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| − | {{approved}}{{submitted}}{{images OK}}{{Paid}}
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| − | <!--{{featured article}}—>
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| − | {{Infobox Ethnic group
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| − | |group = Tamils
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| − | |picture = [[Murali.jpg]]
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| − | |poptime = 77,000,000{{nbsp|2}}<ref name="vistawide">{{cite web |url= http://www.vistawide.com/languages/top_30_languages.htm|title= Top 30 Languages by Number of Native Speakers: sourced from Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 15th ed. (2005)|accessdate=2007-04-03 |format= |work= Vistawide - World Languages & Cultures}}</ref>
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| − | |region1 = {{flagcountry|India}}
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| − | |pop1 = 61,527,000 (1996)<ref name="ethtamstat">{{cite web |url= http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=tam|title= Ethnologue report for language code tam|accessdate=2007-07-31 |work= Ethnologue: Languages of the World}}</ref>
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| − | |region2 = {{flagcountry|Sri Lanka}}
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| − | |pop2 = 3,000,000 (1993)<ref name="ethtamstat"/>
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| − | |region3 = {{flagcountry|Malaysia}}
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| − | |pop3 = 1,060,000 (1993)<ref name="ethtamstat"/>
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| − | |region4 = {{flagcountry|Singapore}}
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| − | |pop4 = 111,000 (1993) <ref name="ethtamstat"/>
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| − | <!-- No other countries should be added to this list. The talk page explains why —>
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| − | |languages = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
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| − | |religions = [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], [[Jainism]]
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| − | |related =
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| − | [[Dravidian people]]{{·}} [[Brahui people]]{{·}} [[Kannadigas]]{{·}} [[Malayali]]s{{·}} '''Tamils'''{{·}} [[Telugu people|Telugu]]s{{·}} [[Tuluva]]s{{·}} [[Gond]]s
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| − | }}
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| − | '''Tamil people''', a [[Dravidian]] people from the [[Indian subcontinent]], have a recorded history going back more than two [[millennia]].<ref name="emeneau1">{{cite journal
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| − | | quotes =
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| − | | author = M. B. Emeneau
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1956
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| − | | month = Jan-Mar
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| − | | title = India as a Lingustic Area
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| − | | journal = Language
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| − | | volume = 32
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| − | | issue = 1
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| − | | pages = 5
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0097-8507%28195601%2F03%2932%3A1%3C3%3AIAALA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-X
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| − | | language = English
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| − | | accessdate = 2007-05-03
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| − | | quote = Of the four literary Dravidian languages, Tamil has voluminous records dating back at least two millennia
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| − | }}</ref> The oldest Tamil communities live in [[South India|southern India]] and north-eastern [[Sri Lanka Tamils (native)|Sri Lanka]]. A number of Tamil [[emigration|emigrant]] communities resided scattered around the world, especially in central [[Sri Lanka Tamils (Indian origin)|Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[South Africa]], [[Singapore]], and [[Mauritius]] with more recent emigrants found in [[New Zealand]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], the [[United States]], and [[Europe]]. An estimated 77 million Tamils live scattered around the world.
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| − |
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| − | The art and architecture of the Tamil people encompass some of the greatest contributions of India to the art world. The [[Ancient Tamil music|music]], the temple architecture and the stylized sculptures favored by the Tamil people remain live art forms, still learned and practiced. The classical language of [[Tamil language|Tamil]], one of the oldest languages in India, has the oldest extant [[Tamil literature|literature]] amongst other [[Dravidian languages]].<ref name="burton1">{{cite journal
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| − | | quotes =
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| − | | author = Burton Stein
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1977
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| − | | month = Nov
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| − | | title = Circulation and the Historical Geography of Tamil Country
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| − | | journal = The Journal of Asian Studies
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| − | | volume = 37
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| − | | issue = 1
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| − | | pages = 7–26
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| − | | quote = Tamil is one of the two longest-surviving classical languages in India.
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| − | }}</ref>
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| − |
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| − | Unlike many [[ethnic group]]s, Tamils experienced governance by more than one political entity during most of their history. [[Tamilakam]], the traditional name for the Tamil lands, experienced political unity for only a brief period, between the 9th and 12th centuries, under the [[Chola dynasty|Chola Empire]]. Enthnologists identity Tamil primarily by linguistic similarities, although in recent times the definition has been broadened to include emigrants of Tamil descent who [[cultural identity|maintain Tamil cultural traditions]], even if they no longer regularly speak the language. Tamils ethnically, linguistically and culturally relate to the other [[Dravidian people]]s of the [[Indian subcontinent]].
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| − | ==History==
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| − | {{See also | History of Tamil Nadu}}
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| − | ===Pre-historic period===
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| − | [[Image:Brihadeshwara back right.jpg||thumb|right|250px|The Great Temple at Thanjavur built by [[Rajaraja Chola I]]]]
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| − | The origins of the Tamil people, like those of the other [[Dravidian people]]s, remain unknown, although [[genetics|genetic]] and [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence suggests a possible migration into [[India]] around 6000 [[Common Era|BCE]].<ref>Gadgil et.al, ''Peopling of India'', ''The Indian/Sri Lankan Human Heritage''</ref> The [[megalith]]ic urn burials, dating from around 1000 B.C.E. and onwards, which have been discovered at various locations in Tamil Nadu, notably in [[Adichanallur]], provide the earliest clear evidence of the presence of the Tamil people in modern [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="codrington1">{{cite journal
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| − | | quotes =
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| − | | author = K. De B. Codrington
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1930
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| − | | month = October
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| − | | title = Indian Cairn- and Urn-Burials
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| − | | journal = Man
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| − | | volume = 30
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| − | | issue =
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| − | | pages = 190–196
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0025-1496%28193010%291%3A30%3C190%3A1ICAU%3E2.0.CO%3B2-1
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| − | | quote = ...at Perambair & Pallavaram a second type of burial exists in legged urns...
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| − | }}</ref><ref name="kan">Comparative excavations carried out in Adichanallur in Thirunelveli district and in Northern India have provided evidence of a southward migration of the Megalithic culture - K.A.N. Sastri, ''A History of South India'', pp49–51</ref> These burials conform to the descriptions of funerals in classical [[Tamil literature]] in a number of details, and appear to be concrete evidence of the existence of Tamils in southern [[India]] during that period.<ref name="codrington2">{{cite journal
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| − | | quotes =
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| − | | author = K. De B. Codrington
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1930
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| − | | month = October
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| − | | title = Indian Cairn- and Urn-Burials
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| − | | journal = Man
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| − | | volume = 30
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| − | | issue =
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| − | | pages = 194
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| − | | quote = It is necessary to draw attention to certain passages in early Tamil literature which throw a great deal of light upon this strange burial ceremonial...
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| − | }}</ref> In modern times, ancient Tamil literature like [[Sangam]] poetry and epics like Silapthigaaram have been interpreted as making references to a lost land known as [[Kumari Kandam]].<ref name="sumathi">{{cite journal
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| − | | quotes =
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| − | | author = Sumathi Ramaswamy
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 2000
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| − | | month = August
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| − | | title = History at Land's End: Lemuria in Tamil Spatial Fables
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| − | | journal = The Journal of Asian Studies
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| − | | volume = 59
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| − | | issue = 3
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| − | | pages = 575–602
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0021-9118%28200008%2959%3A3%3C575%3AHALELI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-C
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| − | }}</ref>
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| − |
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| − | ===Classical period===
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| − |
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| − | From around the third century B.C.E. onwards, three royal dynasties—the [[Chola dynasty|Cholas]], the [[Chera dynasty|Cheras]] and the [[Pandyan Kingdom|Pandyas]]—rose to dominate the [[ancient Tamil country]].<ref name="kan" /> Each of those dynasties had its own realm within the Tamil-speaking region. [[Sangam literature|Classical literature]] and inscriptions also describe a number of ''[[Velirs]]'', or minor chieftains, who collectively ruled over large parts of central [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="ks">{{cite journal
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| − | | author = K. Sivathamby
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1974
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| − | | month = December
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| − | | title = Early South Indian Society and Economy: The Tinai Concept
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| − | | journal = Social Scientist
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| − | | volume = 3
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| − | | issue = 5
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| − | | pages = 20–37
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0970-0293%28197412%293%3A5%3C20%3AESISAE%3E2.0.CO%3B2-U
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| − | | language = English
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| − | | accessdate = 2007-05-03
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| − | |quote = Those who ruled over small territories were called Kurunilamannar. The area ruled by such a small ruler usually corresponded to a geographical unit. In Purananuru a number of such chieftains are mentioned.}} </ref> Wars between the kings and the chieftains were frequent, as were conflicts with ancient [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="desilva" /><ref name="mendis" /> Those wars appear to have been fought to assert hegemony and demand tribute, rather than to subjugate and annex those territories. The kings and chieftains served as patrons of the arts, and a significant volume of literature exists from that period.<ref name="ks" /> The literature shows that many of the cultural Tamil practices date back to the classical period.<ref name="ks" />
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| − | [[Agriculture]] played a vital role during this period, evidence suggesting that they built [[irrigation]] networks as early as 2nd century CE.<ref name="ebcauvery">{{cite web
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| − | | url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9021884/Cauvery-River
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| − | |title= Grand Anaicut
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| − | |work= Encyclopædia Britannica
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| − | |accessdate=2006-05-03}}.</ref> Internal and external trade flourished, and evidence exists of significant contact with [[Ancient Rome]].<ref name="mgsn" /> Large quantities of [[Roman currency|Roman coins]] and signs of the presence of [[Roman commerce|Roman traders]] have been discovered at [[Karur]] and [[Arikamedu]].<ref name="mgsn">{{cite journal
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| − | | author = M. G. S. Narayanan
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1988
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| − | | month = September
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| − | | title = The Role of Peasants in the Early History of Tamilakam in South India
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| − | | journal = Social Scientist
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| − | | volume = 16
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| − | | issue = 9
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| − | | pages = 17–34
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0970-0293%28198809%2916%3A9%3C17%3ATROPIT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-V
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| − | | language = English
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| − | | accessdate = 2007-05-03
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| − | }}</ref> Evidence exists suggesting that Pandya kings sent at least two embassies to the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Augustus]].<ref name="ebpandya">{{cite web| url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9058245/Pandya-Dynasty|title= Pandya Dynasty|work= Encyclopedia Britannica|accessdate = 2007-05-03}}</ref> [[sherd|Potsherds]] with Tamil writing have been found in [[excavation]]s on the [[Red Sea]], suggesting the presence of Tamil [[merchant]]s there.<ref>{{cite web | title= Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Maritime Spice Route Between India, Egypt | work= Veluppillai, Prof. A., | url= http://www.dickran.net/history/india_egypt_trade_route.html|publisher=dickran.net | accessdate=2006-11-15}} </ref> An anonymous first century traveler's account written in [[Greek language|Greek]], ''[[Periplus Maris Erytraei]]'', describes the [[port]]s of the Pandya and Chera kingdoms and their commercial activity in great detail. ''Periplus'' also indicates that the ancient Tamils exported chiefly [[black pepper|pepper]], [[malabathrum]], [[pearl]]s, [[ivory]], [[silk]], [[spikenard]], [[diamond]]s, [[sapphires]], and [[tortoiseshell]].<ref name="periplus"> The term ''Periplus'' refers to the region of the eastern seaboard of South India as ''Damirica '' - {{cite web| url=http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/periplus.html|title= The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: Travel and Trade in the Indian Ocean by a Merchant of the First Century|work= Ancient History source book}}.</ref>
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| − |
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| − | The classical period ended around the fourth century [[Common Era|CE]] with invasions by the [[Kalabhra]], referred to as the ''kalappirar'' in Tamil literature and inscriptions,<ref name="igj" /> described as evil kings and barbarians coming from lands to the north of the Tamil country.<ref>'Kalabhraas were denounced as 'evil kings' ''(kaliararar)'' - K.A.N. Sastri, ''A History of South India'', pp 130</ref> That period, commonly referred to as the Dark Age of the Tamil country, ended with the rise of the [[Pallava]] dynasty.<ref name="igj">{{cite book
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| − | |first= Indian Geographical Society
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| − | |title= The Indian Geographical Journal
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| − | |origyear=
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| − | |year=1941
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| − | |publisher= Indian Geographical Society
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| − | |location=
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| − | |pages = 69
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| − | |quote = These Kalabhras were thrown out by the powerful Pallava dynasty in the fourth
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| − | century AD ... this period is aptly known as "Dark Ages" of Tamil Nadu. ...}}</ref><ref >K.A.N. Sastri, ''A History of South India''</ref><ref name="marilyn">{{cite journal
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| − | | author = Marilyn Hirsh
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| − | | date =
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| − | | year = 1987
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| − | | title = Mahendravarman I Pallava: Artist and Patron of Mamallapuram
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| − | | journal = Artibus Asiae
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| − | | volume = 48
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| − | | issue = 1/2
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| − | | page = 122
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-3648%281987%2948%3A1%2F2%3C109%3AMIPAAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-C
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| − | | language = English
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| − | | accessdate = 2007-05-03
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| − | }}</ref>
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| − | ===Imperial and post-imperial periods===
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| − | [[Image:Temple Tangore 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Detail from a temple in [[Chidambaram]]. The Tamil kings were patrons of the arts, and built many ornate temples.]]
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| − | Although the [[Pallava]] records trace to the second century CE, they arose to prominence as an imperial dynasty in the sixth century.<ref name="his_of_india">{{cite book
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| − | |last = Smith
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| − | |first= Vincent Arthur
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| − | |title= The Early History of India
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| − | |year=1904
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| − | |publisher= The Clarendon press
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| − | |pages = 336–358
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| − | }}</ref> Evidence suggests that the dynasty had been non-Tamil in origin, although they rapidly adopted the local culture and the [[Tamil language]]. The Pallavas sought to model themselves after great northern dynasties such as the [[Mauryan Empire|Mauryas]] and [[Gupta Empire|Guptas]].<ref name="venkayya">{{cite book
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| − | |first=Venkayya
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| − | |last = V.
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| − | |title= Annual Report 1906–7, Archaeological Survey of India
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| − | |year=1907
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| − | |publisher= reprint Swati Publications
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| − | |location= Delhi
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| − | |pages = 217–243
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| − | }}</ref> They therefore transformed the institution of the kingship into an imperial one, and sought to bring vast amounts of territory under their direct rule. The Pallavas, initially [[Buddhist]]s, later converted to [[Hinduism]]. They encouraged the [[Bhakti movement]], which had risen to counter the growing influence of [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]].<ref name="med_india">{{cite book
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| − | |last = Chandra
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| − | |first= Satish
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| − | |title= Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (1206–1526) - I
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| − | |year=1997
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| − | |publisher= Har-Anand Publications
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| − | |pages = 250
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| − | |isbn = 8124110646
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| − | |quote = ...Starting from the Tamil lands under the Pallava kings, bhakti spread to different parts of south India...
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| − | }}</ref> The Pallavas pioneered the building of large, ornate temples in stone which formed the basis of the Dravidian temple architecture.
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| − |
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| − | The resurgent [[Cholas]] overthrew the [[Pallava]] dynasty in the 9th century.<ref name="his_of_india" /> The Cholas become dominant in the 10th century and established an empire covering most of southern India and Sri Lanka.<ref name="his_of_india" /><!--page #345—> The empire had strong trading links with [[China]] and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name="rajendra1">{{cite book
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| − | |last = Srivastava
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| − | |first= Balram
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| − | |title= Rajendra Chola
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| − | |year=1973
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| − | |publisher= National Book Trust, India
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| − | |pages = 80
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| − | |quote = The mission which Rajendra sent to China was essentially a trade mission,...
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| − | }}</ref><ref name="cct">{{cite book
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| − | |last = D. Curtin
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| − | |first= Philip
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| − | |title= Cross-Cultural Trade in World History
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| − | |year=1984
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| − | |publisher= Cambridge University Press
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| − | |pages = 101
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| − | |isbn = 0521269318
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| − | }}</ref> The Cholas' [[navy]] conquered the South Asian kingdom of [[Sri Vijaya]] in [[Sumatra]] and continued as far as [[Thailand]] and [[Burma]].<ref name="his_of_india" /><!--page 345-346—> Chola power declined in the 12th and 13th centuries, and the Pandya dynasty enjoyed a brief period of resurgence thereafter during the rule of Sundara Pandya.<ref name="his_of_india" /><!--page 347—> Repeated [[Islamic empires in India|Muslim invasions]] from the 15th century onwards placed a huge strain on the empire's resources, the dynasty coming to an end in the 16th century.<ref> K.A.N. Sastri, Srinivasachari, Advanced History of India, pp 296–297</ref>
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| − |
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| − | The western Tamil lands became increasingly politically distinct from the rest of the Tamil lands after the Chola and Pandya empires lost control over them in the 13th century<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—>. They developed their own distinct language and literature, which increasingly grew apart from Tamil, evolving into the modern [[Malayalam language]] by the 15th century.<ref>"Malayalam first appeared in writing in the vazhappalli inscription which dates from about 830 C.E." {{cite web | title= Writing Systems and Languages of the world | work= Omniglot | url= http://www.omniglot.com/writing/malayalam.htm |publisher =Omniglot.com| accessdate=2006-11-15}}
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| − | </ref>
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| − |
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| − | [[Image:EttayapuramPalaceRemains.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The remains of a palace of Ettappan, a [[Nayak]] who ruled [[Ettayapuram]].]]No major empires arose thereafter, and for a while a number of different local chiefs, such as the Nayaks of the modern [[Maharashtra]] ruled Tamil Nadu<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—> and [[Andhra Pradesh]] regions. From the 17th century onwards, [[European colonies in India|European powers]] began establishing settlements and trading outposts in the region. The [[United Kingdom|British]], [[France|French]] and [[Denmark|Danish]] in the 18th century fought a number of battles for control of the region, and by the end of the 18th century most of Tamil Nadu came under British rule.
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| − | === Tamils in Sri Lanka ===
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| − | {{See also|History of Sri Lanka|Jaffna Kingdom|Sri Lankan Tamils}}
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| − |
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| − | [[Image:Nallur.jpg|thumb|The Nallur Kandaswamy temple in [[Jaffna]]]]
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| − | Little consensus exists on the history of the Tamil-speaking parts of [[Sri Lanka]] prior to the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] period. Some [[Sinhalese people|Sinhala]] [[historian]]s argue that the Tamil had no organised presence in Sri Lanka until the invasions from [[southern India]] in the 10th century, whereas many Tamil historians contend that Tamils represent the original inhabitants of the island, called Araipadi and Elapadi. The historical evidence proves neither case.
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| − | The historical record does establish that the Tamil kingdoms of [[India]] engaged closely in Sri Lankan affairs from about the 2nd century B.C.E.<ref name="desilva">de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.30–32. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref><ref name="mendis">Mendis, G.C. (1957, 3rd ed. 1995). ''Ceylon Today and Yesterday'', pp.24–25. Colombo, Lake House. ISBN 955-552-069-8</ref> Evidence exists of early Tamil traders in [[Anuradhapura]]<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—>. Tamil adventurers invaded the island as far back as 100 B.C.E.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beginnings of tamil rule in ceylon|author=NALLUR SWAMI S. GNANA PRAKASAR O.M.I.|url=http://www.lankalibrary.com/geo/ancient/tamil%20rule.htm|publisher=lankalibrary.com|accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> Tamil wars against Sri Lanka culminated in the Chola annexation of the island in the 10th century, lasting until the latter half of the eleventh century.<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', p.46, 48, 75. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref><ref>Mendis, G.C. (1957, 3rd ed. 1995). ''Ceylon Today and Yesterday'', pp.30–31. Colombo, Lake House. ISBN 955-552-069-8</ref><ref>Smith, V.A. (1958). ''The Oxford History of India'', p.224. Oxford, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195612973</ref>
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| − | The re-establishment of the [[Polonnaruwa]] monarchy in the late eleventh century followed the decline of [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] power in Sri Lanka .<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', p.76. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> In 1215, the [[Arya Chakaravarthi]] dynasty established an independent [[Jaffna kingdom]]<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.100–102. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> in the [[Jaffna]] peninsula and parts of northern Sri Lanka. [[Alagakkonara]], a man from a family of Malayali merchants who had become the chief minister of the Sinhalese king Parakramabahu V (1344–1359), halted the Arya Chakaravarthi expansion into the south.<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.102–104. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> Alagakkonara built a fortress at [[Kotte]],<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.103. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> and held the Arya Chakravarthi army there while he defeated the invading fleet at Panadura, southwest of Kotte. A descendant of Alagakkonara (Tamil ''Alagakonar'') later became King of the Sinhalese,<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.104. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> but the [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] admiral [[Cheng Ho]] ([[Zheng He]]) deposed that line in 1409. The Arya Chakaravarthi dynasty ruled over large parts of northeast Sri Lanka until 1619, when the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] conquered Sri Lanka. Then the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] took the coastal areas of the island and in 1796 those became part of the [[British Empire]].
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| − | ===Modern period===
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| − | [[Image:Tamil brahmin couple circa 1945.jpg|thumb|A colonial-era photograph of a Tamil couple.]]
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| − | British colonists consolidated the Tamil territory in southern India into the [[Madras Presidency]] before integrating the region into [[British Raj|British India]]. Similarly, the Tamil parts of Sri Lanka joined with the other regions of the island in 1802 to form the Ceylon colony, Ceylon remaining in political union with [[India]] and [[Sri Lanka]] after their independence, in 1947 and 1948 respectively.
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| − | When India became independent in 1947, Madras Presidency became the Madras State, comprised of present-day Tamil Nadu, coastal [[Andhra Pradesh]], northern [[Kerala]], and the southwest coast of [[Karnataka]]. The state subsequently split along [[linguistics|linguistic]] lines. In 1953, the northern districts formed Andhra Pradesh. Under the [[States Reorganization Act]] in 1956, Madras State lost its western coastal districts, with the [[Bellary]] and [[South Kanara]] districts ceded to [[Mysore state]]. Kerala formed from the [[Malabar district]] and the former [[princely state]]s of [[Travancore]] and [[Kochi, India|Cochin]]. In 1968, Madras State became ''[[Tamil Nadu]]''.
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| − | Initially, some Tamily demanded an independent Tamil state following the adoption of the federal system.<ref>{{cite news |first = P.C. |last = Vinoj Kumar |author = |coauthors = |url = http://www.tehelka.com/story_main19.asp?filename=op092306Tamil_Nadu.asp |title = Tamil Nadu at the Crossroads |work = |publisher = www.tehelka.com |pages = |page = |date = |accessdate = 2006-12-02 |language = }}</ref> The [[Constitution of India|Indian constitution]] granted significant autonomy to the states, and protests by Tamils in 1963 led to the government adopting a new policy called the "three language formula"<!--could use further explanation—>. That led to Tamils in India becoming increasingly satisfied with the federal arrangement, support for secession or independence today nearly disappearing.
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| − | In Sri Lanka, the unitary arrangement led to a growing belief among some Tamils of discrimination by the [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] majority. That resulted in a demand for [[federalism]], which in the 1970s grew into a movement for an autonomous Tamil country. The situation deteriorated into [[Sri Lankan civil war|civil war]] in the early 1980s. A ceasefire in effect since 2002 broke down in August 2006 amid shelling and bombing from both sides.
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| − | ==Geographic distribution==
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| − | ===Indian Tamils ===
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| − | Most Indian Tamils live in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. They form the majority in the [[union territory]] of [[Pondicherry]], a former [[France|French]] colony. Pondicherry comprises a [[Enclave#Subnational enclave|subnational enclave]] situated within Tamil Nadu. Tamil communities exist in other parts of India, most emerging fairly recently, dating to the colonial and post-colonial periods, but some—particularly the Hebbar and Mandyam Tamils of southern [[Karnataka]], the Tamils of [[Palakkad]] in [[Kerala]], and the Tamils of [[Pune]], [[Maharashtra]]—date back to at least the medieval period.
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| − | ===Sri Lankan Tamils===
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| − | {{See also|Sri Lankan Civil War|Sri Lankan Tamils|Hill Country Tamils}}
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| − | [[Image:Recolectores de te3.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Hill Country Tamils|Hill Country Tamil]] woman working on a tea plantation in upcountry Sri Lanka.]]
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| − | Two groups of Tamils live in Sri Lanka today. The first, known as the ''[[Sri Lankan Tamils]]'', either descended from the Tamils of the old [[Jaffna kingdom]] or migrated to the East coast. The second, known as the ''Indian Tamils'' or ''[[Hill Country Tamils]]'', descendanted from [[indentured servant|bonded labourers]] sent from [[Tamil Nadu]] to Sri Lanka in the 19th century to work in [[tea]] plantations.<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.177, 181. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> [[Ceylon Tamils]] mostly live in the Northern and Eastern provinces and in the capital of Colombo, whereas hill-country Tamils largely live in the central highlands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population by Ethnicity according to District and Sector|author=Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka|url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/census2001/population/district/t001c.htm|publisher=statistics.gov.lk|accessdate=2007-05-03}}</ref> The Hill Country Tamils and Ceylon Tamils historically have seen themselves as separate communities. In 1949, the [[United National Party]] Government, including [[G. G. Ponnambalam]], a leader of the [[Tamil Congress]] and of the Sri Lankan Tamils, stripped the ''Indian Tamils'' of their nationality, along with their right to vote. Prominent Tamil political leaders such as [[S. J. V. Chelvanayakam]] and his Tamil opposition party opposed that move.<ref name="uthr1">{{cite web|title=Missed Opportunities and the Loss of Democracy|author= Lanka|url=http://www.uthr.org/BP/volume1/Chapter1.htm|publisher=uthr.org|accessdate=2007-05-03}}</ref>
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| − | Under an agreement between the Sri Lankan and Indian governments in the 1960s, around 40% of Hill Country Tamils received Sri Lankan nationality, and many of the remainder repatriated to [[India]].<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', p.262. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref> The ethnic conflict has led to the growth of a greater sense of common Tamil identity, and the two groups have become more supportive of each other.<ref>Suryanarayan, V. (2001). [http://www.flonnet.com/fl1816/18160950.htm "In search of a new identity"], ''Frontline'' 18(2).</ref> By the 1990s most Indian Tamils had received Sri Lankan citizenship.<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', p.262. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref>
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| − | A significant [[Islam in Sri Lanka|Tamil-speaking Muslim]] population lives in [[Sri Lanka]]. Unlike Tamil-speaking Muslims from India, they reject the ethnic Tamils identity, usually listed by the government as a separate ethnic group in official statistics.<ref>de Silva, C.R. (1987, 2nd ed. 1997). ''Sri Lanka - A History'', pp.3–5, 9. New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 81-259-0461-1</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Population by Ethnicity according to District and Sector|author=Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka|url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/census2001/population/district/t001c.htm|publisher=statistics.gov.lk|accessdate=2007-05-03}}</ref>
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| − | ===Tamil emigrant communities===
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| − | {{see also|Tamil diaspora|Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora}}
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| − | Significant Tamil emigration began in the 18th century, when the British colonial government sent many poor Tamils as [[indentured servitude|indentured labourers]] to far-off parts of the [[British Empire|Empire]], especially [[Malaya]], [[South Africa]], [[Fiji]], [[Mauritius]] and the [[Caribbean]]. At about the same time, many Tamil businessmen also immigrated to other parts of the British Empire, particularly to [[Burma]] and [[East Africa]].<ref>{{cite web | title= The Tamil Migration Cycle 1830–1950 |author=Christophe Z Guilmoto | work= | url= http://www.tamilnation.org/diaspora/articles/guilmoto.htm|publisher= Tamilnation.org | accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> Many Tamils still live in those countries, and the Tamil communities in [[Singapore]], [[Reunion Island]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Asians in South Africa|South Africa]] have retained much of their culture and language. Many Malaysian children attend Tamil schools, and a significant portion of Tamil children in Mauritius and Reunion have been raised with [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as their first language. In Singapore, Tamil students learn Tamil as their second language in school, with English as the first. To preserve the Tamil language, the Singapore government has made it a national language despite Tamils comprising only about 10% of the population, and has also introduced compulsory instruction of the language for Tamils. Other Tamil communities, such as those in South Africa and Fiji, no longer speak Tamil as a first language, but still retain a strong Tamil identity, understanding the language, while most elders speak it as a first language.<ref>{{cite web | title= TAMIL DIASPORA - A TRANS STATE NATION |author=| work= | url= http://www.tamilnation.org/diaspora/southafrica.htm|publisher= Tamilnation.org | accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref>
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| − | A large emigration also began in the 1980s, as Sri Lankan Tamils sought to escape the ethnic conflict. Those recent emigrants have most often fled to [[Australia]], [[Europe]], [[North America]] and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{cite book | first= Chris | last= McDowell | authorlink= | coauthors= | year= | title= A Tamil Asylum Diaspora: Sri Lankan Migration, Settlement and Politics in Switzerland | edition= | publisher= Berghahn Books| location= New York | id=ISBN 1571819177 }}</ref> Today, [[Durban]], South Africa has the largest concentration of Tamils outside southern Asia while [[Toronto]], [[Canada]] has the second largest.<ref>{{cite web | title= Tamil Studies - History | work= Tamil Studies at the University of Toronto| url= http://tamilstudies.org/history.html|publisher= The University of Toronto | accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref>
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| − | Many young Tamil professionals from [[India]] have also immigrated to Europe and the [[United States]] in recent times in search of better opportunities. Those new immigrant communities have established [[Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America|cultural associations]] to protect and promote Tamil culture and language in their adopted homes.
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| − | ==Culture==
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| − | <!-- to be inserted when existent: {{main|Tamil culture}} —>
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| − | ===Language and literature ===
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| − | :''Main articles : [[Tamil language]], [[Tamil literature]]''
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| − | [[Image:TamilGodessIdol.jpg|thumb|An idol in [[Madurai]] representing the Tamil language as a goddess; The caption on the pedestal reads ''Tamil Annai'' ("Mother Tamil").]]Tamils have strong feelings towards the [[Tamil language]], often venerated in literature as "''Tamil̲an̲n̲ai''," "the Tamil mother".<ref>See Sumathi Ramasamy, ''Passions of the Tongue'', 'Feminising language: Tamil as Goddess, Mother, Maiden' Chapter 3.</ref> Historically, and contemporarily, Tamil language has been central to the Tamil identity.<ref>(Ramaswamy 1998)</ref> Like the other languages of [[South India]], Tamil is a [[Dravidian languages|Dravidian language]], unrelated to the [[Indo-European languages]] of northern India. The language has been far less influenced by [[Sanskrit]] than the other Dravidian languages, and preserves many features of [[Proto-Dravidian]], though modern-day spoken Tamil in Tamil Nadu, freely uses [[loanword]]s from Sanskrit and [[English language|English]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Tamil - A historical and linguistic perspective |work= Tamilar.org | url= http://www.tamilar.org/tamil-history.asp | publisher=Tamilar.org|accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> [[Tamil literature]] possesses considerable antiquity, the [[government of India]] recognising it as a [[classical language]].
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| − | [[Sangam literature|Classical Tamil literature]], ranging from [[lyric poetry]] to works on [[poetics]] and [[ethics|ethical philosophy]], has distinct differences from contemporary and later literature in other Indian languages, and represents the oldest body of secular literature in [[South Asia]].<ref> See Hart, ''The Poems of Ancient Tamil: Their Milieu and their Sanskrit Counterparts'' (1975)</ref> Notable works in classical Tamil literature include the [[Tirukkural]], by [[Tiruvalluvar]], [[The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature|the five great Tamil epics]], and the works of [[Auvaiyar]]. The written language has changed little over the years, with the result that much of classical literature remains easily accessible to modern Tamils and continues to influence modern Tamil culture. <!--(need citations for this claim)—>
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| − | Modern Tamil possesses a diverse body of literature including: [[Indian Nationalism]], in the works of [[Subramanya Bharathi]]; historical romanticism, by [[Kalki Krishnamurthy]]; radical and moderate [[social realism]], by [[Pudhumaipithan]] and [[Jayakanthan]]; and [[feminism]], by [[Malathi Maithri]] and [[Kutti Revathi]]. [[Sujatha]], an author whose works range from [[romance novel]]s to [[science fiction]], stands as one of the most popular modern writers in Tamil. Sri Lankan Tamil writers have produced several works reflecting the civilian tragedy caused by decades of war. A [[diaspora]] literature has been emerging in Tamil.
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| − | The Tamil people use a number of regional dialects that vary among regions and communities. Tamil dialects mainly differentiate by the disparate phonological changes and sound shifts that have evolved from Old Tamil. Although most Tamil dialects differ insignificantly in their vocabulary, a few exceptions exist. The [[Sri Lankan Tamil dialects|dialects spoken in Sri Lanka]] retain many words seldom used in daily conversation in [[India]], while using many other words slightly differently. The dialect of the [[Iyer]]s of [[Palakkad]], with a large number of [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] loanwords, has been influenced by Malayalam syntax, and has a distinct Malayalam accent. The [[Sankethi language|Sankethi]], [[Hebbar Iyengars|Hebbar]], and [[Mandyam]] dialects, the former spoken by groups of Tamil [[Iyers]], and the latter two by [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavites]] who migrated to [[Karnataka]] in the 11th century, retains many [[Vaishnavite]] religious and spiritual values. Although not a dialect, the Tamil spoken in [[Chennai]] infuses [[English Language|English]] words, creating ''[[Madras Bashai]]'' (Madras language).<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—>
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| − | ===Visual art and architecture===
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| − | {{see also | Chola Art}}
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| − | <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Tanjore Painting Saraswati.jpg|thumb|150px|A [[Tanjore painting]] depicting [[Saraswati]].]] —>
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| − | <!-- to be inserted when existent: {{main|Tamil visual arts}} —>
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| − | Most traditional Tamil art take a religious form usually centering on [[Hinduism]], although the religious element often only serves as a means of representing universal—and, occasionally, [[humanism|humanist]]—themes.<ref>Coomaraswamy, A.K., ''Figures of Speech or Figures of Thought''</ref> <!--The classical art forms constitute "living traditions, which are" redundant continually practiced.—>
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| − | [[Tanjore painting]], originating in [[Thanjavur]] in the [[ninth century]], represents the most important form of Tamil painting. The artist paints the image, using dyes, on cloth coated with [[zinc oxide]], then decorates the painting with semi-precious stones as well as silver or gold thread.<ref>{{cite web | title= Tanjore - Painting |work= tanjore.net | url= http://www.tanjore.net/tanjorepainting.htm | publisher=Tanjore.net|accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> Painting employed temple wall [[mural]]s uses a style related in origin, but that exhibits significant differences in execution, most notably the murals on the [[Meenakshi temple]], of [[Madurai]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Tamil Mural Paintings - a History |work= Temple Mural Paintings of Tamilnadu, India | url= http://web.mac.com/mvbhaskar/iWeb/Naayakaa/History.html | publisher=Nayaka Painting Archival Project|accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> Tamil art, in general, has earned a reputation for its stylistic elegance, rich colours, and attention to small details.
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| − | [[Image:Gopuram-madurai.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A [[gopuram]] of the [[Meenakshi temple]] in [[Madurai]].]]
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| − | Tamil [[sculpture]] ranges from elegant stone sculptures in temples, to [[bronze]] icons with exquisite details.<ref>{{cite web | title= SHILPAIC LITERATURE OF THE TAMILS |work=V. Ganapathi | url= http://www.intamm.com/arts/ancient.htm| publisher=INTAMM|accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> Art historians consider the medieaval Chola bronzes one of India's greatest contributions to the world art.<ref name="div_images">{{cite journal
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| − | | author = Aschwin Lippe
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| − | | date =
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| − | | title = Divine Images in Stone and Bronze: South India, Chola Dynasty (c. 850–1280)
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| − | | journal = Metropolitan Museum Journal
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| − | | volume = 4
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| − | | pages = 29–79
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| − | | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0077-8958%281971%294%3C29%3ADIISAB%3E2.0.CO%3B2-X
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| − | | language = English
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| − | |quote = The bronze icons of Early Chola period are one of India's greatest contribution to world art...
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| − | }}</ref><ref name="royalacademy">{{cite web|title= Heaven sent: Michael Wood explores the art of the Chola dynasty
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| − | |url=http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/ra-magazine/winter2006/features/heven-sent,47,RAMA.html
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| − | |publisher=Royal Academy, UK
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| − | |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Unlike most Western art, the material in Tamil sculpture does not influence the form taken by the sculpture; instead, the artist imposes his/her vision of the form on the material.<ref>{{cite book|first=Carmel |last=Berkson|title=The Life of Form in Indian Sculpture |publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=2000|id=ISBN 8170173760|chapter=II The Life of Form pp29–65}}</ref> As a result, one often sees in stone sculptures flowing forms that usually reserved for metal.<ref> Sivaram 1994</ref> As with painting, those sculptures show a fine eye for detail. The artist takes great care in sculpting the minute details of jewelery, worn by the subjects of the sculpture. The cave sculptures at [[Mamallapuram]] and the bronzes of the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] period present remarkable examples of the technique. The depiction of [[Shiva]] as [[Nataraja]], in a dance posture with one leg upraised, and a fiery circular halo surrounding his body represents a a popular motif in the bronzes.
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| − | [[Image:Tamil house inside view.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An inside view of a traditional Tamil house]]
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| − | Tamil temples, often simply treated as sculptures on a grand scale, host high spires known as [[Gopuram|Gopura]], consisting of a number of stepped levels, and the ''[[vimanam]]'', which rises above the ''[[sanctum sanctorum]]''. During the [[Cholas|Chola]] period, the ''vimanams'' had more prominence, as seen in the [[Brihadisvara Temple|Brihadīsvara temple]] of [[Thanjavur]]. During the [[Nayak dynasty|Nayak]] period, the spires became progressively more elaborate and ornate, as exemplified by the [[Meenakshi Temple]] in [[Madurai]], while the ''vimanam'' became much smaller. From the 13th century onwards, the entrance gates to the temples, called gopurams in Tamil, also began to grow larger, and more elaborate. The temples at [[Chidambaram]] and [[Srirangam]] have particularly impressive gopurams, covered with sculptures and reliefs of various scenes and characters from [[Hindu mythology]].
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| − | As with [[Indian art]] in general, Tamil art traditionally resists [[portraiture]] or [[Realism (arts)|realism]]. Artists place primary emphasis on the representation of ideal prototypes, and on depicting the symbols associated with the theme of the artistic work. Small details, such as the direction a hand faces, the animals or trees portrayed, or the time of day depicted, convey critically subtle meanings.<ref>{{cite web | title= Tamil Art & Architecture |work= Dr.T.V.Mahalingam, Second International Conference Seminar of Tamil Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, January 1968 | url= http://www.tamilnation.org/art/tvmahalingam.htm | publisher=Nayaka Painting Archival Project||publisher=Tamilnation.org|accessdate=2006-12-07}}</ref>
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| − | {{See also|Music of Tamil Nadu|Ancient Tamil music}}
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| − | The traditional Tamil [[performing arts]] have ancient roots.<ref name="bharata">{{cite web | title= Bharata Natyam - Classical Dance of the Ancient Tamils |author=Nirmala Ramachandran | work= paper presented at First International Conference Seminar of Tamil Studies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1966| url= http://www.http://www.tamilnation.org/culture/dance/index.htm|publisher= Tamilnation.org | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> The royal courts and temples have been centers for the performing arts since the classical period, and possibly earlier. Descriptions of performances in classical Tamil literature and the ''[[Natya Shastra]]'', a Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts, indicate a close relationship between the ancient and modern artforms. A performance in the Tamil tradition aims to bring out the ''rasa'', the flavor, mood, or feeling, inherent in the text, its quality measured by the extent to which it induces the mood in the audience.<ref name="bharata">t</ref>
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| − | [[Image:Villuppaattu.jpg|thumb|200px|Tamil folk artists presenting a Villuppattu near Tirunelveli during a festival (panguni uththiram) at an Ayyanar temple.]][[Image:TamilFolkArtistsInFuneral.jpg|thumb|200px|Folk artists performing at a funeral]] <!--[[Media:TamilFolkMusicInFuneral.ogg|Video clip]] ([[:Image:TamilFolkMusicInFuneral.ogg|file info]])—<small><span class="plainlinks">[http://tools.wikimedia.de/~gmaxwell/jorbis/JOrbisPlayer.php?path={{urlencode:TamilFolkMusicInFuneral.ogg}} Watch in browser]</span> ''([[Wikipedia:Media help|media help]])''</small>]]—>Tamil shares a classical [[Music of Tamil Nadu|musical]] tradition, called [[carnatic music]], with the rest of [[South India]], primarily oriented towards vocal music, with [[musical instrument|instruments]] functioning either as [[accompaniment]]s, or as imitations of the singer's role. [[Ancient Tamil music]], stemming from the long traditions of [[Sangam literature|classical literature]] and ''[[Cilappatikaram]]'', played a major part in the evolution of Carnatic music.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Music - OIGINS|url=http://www.carnatica.net/origin.htm|publisher=carnatica.net|accessdate=2006-12-07}}</ref> Carnatic music organizes around the twin notions of melody types ''(rāgam)'', and cyclical rhythm types ''(thāḷam)''. Unlike the northern [[Hindustani music]] tradition, carnatic music has an almost exclusively religious quality. In sharp contrast with the restrained and intellectual nature of carnatic music, Tamil [[folk music]] tends toward the exuberant. Popular forms of Tamil folk music include the ''Villuppattu'', a form of music performed with a bow, and the ''[[Naattupurapaattu]]'', [[ballad]]s that convey [[folklore]] and folk history.
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| − | [[Bharatanatyam]] represents the dominant classical dance amongst Tamils, performative rather than participative. The dance constitutes an exposition of the story contained in a song, usually performed by one performer on stage with an orchestra of drums, a drone, and one or more singers backstage. The dancers tell the story through a complicated combination of ''mudras'' (hand gestures), facial expressions, and body postures. Until recently, female dancers monopolized performances; recently several well-known male dancers have emerged on the scene.<ref name="bharata">t</ref>
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| − | ''Karakattam'' constitutes the most notable of Tamil [[folk dance]]s. The dancers perform the dance, in its religious form, in front of an image of the goddess [[Mariamma]]. The dancer bears, on his or her head, a brass pot filled with uncooked rice, decorated with flowers and surrounded by a bamboo frame, and tumbles and leaps to the rhythm of a song without spilling a grain. Dancers usually perform [[karakāṭṭamto]] to a special type of song known as ''[[temmanguppattu]]'', or ''[[thevar pattu]]'', a folk song in the mode of a lover speaking to his beloved, to the accompaniment of a ''[[nadaswaram]]'' and ''[[Thavil|melam]]''. Other Tamil folk dances include ''[[mayilattam]]'', where the dancers tie a string of peacock feathers around their waists; ''[[oyilattam]]'', danced in a circle while waving small pieces of cloth of various colors; ''[[poykkal kuthiraiyaattam]]'', in which the dancers use dummy horses; ''[[manaattam]]'', in which the dancers imitate the graceful leaping of [[deer]]; ''[[paraiyattam]]'', a dance to the sound of rhythmical drumbeats; and ''[[thippanthattam]]'', a dance involving playing with burning torches.<ref>Sharma, Manorama (2004). Folk India: A Comprehensive Study of Indian Folk Music and Culture, Vol. 11</ref> Four to eight women perform the ''kuravanci'', taking the form of a type of dance-drama. A woman opens the drama by playing the part of a female [[soothsayer]] of a wandering ''[[kurava]]'' tribe, who tells the story of a lady pining for her lover.
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| − | The [[therukoothu]], a form of village theater or folk opera, literally means "street play." Traditionally performed in [[village square]]s, the dancers use the street setting and very simple props. The performances involve songs and dances, and the stories can be either religious or [[secularity|secular]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Tamil Art History |author= | work= | url= http://www.eelavar.com/jaffna/pageview.php?ID=578&SID=119|publisher= eelavar.com | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> The performances have an unformal air, performers often interacting with the audience, mocking them, or involving them in the dialogue. Therukkūthu has, in recent times, been very successfully adapted to convey social messages, such as [[abstinence]] and [[caste|anti-caste]] criticism, as well as information about legal rights, and has spread to other parts of India.<ref>{{cite web | title= Striving hard to revive and refine ethnic dance form |author= | work= | url= http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/11/11/stories/2006111100670300.htm|publisher= hindu.com | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
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| − | The village of [[Melatur]], in [[Tamil Nadu]], has a special type of performance, called the [[bhagavatamela]], in honor of the local deity, performed once a year, and lasting all night. Tamil Nadu also has a well developed stage theater tradition, which has been heavily influenced by western theatre. A number of theatrical companies exist, with repertoires including [[absurdist fiction|absurdist]], [[Realism (arts)|realist]], and [[comedy|humorous]] plays.<ref>{{cite web | title= Bhagavata mela |author= | work= The Hindu, Apr 30, 2004 | url= http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/30/stories/2004043001360600.htm|publisher= hindu.com | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
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| − | Both classical and folk performing arts survive in modern Tamil society. Tamil people in Tamil Nadu also have a passion for [[film]]s. The Tamil film industry, commonly dubbed [[Kollywood]], constitutes the second-largest film industry in India.<ref>{{cite web | title= The states they're in |author= | work= Guardian, November 26, 2006 | url= http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,1955127,00.html|publisher= guardian.com | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> Tamil cinema has earned a reputation for both its technical accomplishments, and its artistic and entertainment value. The overwhelming majority of Tamil films contain song and dance sequences. Tamil film music, a popular genre in its own right, often liberally fuses elements of [[carnatic music|carnatic]], Tamil folk, North Indian styles, hip-hop, and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]. Famous music directors of the late 20th century included [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[Ilayaraaja]], and [[A R Rahman]].
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| − | ===Religion===
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| − | About 90% of the population of Tamil Nadu declare themselves Hindu. Christians and Muslims account for 5% each. Most of the Christians belong to the Roman Catholic Church. About one-third of the Muslim population speak Urdu and two-thirds speak Tamil. [[Tamil Jain]]s number only a few thousand now.<ref name= census>Jains in Tamil Nadu totaled 88,000 in 2001. {{cite web | title= Census|author= Directorate of Census Operations - Tamil Nadu| work= | url= http://www.census.tn.nic.in/religion.aspx | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> Tamil Hinduism, like other regional varieties of [[Hinduism]], has many peculiarities. [[Murugan]], probably the same as [[Karthikeya]], the son of [[Shiva|Siva]], but who may in origin have been a different deity, and has taken on a distinctly local character, stands as the most popular deity .<ref>{{cite web | title= Murukan in Cankam Literature: Veriyattu Tribal Worship|author= M. Shanmugam Pillai| work=First International Conference Seminar on Skanda-Murukan in Chennai, Dec. 28–30, 1998. This article first appeared in the September 1999 issue of The Journal of the Institute of Asian Studies | url= http://murugan.org/research/shanmugampillai.htm | accessdate=2006-12-06}}</ref> The worship of [[Amman (goddess)|Amman]], also called [[Mariamman]], thought to have been derived from an ancient [[mother goddess]], prevails among Hindus.<ref>{{cite web | title= Principles and Practice of Hindu Religion|author= | work=Hindu Heritage Study Program | url= http://www.bnaiyer.com/hinduism/hist-34.html | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> Many Tamils worship [[Kannagi|Kan̲n̲agi]], the heroine of the [[Cilappatikaram|Cilappatikār̲am]], worshipped as [[Pattini|Paṭṭin̲i]], particularly in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Tracing the Sri Lanka-Kerala link|author= PK Balachandran| work=Hindustan Times March 23, 2006 | url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1657214,00430014.htm | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> [[Ayyavazhi]] has many followers in Tamil Nadu, mainly in the southern districts.<ref>'''Dr. R.Ponnu''''s, Sri Vaikunda Swamigal and the Struggle for Social Equality in South India, (Madurai Kamaraj University) ''Ram Publishers'', Page 98. </ref> Many temples and devotees of [[Vishnu]], Siva, [[Ganapathi]], and the other common Hindu deities exist.
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| − | [[Pongal]], a [[harvest festival]] that occurs in mid-January, and Varudapirappu, the Tamil [[New Year]], which occurs around mid-April, represent the most important Tamil festivals, celebrated by almost all Tamils regardless of religion. Tamils celebrate the [[Hindu]] festival [[Diwali|Deepavali]] with fanfare; other local Hindu festivals include [[Thaipusam]], Panguni Uttiram, and [[Adipperukku]]. While the Cauvery region celebrates Adiperukku with more pomp in than in other regions, the southern districts of Kanyakumari, [[Tirunelveli]], and [[Thoothukudi]] predominantly celebrate the Ayyavazhi Festival, [[Ayya Vaikunda Avataram]].<ref> [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006030305790400.htm&date=2006/03/03/&prd=th& Information on declaration of holiday on the event of birth anniversary of Vaikundar in ''The Hindu''], The holiday for three Districts: '''Daily Thanthi''', Daily''(Tamil)'', Nagercoil Edition, 5/3/2006. </ref>
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| − | [[Image:Local deities in Ettayapuram.jpg|thumb|Local deities Vandimalaisaami and Vandimalaichchiamman in [[Ettayapuram]]]]
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| − | In rural [[Tamil Nadu]], many local deities, called [[aiyyanar|aiyyan̲ārs]], villagers worship the spirits of local heroes whom they believe protect the village from harm. Their worship often centers around nadukkal, stones erected in memory of heroes who died in battle. Classical literature frequently mentions that form of worship, seemingly the surviving remnants of an ancient Tamil tradition.<ref>{{cite web | title= 'Hero stone' unearthed |author= | work=The Hindu, Jul 22, 2006| url= http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/22/stories/2006072202680200.htm | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
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| − | [[Saivism]] has a particularly strong following in the North. The [[Alvars]] and [[Nayanars]], predominantly Tamils, played a key role in the renaissance of [[Bhakti]] tradition in [[South India]]. In the 10th century, the philosopher [[Ramanuja]], who propagated the theory of [[Vishishtadvaita|Visishtadvaitam]], brought many changes to worshiping practices, creating new regulations on temple worship, and accepted lower-caste Hindus as his prime disciples.<ref>{{cite web | title= Redefining secularism |author= | work=The Hindu, Mar 18, 2004 | url= http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/18/stories/2004031801941000.htm | accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
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| − | Scholars believe Christianity came to Tamil Nadu with the arrival of St. Thomas the apostle, with the number of Tamil Christians growing during the colonial period. Many Tamils adhere to the [[Catholic]], [[Protestant]], and [[Syrian Orthodox]] faiths. The majority of [[Tamil muslim]]s pledge allegiance to either mainstream [[Sunni]] or the [[Sufi]] branch.
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| − | ===Cuisine===
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| − | {{main|Tamil cuisine}}
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| − | Tamil cuisine represents one of the oldest vegetarian culinary heritages in the world. Rice, the major [[staple food]] in most of Tamil, usually served steamed with about two to six accompanying items, typically including [[sambar (dish)|sambar]], dry [[curry]], [[rasam]], [[kootu]], and ''thayir'' ([[curd]]) or ''moru'' ([[whey]] or [[buttermilk]]).
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| − | [[Tiffin]], or Light meals, usually include one or more of [[Pongal]], [[Dosa]]i, [[idli]], [[Vada| Vadai]] along with [[sambar (dish)|sambar]]. Families often enjoy [[chutney]] as a [[breakfast]] or evening snack. [[Ghee]] Clarified butter, called [[neyyi]] in Tamil, flavors the rice when eaten with dhal or sambar, but not with curds or buttermilk. [[Morkulambu]], a dish often spiced with ''moru'', popular among Tamil with steamed rice.
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| − | Each geographical area where Tamils live has developed its own distinct variant of the common dishes plus a few dishes distinctly native to itself. The [[Chettinad]] region, comprising of [[Karaikudi]] and adjoining areas, enjoys both traditional vegetarian [[dishes]], like [[appam]], [[uthappam]], [[paal paniyaram]], and non-vegetarian dishes, made primarily using [[chicken]].
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| − | ===Martial arts===
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| − | {{main|Dravidian martial arts}}
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| − | Tamil in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]] partice a variety of [[martial arts]] including [[Kuttu Varisai]], [[Varma Kalai]], [[Silambam Nillaikalakki]], [[Maankombukkalai]] (Madhu) and [[Kalarippayattu]]. <!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—> The weapons used include ''Silambam'', ''Maankombukkalai'', ''Yeratthai Mulangkol'' (double stick), ''Surul Pattai'' (spring sword), ''Val Vitchi'' (single sword), and ''Yeretthai Val'' (double sword)<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—>.
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| − | The ancient Tamil art of unarmed [[bullfighting]], popular amongst warriors in the classical period<ref name="jallikattu_ebook">{{cite web
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| − | |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=o56i5ymOIBkC&pg=PA159&ots=oG9IEJ6rbd&dq=jallikattu+history&sig=e31geY0MBwBH-AaV7rKUT8oGVCM
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| − | |title=Google books version of the book ''A Western Journalist on India: The Ferengi's Columns'' by François Gautier
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| − | |accessdate =2007-05-24
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| − | }}</ref><ref name="jallikattu_nytimes">{{cite web
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| − | |url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/22/travel/21webletter.html
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| − | |title=NY Times: ''The ritual dates back as far as 2,000 years...''
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| − | |accessdate =2007-05-24
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| − | }}</ref>, has also survived in parts of [[Tamil Nadu]], notably [[Alanganallur]] near [[Madurai]], known as [[Jallikattu|Jallikaṭṭu]] or ''mañcuviraṭṭu'' ,with events held once a year around the time of the [[Pongal]] festival.
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| − | <!--Also in northern part of tamilnadu the celebrate as erudhu vidum viza—what?—>
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| − | ==Institutions==
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| − | The global spread of the [[Tamil diaspora]] has hindered the formation of formal pan-Tamil institutions. The most important national institutions for Tamils have been the governments of the states where they live, particularly the [[Tamil Nadu|government of Tamil Nadu]] and the [[Politics of Sri Lanka|government of Sri Lanka]], which have collaborated in developing technical and scientific terminology in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and promoting its use since the 1950s.
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| − | The [[Self-respect movement]] (also called the Dravidian movement) has dominated politics in Tamil Nadu. Founded by [[Periyar Ramasami|E.V. Ramasami]], popularly known as Periyar, to promote [[self-esteem|self-respect]] and [[rationalism]], and to fight [[caste]]ism and the oppression of the lowest castes, the Self-respect movement gained immense popularity. Every major political party in Tamil Nadu bases its ideology on the Self-respect Movement, and the national political parties play a very small role in Tamil politics.
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| − | [[Image:Tamil-flag.gif|thumb|300px|The Tamil flag adopted by the World Tamil Confederation to represent Tamil people everywhere.]]
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| − | In [[Sri Lanka]], the federalist movements, led by the Federal Party (later the [[Tamil United Liberation Front]]), dominated Tamil politics until the early 1980s. In the 1980s, a violent military campaign conducted by several [[Tamil militant|militant groups]] largely succeeded the political movement. The [[Tamil Tigers|Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] emerged as the most important force amongst those groups in the 1990s, currently in negotiations for a final settlement with the government. The LTTE controls portions of Sri Lanka, and has attempted to establish its own government there, which it calls the government of [[Tamil Eelam]]. LTTE has been banned by the [[European Union]] on account of alleged terrorism. It has also been banned in India following the assassination of former [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref> [http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/feb/28ban.htm?zcc=rl 21 terrorist outfits banned in UK.] ''rediff.com'', 28 February 2001. Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2006/APR/20060408/20060408_4.htm LTTE banned in Canada.] ''Lanka Truth'', 8 April 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref><ref>Adam, Ruxandra. [http://news.softpedia.com/news/Tamil-Tigers-Banned-by-the-European-Union-25088.shtml Tamil Tigers Banned by the European Union.] ''Softpedia News'', 30 May 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref>
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| − | In the 1960s, the government of [[Tamil Nadu]] held a [[World Tamil Conference]], and have continued to meet periodically since then. In 1999, Tamil representatives established a [[World Tamil Confederation]] to protect and foster Tamil culture and further a sense of togetherness amongst Tamils in different countries. The Confederation has since adopted a [[Tamil flag]] and Tamil song<ref>World Tamil Confederation. [http://www.thenseide.com/ulagathamizhar-eng/pann.htm Wrold Tamils National Song.] Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref> to act as trans-national symbols for the Tamil people; the words on the flag quote the opening line of a poem by the classical poet Kanian Poongundranaar, and means "''Everyone is our kin; Everyplace is our home''."
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| − | ==See also==
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| − | * [[Tamil language]]
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| − | * [[Ancient Tamil music]]
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| − | * [[Tamil cuisine]]
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| − | * [[Dance forms of Tamil Nadu]]
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| − | * [[Tamil Jain]]s
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| − | * [[Dravidian people]]
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| − | * [[Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka]]
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| − | * [[Hill Country Tamils]]
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| − | * [[Sri Lankan Tamils]]
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| − | * [[Self-respect movement]]
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| − | * [[Chronology of Tamil history]]
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| − | * [[List of people from Tamil Nadu]]
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| − | * [[Martial arts of Tamil nadu]]
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| − | ==Notes==
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| − | {{reflist|2}}
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| − |
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| − | ==References==
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| − | <div class="references-small">
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| − | * Bowers, F. (1956). ''Theatre in the East - A Survey of Asian Dance and Drama''. New York: Grove Press.
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| − | * Casson, L. (1989). ''The Periplus Maris Erythraei: Text with Introduction, Translation and Commentary''. Princeton, Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-04060-5.
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| − | * Chaitanya, Krishna (1971). ''A history of Malayalam literature''. New Delhi: Orient Longman. ISBN 81-250-0488-2.
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| − | * Coomaraswamy, A.K. (1946). ''Figures of Speech or Figures of Thought''. London: Luzac & Co.
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| − | * Gadgil, M. & Joshi, N.V. & Shambu Prasad, U.V. & Manoharan, S. & Patil, S. (1997). "[http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/cesmg/peopling.html Peopling of India]." In D. Balasubramanian and N. Appaji Rao (eds.), ''The Indian Human Heritage'', pp.100–129. Hyderabad: Universities Press. ISBN 81-7371-128-3.
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| − | * Hart, G.L. (1975). ''The Poems of Ancient Tamil: Their Milieu and their Sanskrit Counterparts''. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-02672-1.
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| − | * Hart, G.L. (1979). "The Nature of Tamil Devotion." In M.M. Deshpande and P.E. Hook (eds.), ''Aryan and Non-Aryan in India'', pp. 11–33. Michigan: Ann Arbor. ISBN 0-89148-014-5.
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| − | * Hart, G.L. (1987). "Early Evidence for Caste in South India." In P. Hockings (ed.), ''Dimesions of Social Life: Essays in honor of David B. Mandelbaum''. Berlin: Mouton Gruyter.
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| − | * [[Iravatham Mahadevan|Mahadevan, Iravatham]] (2003). ''Early Tamil Epigraphy from the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century C.E. Cambridge, Harvard University Press''. ISBN 0-674-01227-5.
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| − | * Parpola, Asko (1974). "On the protohistory of the Indian languages in the light of archaeological, linguistic and religious evidence: An attempt at integration." In van Lohuizen, J.E. de Leeuw & Ubaghs, J.M.M. (eds.), ''South Asian Archaeology 1973'', pp. 90–100. Leiden: E.J. Brill.
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| − | * Parpola, Asko (2003). ''Deciphering the Indus script'' (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-79566-4.
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| − | * Pillai, Suresh B. (1976). ''Introduction to the study of temple art''. Thanjavur: Equator and Meridian.
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| − | * Ramaswamy, Sumathi (1998). ''Passions of the Tongue: language devotion in Tamil India 1891–1970''. Delhi: Munshiram. ISBN 81-215-0851-7.
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| − | * Sastri, K.S. Ramaswamy (2002). ''The Tamils: The People, Their History and Culture'', Vol. 1: ''An Introduction to Tamil History and Society''. New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. ISBN 81-7755-406-9.
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| − | * Sharma, Manorama (2004). ''Folk India: A Comprehensive Study of Indian Folk Music and Culture'', Vol. 11: ''Tamil Nadu and Kerala''. New Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan. ISBN 81-7574-141-4.
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| − | * Sivaram, Rama (1994). ''Early Chola Art: Origin and Emergence of Style''. New Delhi: Navrang. ISBN 81-7013-079-4.
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| − | * {{cite news | last=Subramanian | first=T.S. | title=`Rudimentary Tamil-Brahmi script' unearthed at Adichanallur | date=17 Feb 2005 | publisher=The Hindu | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/17/stories/2005021704471300.htm}}
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| − | * Suryanarayan, V. (2001). [http://www.flonnet.com/fl1816/18160950.htm "In search of a new identity"], ''Frontline'' 18(2).
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| − | * Swaminatha Iyer, S.S. (1910). ''A Brief History of the Tamil Country'', Part 1: ''The Cholas''. Tanjore: G.S. Maniya.
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| − | * Varadpande, M.L. (1992). ''Loka Ranga: Panorama of Indian Folk Theatre''. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. ISBN 81-7017-278-0.
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| − | * Wells, Spencer (2002). ''The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey''. Princeton University Press.
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| − | * Zvebil, K. (1974). ''The Smile of Murugan: On Tamil Literature of South India''. Leiden: Brill. ISBN 90-04-03591-5.
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| − | </div>
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| − | ===Population data===
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| − | All population data has been taken from [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=tam Ethnologue], with the exception of the data for Sri Lanka, which was taken from the [[CIA World Factbook]]'s Sri Lanka [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ce.html page].
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| − | [[Category:History]]
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| − | [[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
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