Thokaapiyam and Nambiaga Porul in a Comparative Theoretical Approach

Abstract

Ancient Tamil language is rich in grammar. Grammar is obtained from literature as oil is obtained from sesame seeds. There are about fifty grammar books in Tamil. These are the five types of grammars such as letter, word, object, word, and group. The five types of grammars are related to each other, such as the word formed by letters, the pattern used to express the meaning of the word, and the pattern used for the method of speaking. Among these, the things that come to represent the meaning of writing, and the things that come to represent the meaning of words, are the one that excels. This study is to investigate how a content can be found similar, expanded, and separate. Grammar is the protocol developed by the scholars according to the Tamil tradition to regulate the visual language of this case. The text “Nambiyaga Porul” is believed to have been composed by Nambiar in the 12th century BC. It was composed by adapting the grammar of the Tolkapiyam. The text expands the ideas that need to be expanded and summarizes what needs to be said. This book has five parts. Total there are 252 chapters such as 116 in Agam, 54 in Kalavu, 29 in Varaivu, 10 in Karpiyal, and 43 in Olibiyal. The text also explains Thirukkovaiyar's definition about grammar. 'Grammar is the norm for literature and many attempts were done to find the changes taking place in grammar. The first book in these processes was Tanjaivanan’s “Kovai’. Tradition prevails in the society as rules, virtues, restrictions and structures. Thus, Nambi named the book as “Agaporul Vilakkam”. Later, it was given as “Nambiyaga Porul” with his name. The aim of this article is to know the similar, extensive, doubt-dispelling elements that can be found in Tolkappiyam's epistemology and in the epistemology of Nambiyaga Porul.