MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaHard

Analyze the linguistic, grammatical, and literary contributions of the Tolkappiyam in ancient Tamil literature: 1. Tolkappiyam is the most ancient extant Tamil grammatical treatise, authored by Tolkappiyar, and is divided into three major sections dealing with Orthography, Etymology, and Subject Matter. 2. The Porulatikaram section of the work provides profound sociological insights into the ancient Tamil life, prescribing conventions for Aham and Puram poetry, marriage customs, and ethical duties. 3. The text was composed entirely in Sanskritized poetic meters and reflects no indigenous Dravidian linguistic characteristics. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only✓ Correct Answer
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

💡 Solution & Explanation

Tolkappiyam stands as the monumental foundational grammar of the Tamil language, attributed to the sage Tolkappiyar. It is structured into Eluttatikaram, Sollatikaram, and Porulatikaram, governing sounds, words, and literary aesthetics respectively. Statement three is fundamentally false because Tolkappiyam is rooted deeply in pristine classical Tamil literary traditions, showcasing an independent indigenous linguistic structure rather than being composed in Sanskritized meters. Mastery over this classical text is mandatory for literary and administrative aspirants in Tamil Nadu.

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