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.