Tamil Literature
Overview
Tamil literature is one of the oldest continuous literary traditions in the world, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. For KTET aspirants, this topic tests your knowledge of classical Tamil works (Sangam literature, Thirukkural, epics) as well as modern Tamil writers who shaped contemporary Tamil prose and poetry.
This topic appears in Language I for candidates choosing Tamil. Questions typically focus on authors, their works, key themes, and literary periods. Expect direct factual questions like "Who wrote Silappatikaram?" or "Which Sangam text belongs to Ettuthokai?" A solid grasp of literary chronology, major works, and their authors is essential for scoring well.
Mastery requires memorising key texts, their authors, and the broad classification of Tamil literary periods—from Sangam classics through medieval devotional literature to modern fiction and poetry.
Key Concepts
- Sangam Age (300 BCE – 300 CE): The classical period of Tamil literature, named after the "Sangam" (academy of poets). The three Sangams were held at Madurai, Kapadapuram, and the second Madurai.
- Ettuthokai and Pattupattu: The two major collections of Sangam poetry. Ettuthokai contains 8 anthologies; Pattupattu contains 10 long poems. Together they form the core of Sangam literature.
- Akam and Puram: Two thematic divisions of Sangam poetry. Akam deals with love and inner life; Puram deals with war, valour, and public life.
- Thirukkural: A classic Tamil text of 1,330 couplets by Thiruvalluvar, covering virtue (aram), wealth (porul), and love (inbam). It is considered a universal ethical guide.
- Five Great Epics (Aimperumkappiyangal): Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Sivaka Chintamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi. Only the first three survive in full.
- Bhakti Literature: Medieval devotional poetry by Nayanmars (Shaiva saints) and Azhwars (Vaishnava saints). Includes Tevaram and Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
- Modern Tamil Literature: Post-19th century writers like Subramania Bharati, Kalki Krishnamurthy, Jayakanthan, and Sundara Ramasamy who shaped Tamil prose, poetry, and fiction.
Key Facts
| Period | Key Works/Authors | Important Points |
|---|---|---|
| Sangam Period | Ettuthokai, Pattupattu | Oldest extant Tamil literature; secular themes of love and war |
| Ettuthokai (8 Anthologies) | Narrinai, Kuruntokai, Ainkurunuru, Patirruppattu, Paripatal, Kalittokai, Akananuru, Purananuru | Akananuru and Purananuru are the longest |
| Pattupattu (10 Idylls) | Thirumurugatrupadai, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanci | Long narrative poems on kings, love, and nature |
| Thirukkural | Thiruvalluvar (estimated 31 BCE – 100 CE) | 133 chapters × 10 couplets = 1,330 couplets |
| Silappatikaram | Ilango Adigal | Story of Kannagi; first of the five great epics |
| Manimekalai | Sithalai Sattanar | Buddhist epic; sequel to Silappatikaram |
| Sivaka Chintamani | Thiruthakka Thevar | Jain epic; introduced the viruttam metre |
| Tevaram | Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundarar | Shaiva devotional hymns |
| Nalayira Divya Prabandham | 12 Azhwars | 4,000 Vaishnava hymns |
| Subramania Bharati | Kuyil Pattu, Panchali Sabatham | Father of modern Tamil poetry; nationalist poet |
| Kalki Krishnamurthy | Ponniyin Selvan, Sivagamiyin Sabatham | Historical novels |
| Jayakanthan | Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal | Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awardee |
Worked Examples
Example 1: Which collection does "Purananuru" belong to?
Step 1: Recall that Sangam literature has two major collections—Ettuthokai (8 anthologies) and Pattupattu (10 idylls).
Step 2: Purananuru is an anthology of 400 poems on war and public life (Puram themes).
Step 3: Anthologies belong to Ettuthokai.
Answer: Ettuthokai
Example 2: Name the three divisions of Thirukkural.
Step 1: Thirukkural is divided into three books based on the "Purusharthas" adapted for Tamil ethics.
Step 2: The divisions are Aram (virtue/dharma), Porul (wealth/polity), and Inbam (love/pleasure).
Answer: Aram, Porul, Inbam (Virtue, Wealth, Love)
Example 3: Who is the author of Silappatikaram and what is its central theme?
Step 1: Silappatikaram is the first of the five great Tamil epics.
Step 2: It was written by Ilango Adigal, a Jain prince and brother of Chera king Senguttuvan.
Step 3: The epic tells the story of Kannagi, whose husband Kovalan is unjustly executed. Kannagi proves his innocence and destroys Madurai with her chastity's power.
Answer: Author—Ilango Adigal; Theme—Story of Kannagi, justice, and wifely virtue.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Ettuthokai with Pattupattu: Students mix up the two collections. Remember: Ettuthokai = 8 anthologies (shorter poems grouped thematically); Pattupattu = 10 long narrative poems.
- Attributing Thirukkural to the wrong period: Thirukkural belongs to the post-Sangam "ethical literature" period, not the Sangam age itself. Its author Thiruvalluvar is distinct from Sangam poets.
- Mixing up the five epics: Only Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, and Sivaka Chintamani survive completely. Valayapathi and Kundalakesi are largely lost. Students often list non-existent epics.
- Confusing Nayanmars and Azhwars: Nayanmars are Shaiva saints (composed Tevaram); Azhwars are Vaishnava saints (composed Divya Prabandham). The religious affiliation is the key differentiator.
- Ignoring modern writers: KTET includes modern Tamil literature. Bharati, Kalki, and Jayakanthan frequently appear. Don't over-focus on classical texts alone.
Quick Reference
- Sangam = 3 academies at Madurai, Kapadapuram, and Madurai again.
- Ettuthokai = 8 anthologies; Pattupattu = 10 long poems.
- Thirukkural = 1,330 couplets (133 chapters × 10) by Thiruvalluvar.
- Silappatikaram = Ilango Adigal = Kannagi's story.
- Bharati = Father of modern Tamil poetry; Kalki = Historical novels (Ponniyin Selvan).
- Nayanmars = Shaiva; Azhwars = Vaishnava.