TNPSC Group II – UNIT-VIII: History, Culture, Heritage, and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu

(i) History of Tamil Society, Archaeological Discoveries, and Tamil Literature

1. History of Tamil Society
   • Evolution and historical development of Tamil society from ancient times to the modern period.
   • Key historical periods:
     • Sangam Age: Social structure, economy, political organization, and culture.
     • Post-Sangam Period: Influence of external cultures, trade, and urbanization.
     • Medieval Period: Rise of Chola, Pandya, and Pallava dynasties, their contributions to administration, art, and architecture.
     • Colonial Period: Impact of British rule on Tamil society, socio-economic changes.
     • Post-Independence Period: Social reforms, political movements, and modern developments.
2. Archaeological Discoveries
   • Major archaeological sites:
     • Adichanallur: Burial sites, pottery, metal artifacts.
     • Keezhadi: Urban settlement, evidence of literacy and urban planning.
     • Arikamedu: Indo-Roman trade, pottery, beads.
     • Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam): Ancient port city, artifacts, urban layout.
   • Findings and their significance:
     • Pottery, inscriptions, tools, and artifacts providing insights into ancient Tamil life.
     • Urban planning, trade networks, cultural and religious practices.
3. Tamil Literature
   • Sangam Literature:
     • Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies): Ainkurunuru, Kurunthokai, Pathitrupathu, etc.
     • Pattupattu (Ten Idylls): Thirumurugarruppadai, Maduraikkanci, etc.
     • Themes: Akam (love), Puram (war and valor), social and moral values.
   • Post-Sangam Literature:
     • Epic Literature: Silappatikaram by Ilango Adigal, Manimekalai by Sattanar.
     • Pathitrupathu: Poems praising Chera kings.
     • Kalabhra Period: Jain and Buddhist influences.
   • Medieval Tamil Literature:
     • Bhakti literature: Works of Alvars (Vaishnavite saints) and Nayanars (Shaivite saints).
     • Influence on temple construction, music, and dance.
   • Modern Tamil Literature:
     • Contributions of Subramania Bharathi: Poems on freedom, social justice, and women’s rights.
     • Bharathidasan: Poetry and plays advocating social reform.
     • Contemporary Tamil writers: Modern themes, global perspectives.

(ii) Thirukkural

1. Significance as a Secular Literature
   • Universal themes of ethics, morality, and virtue.
   • Appeal to people of all religions and backgrounds.
   • Comparison with other ethical treatises.
2. Relevance to Everyday Life
   • Practical wisdom for personal conduct and social harmony.
   • Guidance on relationships, leadership, and justice.
3. Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
   • Influence on social and cultural reforms.
   • Inspirational role in movements for social justice and equality.
   • Global recognition and translations into multiple languages.
4. Thirukkural and Universal Values
   • Equality: Teachings on social equality, respect for all individuals.
   • Humanism: Emphasis on human values, compassion, and non-violence.
5. Relevance to Socio-Politico-Economic Affairs
   • Teachings on governance, administration, and economic principles.
   • Influence on political thought and policies promoting social welfare.
6. Philosophical Content in Thirukkural
   • Exploration of life’s purpose, virtue (Aram), wealth (Porul), and love (Inbam).
   • Philosophical underpinnings and ethical teachings.

(iii) Role of Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle

1. Early Agitations Against British Rule
   • Poligar Wars: Resistance by local chieftains (Poligars) against British control.
   • South Indian Rebellion: Collaboration between Poligars and Tipu Sultan.
   • Vellore Mutiny (1806): Early resistance by Indian soldiers in Vellore.
2. Role of Tamil Nadu in the Indian National Movement
   • Key Figures:
     • Subramania Bharathi: Poet and freedom fighter, advocated for independence and social reforms.
     • V.O. Chidambaram Pillai: Swadeshi leader, founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.
     • Subramania Siva: Revolutionary activities and contributions to the freedom struggle.
     • C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji): Political leader, independence activist, first Indian Governor-General.
   • Participation in Major Movements:
     • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Boycott of British goods and institutions.
     • Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Salt March and defiance of British laws.
     • Quit India Movement (1942): Mass protests demanding immediate independence.
3. Role of Women in the Freedom Struggle
   • Rukmini Lakshmipathi: Active in Salt Satyagraha, first woman to be arrested.
   • Ambujammal: Participated in the Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements.
   • Durgabai Deshmukh: Social worker, advocate for women’s rights, active in freedom struggle.

(iv) Evolution of 19th and 20th Century Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu

1. Justice Party
   • Formation and Objectives:
     • Founded in 1916, aimed at representing non-Brahmin communities.
     • Focus on social justice, education, and political representation.
   • Key Leaders:
     • Dr. T.M. Nair, Sir P. Theagaraya Chetty, Dr. C. Natesa Mudaliar.
   • Achievements and Contributions:
     • Educational reforms, reservation policies for non-Brahmins.
     • Representation in government, anti-Brahmin rhetoric.
2. Growth of Rationalism
   • Influence of rationalist thinkers: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.
   • Promotion of scientific temper, atheism, and social equality.
   • Critique of religious superstitions and caste discrimination.
3. Self-Respect Movement
   • Objectives:
     • Abolition of caste system, promotion of self-respect and dignity.
     • Advocacy for women’s rights and education.
   • Key Activities:
     • Anti-caste campaigns, social reforms, conferences, and publications.
   • Contributions of Thanthai Periyar:
     • Ideological foundation, social activism, anti-Hindi agitations.
4. Dravidian Movement
   • Principles:
     • Social justice, anti-Brahminism, Tamil identity, and regional autonomy.
   • Key Leaders:
     • Perarignar Anna (C.N. Annadurai), M. Karunanidhi.
   • Contributions and Impact:
     • Political dominance through Dravidian parties (DMK, AIADMK).
     • Social reforms, promotion of Tamil language and culture.
5. Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna
   • Thanthai Periyar:
     • Founder of the Self-Respect Movement, social reformer, advocate of women’s rights, and anti-caste activism.
   • Perarignar Anna:
     • Founder of DMK, contributions to Tamil literature and culture, political achievements, and policies promoting social welfare and linguistic pride.