Proverbs in Pillai Thamizh (A genre in Tamil Literature)

Abstract

Proverbs is an archaic language and it is rich in simplicity, antiquity and sweetness. Proverbs are in use since ancient times itself. Earlier proverbs are used by the people on daily basis to express their culture. Proverbs are the result of people’s experience. Proverbs are used on daily basis because of its clarity, brevity and relevance. Tholkappiyam, is an ancient grammar text here the author defines proverbs as, it is nothing but a two-line sentence which gives the perfect meaning. Proverbs are used by all people in their day to day life. Human life, their feelings and knowledge are the central theme in proverbs. Proverbs can be considered to be the best in oral literature. Proverbs helps people to develop their intellectual and thinking power. Therefore, Tamil proverbs are considered as the encyclopedia of Tamil people. This article explains the importance of proverbs in ‘Pillai Thamizh’.