போன்றவற்றைக் குறிப்பிட பயன்படுத்தப்பெற்றுள்ளது. கிறித்தவச் சிற்றிலக்கியங்களுள் ஒன்றான பெத்லகேம் குறவஞ்சி இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் பிறப்பு மற்றும் வாழ்க்கையை உட்பொருளாகக்கொண்டு பாடப்பெற்ற இலக்கியம் ஆகும். இலக்கிய வடிவம், அமைப்புச் சிறப்பு, முற்றுருவகம் போன்றவற்றை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்டு பல ஆய்வுகள் நிகழ்த்தப் பெற்றுள்ளன. இதனைத் தொடர்ந்து அறிவியல் சார்ந்த ஆய்வுகளையும் மேற்கொள்ள முடியும் என்பதை நிறுவுவதாக இக்கட்டுரை அமைகிறது. 1750 முதல் 1900 வரையிலான காலகட்டத்தில் நிகழ்த்தப் பெற்ற வானியல் கண்டுபிடிப்புகளுடன் வேதநாயக சாஸ்திரியாரின் பெத்லகேம் குறவஞ்சியில் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ள நிலா பற்றிய குறிப்புகளை ஒப்பிட்டுப் பகுப்பாய்வு செய்வதே இவ்வாய்வின் நோக்கம்.  நிலாவின் மேற்பரப்பு, பள்ளங்கள், கோள்களின் எண்ணிக்கை, துணைக்கோள்கள் போன்றவற்றைத் தொலைநோக்கியைக் கண்டுபிடித்ததன் விளைவாகத் துல்லியமாகக் கண்டறிய முடிந்தது. இதற்கு முன்பே நெப்டியூன், யுரேனஸ், சனி ஆகிய கோள்களின் நிலாஎண்ணிக்கை, நிலவின் ஒளி, வளரும்–தேயும் நிலைகள், கடலலை மீதான தாக்கம் போன்றவற்றின் அறிவியல் சார்ந்த உண்மைகளை வேதநாயக சாஸ்திரியார் இவ்விலக்கியத்தில் பதிவு செய்துள்ளார்.

In the tradition of Tamil novels, history is not merely a collection of events; it functions as a document of social memory, a critique of power relations, and a mode of recording identity politics. In this regard, Marupakkam by Ponneelan is an important historical novel. Centered on the Mandaikadu riots, the novel extensively portrays nearly two hundred years of social history in Kanyakumari District. In particular, it records significant historical developments such as the caste system of the erstwhile Travancore State, the Upper Cloth Revolt, the Ayyavazhi movement led by Ayya Vaikundar, the spread of Christianity, the abolition of slavery, and the struggle for the merger of Kanyakumari District with Tamil Nadu. These events are presented in the novel as historical narratives. This article examines and explains their historical significance, fictional representations, and socio-political background.

தமிழ் நாவல் மரபில் வரலாறு என்பது நிகழ்வுகளின் தொகுப்பு மட்டுமல்ல; அது சமூக நினைவின் ஆவணமாகவும், அதிகார உறவுகளின் விமர்சனமாகவும், அடையாள அரசியலின் பதிவு முறையாகவும் விளங்குகிறது. பொன்னீலனின் மறுபக்கம் நாவல் இந்த வகையில் ஒரு முக்கியமான வரலாற்றுப் புனைவாகும். மண்டைக்காடு கலவரத்தை மையமாகக் கொண்டு எழுதப்பட்ட இந்நாவல், குமரி மாவட்டத்தின் இருநூறு ஆண்டுகால சமூக வரலாற்றை விரிவாகப் பேசுகிறது. குறிப்பாக, திருவிதாங்கூர் சமஸ்தானத்தின் சாதி அமைப்பு, தோள்சீலைப் போராட்டம், வைகுண்டசாமியின் அய்யாவழி இயக்கம், கிறித்தவ மதப்பரவல், அடிமைமுறை ஒழிப்பு, கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்ட இணைப்பு போராட்டம் போன்ற நிகழ்வுகள் நாவலில் வரலாற்றுப் பதிவுகளாக இடம்பெறுகின்றன. இக்கட்டுரை அவற்றின் வரலாற்றுத் தன்மை, புனைவுகள், சமூக அரசியல் பின்னணி ஆகியவற்றை ஆய்வு விளக்குகிறது.

A Study of Kongu Regional Novel Literature and the Social Impact of Water Scarcity Novel literature is a widely cherished genre that depicts human life and events—either real or imagined—in prose form. Over time, regional literature from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu has evolved to realistically portray the living conditions, culture, traditional lifestyles, and characterization within its narratives.

This study focuses on analyzing the characters, setting, narrative style, and themes depicted by the author. Specifically, it explores how water—a fundamental necessity for all living beings—impacts human existence. The research highlights the harsh reality that poverty is not limited to food, but extends to water scarcity as well. Ultimately, this study aims to reveal how water shortage acts as a critical turning point in an individual's life, driving changes in daily activities and giving rise to pressing social issues like forced migration.