CULTURE
Tamils considered to be one of the ancient races were good at agriculture, crafts, art, literature, culture and language even in the pre-historic days. Their life-style was that of a heroic nature as amply illustrated in Puranaanooru, yet another epic of ancient Tamil literature. They also laid more emphasis on blood relationship, particularly on the maternal side, hence the concept joint-family, race, region and language occupied pride of place.
Even the Gods they worshipped were based on this blood relationship. The villages were self-contained therefore certain values of basic nature were held in high esteem even today. Aggression, advent of trade etc brought in a influx of multiple cultures and values. The Tamils were so broad-minded that they had no difficulty in accepting them and adopt their way of life in tune with these.
The family concept was so strong and deep-rooted greater emphasis was laid on their role and the necessities for them to uphold chastity at any cost. Hospitality was in their blood. Since the tamils were traders even during the Egypt and Greek era it is no surprise that Tamilnadu occupies third place in commerce and industry when compared to other states.
Style of dressing by the Tamils were so simple and humble a piece of white cloth measuring four or eight feet with when attained puberty wore a long skirt with blouse and a piece of cloth called 'thaavani' to cover the top portion of the body. After marriage they wear Saree and blouse. Now modern dresses are slowly making their way to replace these traditional dresses.
DANCE
What was once known as Bharathakalai and now known as Bharatha Naatyam is a unique form of Dance. Once considered taboo for women is now learned widely and being frequently performed on the stage as well as at temple festivals. The national TV also is lending a hand to popularise this ancient and classic form of dancing.
MUSIC
If one were to talk about music one can site enough examples from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram itself Such finest nuances of music like 'pann' and 'mathirai' are elaborately discussed in this. If one were to add any further one can dare say that even the 'raagaas' of carnatic music also originated from Tamil music. Almost all the 'sabhas', such as tamil isai Sangam, Music Academy, Naaradha Gaana Sabha, to name a few, hold music festival every year. The great stalwarts like Bharatha Ratna ; M.S. Subbulaxmi, Dr.Bala Murali Krishna, Chembai, Chemmangudi and etc. are considered as finest exponent of Karnatic form of music while Ilayaraja who created a niche for himself in Film music contributed in no lesser a manner to popularise the music of rural people. The position it enjoys now on the world scenario, one can say, is due to him. The Karnatic Music festival held in Tiruvarur, Thanjavur district is the finest example of the esteemed level at which this is held by the people of Tamilnadu. It is no surprise for a land which idolises and prays Lord Siva in the form of music.
DRAMA
It is true that the Tamil Drama movement began by the venerable Shankaradas Swamigal lost some of its glamour with the advent of Cinema. But when compared with the vigour with which the drama movement faced the turmoil situation prevailed then, the achievement of Cinema pales into insignificance. Besides, Tamil Drama has the distinction having produced five illustrious Chief Ministers, Arignar Anna, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, M.G.R., Tmt.V.N.Jaanaki, Selvi. Jayalalithaa. Tamil Dramas proved to be effective ammunition in the country's fight for freedom Doyens like Viswanathadas, Bhaskaradas whipped up patriotism among the masses in South India using drama as effective tool. MGR and Shivaji who later became legends in cinefield began their histrionic career under the tutelage of Shankaradas swamigal in the Boys' drama company run by him. In Musical Drama couple KB Sundarambal and SG Kittappa, with their soul rendering performances became the 'darlings' of the people. KB Sundarambal even courted arrest for having sung patriotic songs in her dramas.
Under the disguise of mythological dramas the artists spread message of freedom. TKS brothers staged social dramas and these dramas brought about social awareness and the freedom struggle was the core theme of many a dramas. Nawab Rajamanikkam also occupies a pride of place in this respect.
Though the literary works of such geniuses like T.Jaanakiraman and Alagirisaamy found a place in Sahasranamam's Seva Stage, the real effort to give prominence to such work was made by Prof. Ramanujam of Thanjai Tamil University. In order to give new life and lease to Tamil drama he established drama 'workshops' (Koothu-pattarai) His artistically modern approach did pull the Tamil drama from the rut it was in. He was followed by Naa.Muthuswamy, Pariksha Gnani, Veli Rangarajan and they did give a new direction and dimension for Tamil Drama. Under the circumstances the street dramas created by Badal Sarkar assumed the role of a social movement and it created such an impact that it had its influence in Tamilnadu as well. Youths inclined towards left ideologies used this as an effective instrument to spread their messages among the masses. In that respect Thiru Piralayan through his Chennai Kalai-kulu and Tmt. Mangai through her Chennai Pal-kalai-Kulu are making valuable contribution for the renaissance of Tamil drama. Through experiment young artiste like Muruga-boopathy are show-casing ancient glories to the modern era.
Sculpture
Art and culture are two most integral parts of human civilisation, particularly sculptures, painting and temple architecture. In these respects Tamilnadu stands head and shoulder above all others. As far as sculptures are concerned the Mahisasa- mardhini belt of sculptures of Pallava period is really a challenge to anyone of such nature throughout the world.The metal statues of Nataraja is the finest example. It is the personification of the magnificent concept or the Universe. So are the Rishaba Vaahana or Lord Siva, Gaja Samharam, Sandiya Nadanam. These depicted in painting as well do illustrate the mastery of Tamilnadu in these fields. The line, life and rhythm round in these master pieces vouch for the sway Tamilnadu still holds in these form of art. Tamilnadu temples built in stone adhering to Sirppa Saastra like the Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Kovil, Thanjavur Brahatheeswarar Kovil and the one at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the role model for all these the Kodumbaloor Moovar temple stand as monuments and fine example of temple architecture and appreciated by the art connoisseurs throughout the world.
Heroic games
SILAMBAM
When you think of heroic games in Tamilnadu the first one that strikes your memory is "SILAMBAM" A kind of martial art where your weapon is a long stick . Right from the SANGHA period the Tamil kings have patronised. Even in Tiruvilayadal Puranam there are mentions about this game in it. one of the ancient medical journal Pathartha Sindhamani talks about its ability to heal ailments and also adds that regular practice makes one physically strong. Footwork is the hallmark of this game. Every step has its own name and significance to it. Many of the movements resemble those found in Bharatha Natyam dance.
The advance version of Silambam sharp weapons like knife, spear and many other arms also used. Even wars have been fought with warriors resorting to Silambam as the main form of combat.
There were no formal schools to teach Silambam. Only the traditional Guru-Sisya parambara' method was followed whereby the teacher passed his knowledge to his disciple and this continued like a chain unbroken. Later there was an institute to teach Silambam was established at Vellore Fort and several others cropped in the Southern parts of Tamilnadu only to vanish due lack of patronage. But even now no temple festival passes-off without the enthralling display of Silambam in its finer form.
JALLlKATTU
Another heroic sport that is unique to Tamilnadu is what is known as 'Manju-Virattu' or 'Jallikattu'.It is not 'Bull fighting' as in Spain but kind of Bull chasing and capturing. It has proved fatal many a time but still enjoys immense popularity among rural youth in South Tamilnadu. The one held at Alanganallur in madurai area attracts tourists throughout the world.
LITERATURE
Tamil literature has a long and glorious past. Its five grand epics namely, Silappathikaram, Manimehalai, Kundalakesi, Seevaha-sinthamani, and Valayapathi still hold their sway because 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 literature like Ramayanam, Mahabharatham etc translated in Tamil also contributed their share in taking Tamil literary movement forward. Right from the grand old poetess Ouvai, 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 hierarchy 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.
FOOD
Idly, Dosa, Venpongal, Kichadi and several kind of vadas, most of them rice based form the core of breakfast with side dishes like chutney, sambar and milahu podi.
Lunch consists of Rice, Sambar, Rasam (kind of a soup) butter-milk, poriyal, koottu, pickle and payasam. Non-vegetarian eat Egg, fish, mutton, chicken etc.
Supper is always light with Idly, Dosa, Chappathi and Poori with suitable side dishes to go along with it.
CRAFTS
Bronze casting, Silk weaving, Mat weaving, Veena making, Thanjavur plates, Thanjavur painting, Sculpting, Cane craft, Craft of palm leaf, Wood carving, Terracotta and etc .. make Tamilnadu artistically and culturally rich.