a.
TAMIL
PAPER I
Answers must be written in Tamil
Section A
Part 1: History of Tamil Language
Major Indian Language Families—The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in
general and Dravidian in particular—Enumeration and Distribution of Dravidian
languages.
The language of Sangam Literature—The language of 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 and social dialects—
difference between literary and spoken Tamil.
Part 2 : History of Tamil Literature
Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature—The division of Akam and
Puram—The secular characteristics of Sangam Literature—The development of
Ethical literature—Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
Part 3 : Devotional Literature (Alwars and Nayanamars)
The bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns—Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, 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.
Section B
Part 1 : Recent trends in Tamil Studies
Approaches to criticism : Social, psychological, historical and moralistic—the use of
criticism—the various techniques in literature; Ullurai, Iraicchi, 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 and 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 the Tamils
Concept of Love and 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 (Janism and Buddhism). The development of arts and architecture
through the ages (Pallavas, later Cholas, and 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.
PAPER II
Answers must be written in Tamil
The paper will require first-hand reading of the text prescribed and will be designed
to test the critical ability of the candidate.
Sectio
n A Part 1 : Ancient Literature
(1) Kuruntokai (1—25 poems)
(2) Purananuru (182—200 poems)
(3) TirukkuralPorutpal :ArasiyalumAmaichiyalum(from Iraimatchi to
Avaianjamai). Part 2 : Epic Literature
(1) Silappadikaram : Madhurai Kandam only.
(2) Kambaramayanam : Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam.
Part 3 : Devotional Literature
(1) Tiruvasagam : Neetthal
Vinnappam (2) Tiruppavai :
(Full Text).
Section B
Modern Literature
Part 1 : Poetry
(1) Bharathiar : Kannan Pattu
(2) Bharathidasan : Kudumba Vilakku
(3) Naa. Kamarasan : Karappu Malarkal
Prose
(1) Mu. Varadharajanar : Aramum
Arasiyalum (2) C. N. Annadurai : Ye!
Thazhntha Tamilagame.
Part 2 : Novel, Short Story and Drama
(1) Akilon ; Chittairappavai
(2) Jayakanthan : Gurupeedam
(3) Cho : Yaurkkum Vetkamillai
Part 3 : Folk Literature
(1) Muthuppattan kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication : Madurai Kamaraj
University).
Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication : Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur).
