Lesson - 1

A04121 HISTORY OF TAMIL LITERATURE IN THE 6 th CENTURY

    Sangam literature gave us information about love and valour as manifested during that age. Literary works which appeared after the Sangam era, taught men how to lead a virtuous life. The literature that was produced during the 6 th century was predominantly religious. As several religions flourished during this time, literature in praise of various gods was also produced.

    Religious literature is basically devotional and philosophical. The Jain and Buddhist saints wrote philosophical works, while the Nayanmaars and the Aazhwars composed highly devotional songs capable of moving even the stone - hearted.

    From 250 - 600 A.D. Tamilnad was ruled by the kalappirars, who came from Karnataka and captured Tamilnad after defeating the three great kings, Chera, Chola and Pandya. But towards the end of the 6th century, the Pallavas became a powerful force and ruled large parts of the land.

    Consequently, radical changes were seen in the agricultural sector. As production far exceeded the demand, local and foreign trade flourished. Social inequalities increased. Buddhism spread far and wide, going as far as China . The Buddhists and Jains were well - versed in Tamil literature and grammar. They produced religious literature which was mainly propagandist. Kings and the rich patronised these writers. As the Pallavas grew in power, however, Saivism and Vaishnavism regained their lost glory. Religious movements became popular.

    The most significant Jain works of this century were கிளி விருத்தம், எலி விருத்தம் and நரி விருத்தம். Notable among the works of Saiva literature are அற்புதத்திருவந்தாதி, திருஇரட்டை மணிமாலை and திருவாலங்காட்டு மூத்த திருப்பதிகங்கள் composed by காரைக்காலம்மையார்.

    One of the five great Tamil epics Kundalakesi, is a contribution made by the Buddhists. The impermanence of life is the theme of this epic. It brings out the eternal truth of the saying, “In the end is the beginning; in the beginning is the end.

    Thus, this lesson teaches you the greatness of religious literature, and the contributions of the Jains and the Buddhists to Tamil Literature during the 6 th century.