Question:
Which among the following is the earliest literary work in Tamil language?
Which among the following is the earliest literary work in Tamil language?
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Tolkappiyam is primarily a grammatical treatise, but it also offers insights into ancient Tamil culture and society.
Updated On: Aug 14, 2025
- Manimegalai
- Silappadikaram
- Thirukkural
- Tolkappiyam
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the historical context
Tamil literature has a long history, with Sangam literature being some of the earliest written works.
Step 2: Nature of Tolkappiyam
The Tolkappiyam is an ancient Tamil text on grammar and poetics. It is believed to date back to between 500 BCE and 500 CE, making it the oldest known extant Tamil literary work.
Step 3: Comparison with other works
Other works like Silappadikaram, Thirukkural, and Manimegalai were composed much later in the post-Sangam period.
\[ \boxed{\text{Tolkappiyam is the earliest literary work in Tamil.}} \]
Tamil literature has a long history, with Sangam literature being some of the earliest written works.
Step 2: Nature of Tolkappiyam
The Tolkappiyam is an ancient Tamil text on grammar and poetics. It is believed to date back to between 500 BCE and 500 CE, making it the oldest known extant Tamil literary work.
Step 3: Comparison with other works
Other works like Silappadikaram, Thirukkural, and Manimegalai were composed much later in the post-Sangam period.
\[ \boxed{\text{Tolkappiyam is the earliest literary work in Tamil.}} \]
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