This lesson gives us an introduction to the term “Sollani” in Tamil grammar. Types of “Sollani” and the beauty they add to Tamil literature are also discussed here. The Tamil language is composed of five different types of grammatical elements namely Eluthu, Sol, Porul, Yaapu and Ani. They too add value and beauty to Tamil literature. The grammar behind Ani has been explained by Dandi in his book “Dhandialangaaram”. This book is divided into three sections, Podhu Ani Iyal, Porul Ani Iyal and Sollani Iyal.

Words carry meaning in a poem; there are words that are themselves decorative and such words are known as “Sollani”. Different types of Sollani are Madaku, Chitirakavigal, Valukal and Malaivu. Madaku adds beauty to a poem and also gives multiple meanings to the poem. Such is the characteristic of Madaku.

Sollani can occur at any place in the poem, in the beginning, the middle or at the end. Madaku Ani is divided into three different types, Mudhan Madaku, Idai Madaku and Kadai Madaku. If Madaku occurs in all lines of the poem then this is known as Mutrumadakani. Eluthu Madaku is where a single letter, repeated, gives different meanings.

There are also special types of Madaku Ani. Like Egapaatham etc.,

From this lesson we have an introduction into “Sollani”. “Dhandialangaaram” composed by Dandi explains Ani and its types.