What is Tamil?
The Tamil language is spoken by people from India and Sri Lanka. This language has been influenced by Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, English, and other languages. Tamil is written using the Tamil script. There are about 70 million speakers of this language worldwide.
The word “TAMIL” means “the language of the people”. Tamils are believed to have migrated from Central Asia via the Indian subcontinent to Sri Lanka. They speak Dravidian languages and share many cultural traits with neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, Cambodia, and Thailand
Tamil Nadu is the largest state in South India and has been the center of the Tamil culture since ancient times. In addition to being the official language of the State of Tamil Nadu, Tamil is also used as a literary language. Tamil is written using the Tamil script. This is a Brahmic alphabet with modifications from other scripts. Tamil grammar is similar to Sanskrit grammar. Tamil is closely related to Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and other languages of the same group.
The people of Tamil Nadu have their own distinct way of dressing, eating, speaking, and even worshipping God. They believe in Hinduism and worship Shiva, Vishnu, Devi (Goddess), Murugan, and other Gods and Goddesses. They speak Tamil, a Dravidian language.
Tamil Culture is a South Indian culture that has been around since 2000 BC. It was introduced to Sri Lanka from India through immigration. Many customs and traditions make this culture unique including its food, language, clothing, art, music, dance, religion, architecture, festivals, etc.
Tamil Architecture
Tamil Architecture is a unique style of Indian architecture that originated in South India. This architectural style has its own characteristics based on local traditions and climate conditions. Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful temples and mosques.
Tamil Nadu is home to several historical monuments and archaeological sites such as Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, Thirukkoyilmoodi temple near Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar Temple at Tiruchirappalli, Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, Rameshwaram Beach Temple at Ramanathapuram, Kailashpada Shiva Temple at Uthupuvanam, Srivilliputtur Maha Vishnu Temple, Arunachaleswarar Temple at Kanchipuram, Pattisai Perumal Temple at Thenmaruvattom, Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Kapaleeshwarar Temple at Srirangam, Vellayani Amman Temple at Thiruvalanchuzhi, Thirukkovilur Mariamman Temple at Thirukkuvarur.
Jallikattu (ஜ்லலிகட்டு)
Jallikattu (ஜ்லலிகட்டு) is a traditional sport from Tamil Nadu, India. It is a bull-taming sport where two teams face each other. One team has a bull while the other team has a person who tries to tame the bull using his bare hands. This game is played between two teams, each consisting of 12 players. Each player wears a helmet and chest protector. The objective of this game is to grab the opponent's headgear and pull him down. If the player falls off the bull, he loses the match.
In ancient times, Jallikattu was played only by men. But now women are allowed to play this sport. Jallikattus are held at various places across Tamil Nadu. They are usually organized by the government. Jallikattum is a popular sport among children. Jallikattur is famous for its unique culture. People celebrate their festivals like Pongal, Onam, Christmas, etc. Jallikattukkaran is the name given to the people who play this sport.
Food Culture
People eat rice, lentils, dal, vegetables, fruits, milk products, fish, meat, and eggs. Rice is the staple food and is eaten at almost every meal. In some regions, they add sugar to it.
The Various Religious Culture In TamilNadu
1. Hinduism
Hinduism is the world's third-largest religion, comprising over 800 million followers across the globe. Hindus believe that God resides in each individual and that humans are reincarnations of gods. They worship many different deities and follow specific rituals.
2. Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion that was founded around 500 BC by Siddhartha Gautama (Sanskrit: Śākyamuni; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama). Buddha taught people how to achieve enlightenment through meditation and self-reflection. He believed in karma – the law of cause and effect – and taught his disciples about its power to shape their future lives.
3. Jainism
Jainism originated in India around 1500 BCE. Its central teaching is ahimsa (nonviolence), and adherents reject killing any living creature. Jains believe that nonviolence can lead to spiritual liberation, but they also recognize that this path is not always possible in the real world.
Tamil Festivals
1. Pongal
Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, on the day after New Year's Day (January 1). This festival marks the beginning of the spring season. On this occasion, people celebrate by offering prayers and making Pongal, a traditional dish consisting of steamed rice topped with jaggery and coconut milk.
2. Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu religious festival that takes place in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is held in honor of Lord Muruga, who is believed to have killed the demon king Ravana. People take part in the procession, known as parades, which involves carrying heavy weights on their shoulders.
3. Deepavali
Deepawali is a Hindu festival observed to mark the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia. In many countries, Deepavali is a time of family gatherings, where friends and relatives exchange gifts, light fireworks, enjoy sweets, and play games.
Tamil Ancient Literatures
1. Thirukkural (Tamil)
The Thirukkural is a collection of 613 couplets (or stanzas), written by the Tamil poet and philosopher Tiruvalluvar. It was composed sometime between 400 and 500 CE, although some scholars believe that it was compiled much later, in the medieval period.
2. Silappatikaram (Tamil)
Silappathikaram is a Sanskrit epic poem written by the Indian author Valmiki. It tells the story of the Pandava prince Arjuna's ten-year exile from his kingdom after being charged with having killed his kinsmen in the Kurukshetra War.
3. Manimegalai (Tamil)
Manimegalai is a work of Tamil literature by the Sangam age poet Manikkavacakar. It consists of 10,766 verses divided into four cantos.
Tamil Kings
Tamil Kings are the people who have been ruling over the land of Tamils since ancient times. They were the rulers of the country from the period of the Sangam age till today. There are many Tamil kings like Rajaraja Chola I (1014-1148), Rajendra Chola I(1070-1129), Vijayalaya Cholan (12th century), Kulasekara Pandya (13th century).
In modern days, there are many Tamil kings like MGR (1924-2009), Karunanidhi (1879-1973), J Jayalalitha (1946-2016), O Panneerselvam (1950- ), E Palaniswami (1949- ).
Tamil Arts Culture
1. Music
Music has been used since ancient times to express emotions and feelings. There are many types of music that can be played like Indian Classical Music, Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, Western Music, etc. These musical instruments include Violin, Flute, Guitar, Harmonium, Tabla, Dholak, Sarangi, Mridangam, Tamboura, Veena, Sitar, Tanpura, etc.
2. Dance
Dance is an art form that involves the use of body movements to create rhythm and harmony. Dancing is done for various reasons including celebration, entertainment, exercise, meditation, healing, therapy, etc.
3. Drama
The drama is a performance art form that uses words, gestures, sounds, objects, costumes, scenery, lighting, stagecraft, movement, and other elements to convey ideas and/or stories.
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