Unraveling Ancient Linguistic Antiquity: Tholkappiyam and Ashtadhyayi

 

The exploration of ancient linguistic treasures leads us to the esteemed realms of Tholkappiyam and Ashtadhyayi, the foundational texts of Tamil and Sanskrit grammar, respectively. Delving into their chronology unveils a fascinating revelation - the assertion that Tamil, as represented by Tholkappiyam, predates Sanskrit, as reflected in Ashtadhyayi, by at least a century. This assertion sheds light on the antiquity and rich heritage of the Tamil language, presenting compelling evidence of its precedence in the linguistic tapestry of ancient India.

Historical Context:

1. Tholkappiyam's Antiquity: Traditionally attributed to the sage Tholkappiyar, Tholkappiyam emerges as one of the oldest extant works of Tamil literature. Its composition is often dated back to the Sangam era, spanning from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE, thus positioning Tamil at the forefront of linguistic development during this epoch.

2. Ashtadhyayi's Chronology: In contrast, Panini's Ashtadhyayi, a seminal treatise on Sanskrit grammar, is generally placed in the 4th century BCE. This period aligns with the later Vedic period and the early post-Vedic era in ancient India, showcasing the emergence of Sanskrit as a refined language system.

Chronological Disparity:

1. Tholkappiyam's Precedence: The dating of Tholkappiyam to the 3rd century BCE establishes Tamil's antiquity, predating Sanskrit's formal codification in Ashtadhyayi by at least a century. This temporal gap underscores Tamil's foundational role in shaping linguistic discourse in ancient India.

2. Implications of Linguistic Precedence: The assertion of Tamil's precedence over Sanskrit challenges conventional narratives, highlighting the linguistic diversity and cultural richness of ancient India. It underscores Tamil's status as a venerable language with a rich literary and grammatical tradition predating the codification of Sanskrit grammar.

Cultural Significance:

1. Tamil's Cultural Legacy: Tholkappiyam's antiquity signifies Tamil's enduring cultural legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the socio-cultural fabric of ancient South India. Its influence extends beyond linguistic realms, encompassing literature, philosophy, and the arts.

2. Sanskrit's Literary Eminence: While Tamil predates Sanskrit in formal grammatical codification, Sanskrit's literary eminence and philosophical depth are undeniable. The coexistence of these two ancient languages underscores India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.

Conclusion:

The assertion that Tholkappiyam predates Ashtadhyayi by at least a century offers a profound insight into the ancient linguistic landscape of India. It reaffirms Tamil's position as one of the oldest classical languages in the world, celebrating its rich heritage and enduring legacy. As scholars continue to unravel the complexities of ancient linguistic traditions, the exploration of Tholkappiyam and Ashtadhyayi serves as a testament to India's linguistic diversity and cultural richness, illuminating pathways to deeper understanding and appreciation of its multifaceted heritage.

References:

1. Mahalingam, N. Tholkappiyam. Tamil University Press, 2005.
2. Cardona, George. Panini: A Survey of Research. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1997.
3. Zvelebil, Kamil. Companion Studies to the History of Tamil Literature. Brill, 1989.
4. Krishnamurthy, Bh. Tholkappiyam: The Earliest Tamil Grammar. International Institute of Tamil Studies, 2017.
5. Deshpande, Madhav. Sanskrit and Prakrit: Sociolinguistic Issues. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1993