The Literary Heritage of Tamil: Ancient Epics and the Evolution of Dravidian Languages
Indian Literature Lecture Series: Session 5 – “The Literary Heritage of Tamil: Ancient Epics and the Evolution of Dravidian Languages“
đź“… Date & Time: 05 November 2024, Tuesday, 13:30 Istanbul Time
đź“Ť Location: Zoom & Hyflex 9 , Second floor, IHU
Join Zoom Meeting: Click here
Meeting ID: 840 9820 6467
Passcode: 048856
We are delighted to invite you to the fifth session of the Indian Literature Lecture Series.
This insightful lecture titled “The Literary Heritage of Tamil: Ancient Epics and the Evolution of Dravidian Languages“ delivered by Dr K. Kannan Prasad, Loyola College (Autonomous) , Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai.
About the Lecture
The lecture will explore classical Tamil literature and its profound influence on the linguistic and cultural development of South India. It begins with an introduction to Sangam literature, a collection of ancient Tamil texts dating back to 300 BCE – 300 CE, which provides invaluable insights into early Tamil society, culture, and poetic traditions.
The lecture then delves into the five great epics of Tamil literature, with special emphasis on two masterpieces: Cilappathikaram and Kambar’s Ramayanam. Cilappathikaram, authored by Ilango Adigal, tells the tragic tale of Kannagi, whose quest for justice offers a powerful commentary on governance, morality, and social order in ancient Tamil society. This epic uniquely interweaves elements of music, dance, and drama, offering a comprehensive view of Tamil classical arts. Kambar’s Ramayanam, an adaptation of the Sanskrit epic, demonstrates the sophisticated literary techniques and philosophical depth achieved in medieval Tamil literature.
The discussion extends to other significant epics—Manimekalai, a Buddhist work; Seevagasinthamani, which blends Jain philosophy with Tamil literary conventions; and the lesser-known but equally significant Valayapathy and Kundalakesi. Together, these works showcase the religious pluralism and intellectual diversity of historical Tamil society.
The lecture concludes by examining the linguistic evolution of Dravidian languages, focusing on how Tamil has influenced and shaped its sister languages—Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. This analysis helps students appreciate the interconnected nature of South Indian languages and their shared cultural heritage, providing a comprehensive introduction to one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated literary traditions.
Speaker Profile
Dr. K. Kannan Prasad
Assistant Professor of English, Loyola College (Autonomous) , Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai.
Dr. K. Kannan Prasad, an Assistant Professor at Loyola College, Chennai, specializes in Digital Humanities, Translation Studies, and Postmodern Fiction. With over 25 Faculty Development Programs and courses from institutions like Harvard and the University of London, Dr. Prasad brings a global academic perspective to his work. His research includes Digital Vulnerability, Indian Folklore Cinema, and Translation Studies, and he has presented internationally on topics like environmental humanities and memory studies.
Dr. Prasad has contributed to the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), translating courses to Tamil to improve knowledge accessibility. An NPTEL Domain Scholar in English Studies, he incorporates digital tools and innovative teaching methods, enhancing literature education with a forward-thinking approach.
