In this lesson how the genre of folklore came
up in Tamil Nadu is explained. Classification of this literature,
its origin, growth and other historical aspects are presented.
Folklore literature is a form of fine art. Here
the author and the text are to be viewed in an integrated manner
in histrorical research. Popular antiquities, popular literature
and common mythology formed the content of the world folklore. Indian
folklore was considered as a part of Indology. Tamil folk literature
presents the life and culture of Tamil people in all its reality
as traditional creations.
In folklore there are very influential folksongs
and very popular folkstories. Gods have an important place in folksongs.
Because of their oral tradition these songs are composed in an easily
recitable, simple and sweet form. Similarly, folk stories thematically
classified as myth, legend and popular tale are based on real life
in rural areas
The oral form of folk literature passed on from
one generation to the other, one community to the other, one culture
to the other, happened to be recorded in writing thanks to the advent
of printing press.
On learning this lesson you will be able to appreciate
the importance of the growth and development of folk literature
as a documentary evidence of the cultural development of Tamil people.
