Oldest Tamil Words and Inscriptions in Historical Texts

Tamil, a language deeply rooted in ancient India, has a rich legacy of words and inscriptions that provide insights into its past. This article delves into the oldest Tamil words found in historical texts or inscriptions, focusing on their linguistic evolution and historical significance.

Oldest Tamil Words in Biblical Texts

Tamil has a remarkable history, with linguistic elements integrated into ancient texts like the Hebrew Bible. One fascinating example is the word 'tuki' from the Hebrew Bible, which refers to peacocks. This word is derived from the Tamil word 'thokai,' meaning 'feather.' This adaptation showcases the linguistic exchange and influence between different regions during ancient times.

Earliest Tamil Inscriptions: Dating and Scripts

The earliest Tamil inscriptions are primarily found on palm leaves, which were used extensively in ancient times. However, dating them precisely is challenging due to the recopying process to preserve them. Notable among these inscriptions is the Tholkappiyam, written between 300 and 100 BCE. It is one of the oldest Tamil texts, celebrating Tamil deities such as Murugan and the natural landscapes of the Malon Forests.

Pre-Asokan Tamil Inscriptions: Historical Context

Pre-Asokan Tamil inscriptions are significant as they provide evidence of an early Tamil script. One such example is the Adichanallur inscription, found near Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. Dating back to around 500 BCE, it features a rudimentary Tamil-Brahmi script along with a human skeleton and miniature pots, making it a remarkable archaeological find. Another key inscription is the one from Mangulam, believed to be from 270 BCE, which includes old Kannada words, suggesting a multilingual society in ancient Tamil Nadu.

Post-Asokan Tamil Inscriptions: Evolution and Controversy

Post-Asokan Tamil inscriptions further illustrate the development of the Tamil language and script. For instance, the Jambai inscription (100 BCE) reveals the donation of a Pali Samanar bed by Sathya Putran Atiyan Neduman Anji. Other notable inscriptions include the Karur inscription (100 BCE), featuring a personal name in Tamil-Brahmi, and the Pugalur inscription (100 CE), which mentions the gift of a monk named Sengayapan. The 300 CE inscription from Poolankurichi describes the rule of the Kachcheri king Koch Sendan, while the 1000 CE inscription from Ukkal Tiruvannamalai highlights the glories of Rajaraja and his land reforms.

Controversies and Epigraphical Evidence

While these inscriptions are valuable, controversies surround some of them. The Poolankurichi inscription, for example, has been dated differently, with some arguing it is from around 450 CE. Similarly, the Mangulam inscription, although believed to be pre-Asokan, has been disputed by some epigraphists. However, Tamil literature and historical context lend support to the authenticity of these ancient texts.

Conclusion

The Tamil language and its inscriptions are testament to the rich cultural heritage of South India. From the earliest words adapted into biblical texts to the diverse script systems used in inscriptions, Tamil has undoubtedly played a crucial role. The study of these linguistic and epigraphical artifacts continues to shed light on the evolution of Tamil and its historic connections with other languages and regions.