brahmins in ancient sputh indiaa

 

 When was Vedic Hinduism and Brahminism introduced to the Tamil society? What is the earliest reference of Brahmins in Tamil literature or any Tamil inscriptions?

 Balaji Viswanathan,  Chennai,  

Vedic Hinduism/"Brahminism" in Tamil Nadu is as old as Tamil itself. In fact, most of the ancient Sangam literature mentions Brahmins and Vedic gods. The question is significant given the recent propaganda to paint the Vedic culture as alien and Brahmins as outsiders to the system in Tamil Nadu.

அறு வகைப் பட்ட பார்ப்பனப் பக்கமும்

ஐ வகை மரபின் அரசர் பக்கமும்

இரு மூன்று மரபின் ஏனோர் பக்கமும்

மறு இல் செய்தி மூ வகைக் காலமும்

நெறியின் ஆற்றிய அறிவன் தேயமும்

நால் இரு வழக்கின் தாபதப் பக்கமும்

பால் அறி மரபின் பொருநர்கண்ணும்

அனை நிலை வகையொடு ஆங்கு எழு வகையான்

தொகை நிலைபெற்றது என்மனார் புலவர். -- Tolkkappiyam 2.16

This is the oldest work in Tamil literature and defines the Varna system. [I might also add that the caste system was probably not that strong - as evidenced by the copious number of religious scholars - Alwars and Nayanmars from different sects]

Sage Agastya

Agastya is one of the leading Vedic sages with mentions in cultures all over India. Among Tamils, Agathiyar is known as the father of Tamil Grammar. His work - Agattiyam - is one of the oldest works in Tamil literature.

Tolkappiyam gods

Here are the top gods referred to in the oldest extant Tamil literature - Tolkappiyam. Varunan, Vishnu, Indran are all major Vedic gods and find copious mentions in the text. Lord Shiva is celebrated as the head of Tamil Sangams (literary associations of ancient Tamil Nadu) and He has copious mentions in Vedas too.

Tolkappiyam and Manu Smriti-A Comparative study

Agananuru

One of the most classical Tamil works is the Akanaṉūṟu. It is about matters that matters a lot to the human self (love, sex, egos, etc). The word "Akam" is connected to the Sanskrit word that means self.

Ancient Tamil words

The oldest literary associations in Tamil Nadu are called the Tamil Sangams. The Sanga is also a core word in Sanskrit and other north Indian languages. The Sangams were based in Madurai - and the city's name probably comes from the Sanskrit word Madhura (meaning nectar or sweetness). The term for Tamil civilization - Nagarikam - is again shared with the Sanskrit term Nagar (meaning city).

Purananuru selection of ministry

Sage Kabila talks about the selection of ministers in Purananru verse (200/201). This ancient Kapila is known to be a Brahmin himself.

Thirukkural

Sage Thiruvalluvar splits his works into 3 categories - Arathupal (Law), Porutpal (Wealth), Kamathupal (Love/Sex). Not surprisingly, the 4 pillars of Hinduism have 3 of these Dharma (Law), Artha (Wealth) and Kama (Love/Sex) and adds the 4th one - Mokhsha (complete renuncialtion). Being a secular work, Tiruvalluvar might have chosen to cut the 4th part.

Periya Purnam

Puranas are the Hindu epics. "Periya Puranam" dated back to 7th century AD forming the core of Tamil Hinduism was a lot influenced by the young Brahmin poet - Sambandar. In fact, both the Vishnu and Siva traditions (Alvars and Nayanamrs) had plenty of Brahmins and other castes devoted to God.



 

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