|
 Tamil literature has a long and glorious past. Its five
grand epics namely, Silappathikaram, Manimehalai,
Kundalakesi, Seevaha-sinthamani, and Valayapathi still hold
their swaying of their classic nature.
Devotional literature like Periya Puranam, Thevaram,
Thiruvasagam, Thiruppavai, Thiruvembavai, Seerapuranam and
Thembavani are the excellent examples of traditional traits
in literature. The Indian like Ramayanam, Mahabharatham etc
translated in Tamil also contributed their share in taking
Tamil literary movement forward. Right from the grand old
poetess Avvai, ebullient Kamban inclusive, and, till
Mahakavi Bharathi Tamil literature reached its pinnacle.
Manikkodi period which is supposedly the first half of the
last century could be considered the renaissance period of
modern Tamil literature. Prose, particularly short story saw
doyens emerge from its stable. Puthumai-pithan a stalwart
from the Manikkodi heirachy a master story-teller
par-excellence even at the all-India level. The zenith he
achieved is yet to be touched by any. Mouni, Koo.Paa.Raa,
Jeyakanthan and the like proved worthy foils for him. In
Novels T.Jaanaki Raman, Sundara-raamasami, Vanna Nilavan,
Poomani, Akilan left their indelible mark and brought about
a respectability to Tamil novels. On the historical novel
front Kalki, Aru.Ramanathan, Chandilyan, Jega Sirpiyan and
the like rose to dizzy heights and etched a place for
themselves by creating readership even among the masses.
|
