Answers must be written in Tamil.
Section: A
Part: 1 History of Tamil Language
Major Indian Language Families-The place of Tamil among Indian languages in
general and Dravidian in particular-Enumeration and Distributionof Dravidian
languages.
The language of Sangam literature-The language of medieval Tamil: Pallava
period only-Historical
(more content follows the advertisement below) A D V E R T I S E M E N T
study of Nouns, Verbs, adjectives, adverbs Tense markers
and case markers in Tamil.
Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil-Regional and social
dialects-difference between literary and spoken Tamil.
Part: 2 History of Tamil Literature
Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literatue-The division of Akam and puram-The secular
characteristics of Sangam Literature-The development of Ethical
literature-Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
Part: 3 Devotional literature (Alwars and Nayanmars) The bridal mysticism in
Alwar hymns-Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, Kuravanji)
Social factors for the development of Modern Tamil literature: Novel, Short
story and New Poetry-The impact of various political ideologies on modern
writings.
Section:B
Part:1 Recent trends in Tamil Studies
Approaches to criticism: Social , psychologiocal, hostorical and
moralistic-the use of criticism-the various techniques in literature: Ullurai,
Iraicchi, Thonmam (Myth) Otturuvagam (allegory), Angadam (Satire), Meyppadu,
Padimam(image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (ambiguity)-The concep[t of
comparative literature-the principle of comparative literature.
Part: 2 Folk literature in Tamil:Ballads, Songs, proverbs and
riddles-Sociological study of Tamil folklore. Uses of translation-Translation of
Tamil works into other languages-Development of journalism in Tamil.
Part: 3 Cultural Heritage of the Tamils
Concept of Love and War-Concept of Aram-the ethical codes adopted by the
ancient Tamils in their warfare-customs, beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in
the five Thinais. The cultural changes as revealed in post sangam
literature-cultural fusion in the medieval period (Jainism & Buddhism). The
development of arts and architecture through the ages (Pallavas, later cholas,
and Nayaks). The impact of various political, social, religious and cultural
movements on Tamil Society. The role of mass media in the cultural change of
contemporary Tamill society.
Paper-II
Answers must be written in Tamil.
The paper will require first hand reading of the Text prescribed and will be
designed to test the critical ability of the candidate.
Section-: A
Part: 1 Ancient Literature
(1) Kuruntokai (1-25 poems)
(2) Purananurui (182-200 poems)
(3) Tirukkural Porutpal : Arasiyalum Amaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to
Avaianjamai)
Part : 2 Epic Literature
(1) Silappadikaram: Madhurai Kandam only.
(2) Kambaramayanam: Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam
Part 3: Devotional Literature
(1) Tiruvasagam: Neetthal Vinnappam
(2) Tiruppavai: (Full Text)
Section-: B
Modern Literature
Part:1 Poetry
(1) Bharathiar: Kannan Pattu
(2) Bharathidasan: Kudumba Vilakku
(3) Naa. Kamarasan: Karuppu Malarkal
Prose
(1) Mu. Varadharajanar. Aramum Arasiyalum
(2) C N Annadurai: Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame.
Part : 2 Novel, Short story and Drama
(1) Akilon: Chittirappavai
(2) Jayakanthan: Gurupeedam
(3) Cho: Yarukkum Vetkamillai
Part: 3 Folk Literature
(1) Muthuppattan Kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication: Madurai
Kamaraj University)
(2) Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication: Saraswathi, Mahal,
Thanjavur)