Tamil Mains Syllabus
Part 1: History of Tamil Language
Major Indian Language Families- The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in general & Dravidian in particular-Enumeration & Distribution of Dravidian Language.
The Language of Sangam Literature- The Language Medieval Tamil: Pallava Period only- Historical Study of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs- Tense Markers and Case Markers in Tamil.
Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil- Regional & Social Dialects-Difference between Literary and spoken Tamil.
Part 2: History of Tamil Literature
Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature- The division of Akam & Puram- The Secular characteristics of Sangam Literature- The development of Ethical Literature- Silapathikaram & Manimekalai.
Part 3: Devotional Literature (Alwars & Nayanamars)
The Bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns- Minor Literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Purani, Kuravanji).
Social Factors for the development of Modern Tamil Literature; Novel, Short Story and New Poetry- The impact of various Political ideologies on modern writings.
Part 1: Recent trends in Tamil Studies
Approaches to criticism, social, psychological, historical & moralistic- the use of criticism-the various techniques in literature, Ullurai, Iraichi, Thonmam (Myth), Otturuvagam (allegory, Angadam (Satire), Meyappadu, Padimam (Image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (ambiguity)- The concept of comparative literature- the principle of comparative literature.
Part 2: Folk Literature in Tamil
Ballads, Songs, Proverbs & Riddles- Sociological Study of Tamil folklore- Uses of Translation-Translation of Tamil works into other Languages- Development of Journalism in Tamil.
Part 3: Cultural Heritage of Tamil
Concept of Love & War-Concept of Aram-the ethical codes adopted by the ancient Tamils in their warfare- customs, beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in the five thinais.
The Cultural changes as revealed in Post Sangam Literature- Cultural Fusion in the Medieval Period (Jainism & Buddhism). The development of Arts & Architecture through the ages (Pallavas, later cholas, & Nayaks). The impact of various political, social, religious and cultural movements on Tamil Society. The role of Mass Media in the Cultural Change of contemporary Tamil Society.
Part 1: Ancient Literature
- Kuruntokai (1-25 Poems)
- Purananuru (182-200 Poems)
- Thirukkural Porutpal: ArasiyalumAmaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to Avai Anjamai)
Part 2: Epic Literature
- Silappadikaram: Madurai Kandam Only
- Kamba Ramayanam: Kumbakarnan Vadhai Padalam.
Part 3: Devotional Literature
- Thiruvasagam: Neethal vinnappam
Part 1: Poetry
- Bharathiar: Kannan pattu
- Bharathidasan: Kudumba Vilakku
- Kamarasan Karuppu Malargal
- Varadharaja Nara: Aramum Arasiyalum
- N. Annadurai: Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame
Part 2: Novel, Short Story & Drama
- Akilon: Chitta Appavai
- Jayakanthan: Gurupeedam
- Cho: Yaurkkum Vetkamillai
Part 3: Folk Literature
- Muthu Pattan Kathai ed. by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication: Madurai Kamaraj University)