(i) History of Tamil Society, Archaeological Discoveries, and Tamil Literature
- History of Tamil Society
- Evolution and historical development of Tamil society from ancient times to the modern period.
- Key historical periods:
- Sangam Age: Social structure, economy, political organization, and culture.
- Post-Sangam Period: Influence of external cultures, trade, and urbanization.
- Medieval Period: Rise of Chola, Pandya, and Pallava dynasties, their contributions to administration, art, and architecture.
- Colonial Period: Impact of British rule on Tamil society, socio-economic changes.
- Post-Independence Period: Social reforms, political movements, and modern developments.
- Archaeological Discoveries
- Major archaeological sites:
- Adichanallur: Burial sites, pottery, metal artifacts.
- Keezhadi: Urban settlement, evidence of literacy and urban planning.
- Arikamedu: Indo-Roman trade, pottery, beads.
- Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam): Ancient port city, artifacts, urban layout.
- Findings and their significance:
- Pottery, inscriptions, tools, and artifacts providing insights into ancient Tamil life.
- Urban planning, trade networks, cultural and religious practices.
- Major archaeological sites:
- Tamil Literature
- Sangam Literature:
- Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies): Ainkurunuru, Kurunthokai, Pathitrupathu, etc.
- Pattupattu (Ten Idylls): Thirumurugarruppadai, Maduraikkanci, etc.
- Themes: Akam (love), Puram (war and valor), social and moral values.
- Post-Sangam Literature:
- Epic Literature: Silappatikaram by Ilango Adigal, Manimekalai by Sattanar.
- Pathitrupathu: Poems praising Chera kings.
- Kalabhra Period: Jain and Buddhist influences.
- Medieval Tamil Literature:
- Bhakti literature: Works of Alvars (Vaishnavite saints) and Nayanars (Shaivite saints).
- Influence on temple construction, music, and dance.
- Modern Tamil Literature:
- Contributions of Subramania Bharathi: Poems on freedom, social justice, and women’s rights.
- Bharathidasan: Poetry and plays advocating social reform.
- Contemporary Tamil writers: Modern themes, global perspectives.
- Sangam Literature:
(ii) Thirukkural
- Significance as a Secular Literature
- Universal themes of ethics, morality, and virtue.
- Appeal to people of all religions and backgrounds.
- Comparison with other ethical treatises.
- Relevance to Everyday Life
- Practical wisdom for personal conduct and social harmony.
- Guidance on relationships, leadership, and justice.
- Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
- Influence on social and cultural reforms.
- Inspirational role in movements for social justice and equality.
- Global recognition and translations into multiple languages.
- Thirukkural and Universal Values
- Equality: Teachings on social equality, respect for all individuals.
- Humanism: Emphasis on human values, compassion, and non-violence.
- Relevance to Socio-Politico-Economic Affairs
- Teachings on governance, administration, and economic principles.
- Influence on political thought and policies promoting social welfare.
- Philosophical Content in Thirukkural
- Exploration of life’s purpose, virtue (Aram), wealth (Porul), and love (Inbam).
- Philosophical underpinnings and ethical teachings.
(iii) Role of Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle
- Early Agitations Against British Rule
- Poligar Wars: Resistance by local chieftains (Poligars) against British control.
- South Indian Rebellion: Collaboration between Poligars and Tipu Sultan.
- Vellore Mutiny (1806): Early resistance by Indian soldiers in Vellore.
- Role of Tamil Nadu in the Indian National Movement
- Key Figures:
- Subramania Bharathi: Poet and freedom fighter, advocated for independence and social reforms.
- V.O. Chidambaram Pillai: Swadeshi leader, founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.
- Subramania Siva: Revolutionary activities and contributions to the freedom struggle.
- C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji): Political leader, independence activist, first Indian Governor-General.
- Participation in Major Movements:
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Boycott of British goods and institutions.
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Salt March and defiance of British laws.
- Quit India Movement (1942): Mass protests demanding immediate independence.
- Key Figures:
- Role of Women in the Freedom Struggle
- Rukmini Lakshmipathi: Active in Salt Satyagraha, first woman to be arrested.
- Ambujammal: Participated in the Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements.
- Durgabai Deshmukh: Social worker, advocate for women’s rights, active in freedom struggle.
(iv) Evolution of 19th and 20th Century Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu
- Justice Party
- Formation and Objectives:
- Founded in 1916, aimed at representing non-Brahmin communities.
- Focus on social justice, education, and political representation.
- Key Leaders:
- Dr. T.M. Nair, Sir P. Theagaraya Chetty, Dr. C. Natesa Mudaliar.
- Achievements and Contributions:
- Educational reforms, reservation policies for non-Brahmins.
- Representation in government, anti-Brahmin rhetoric.
- Formation and Objectives:
- Growth of Rationalism
- Influence of rationalist thinkers: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.
- Promotion of scientific temper, atheism, and social equality.
- Critique of religious superstitions and caste discrimination.
- Self-Respect Movement
- Objectives:
- Abolition of caste system, promotion of self-respect and dignity.
- Advocacy for women’s rights and education.
- Key Activities:
- Anti-caste campaigns, social reforms, conferences, and publications.
- Contributions of Thanthai Periyar:
- Ideological foundation, social activism, anti-Hindi agitations.
- Objectives:
- Dravidian Movement
- Principles:
- Social justice, anti-Brahminism, Tamil identity, and regional autonomy.
- Key Leaders:
- Perarignar Anna (C.N. Annadurai), M. Karunanidhi.
- Contributions and Impact:
- Political dominance through Dravidian parties (DMK, AIADMK).
- Social reforms, promotion of Tamil language and culture.
- Principles:
- Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna
- Thanthai Periyar:
- Founder of the Self-Respect Movement, social reformer, advocate of women’s rights, and anti-caste activism.
- Perarignar Anna:
- Founder of DMK, contributions to Tamil literature and culture, political achievements, and policies promoting social welfare and linguistic pride.
- Thanthai Periyar: