Tamil: A Biography

Well researched book. Brings out the real history of Tamils that they were the Mohanjadaro and Harrapa civilization.

Excellent book, sympathetic to Tamil as Tamil speakers see it without losing objectivity . A must for anyone to understand the complexities of Tamil and the attitude of Tamil speakers to the language. The author has devoted a number of pages to Manipravalam , a language writing style in which Sanskrit words my be in varying degrees incorporated in Tamil texts , usually in Grantham lipi. This part is much needed. I also resonate with the author's view that for the last 100 years, there is an overemphasis on Sangam classics as the most important part of Tamil literary heritage , while many creative literature of the 12th to 19th centuries are neglected as if they don't exist or don't deserve appreciation. This has led to lopsided in Tamil literary and much else appreciation by Tamils. It is high time Tamil literary consciousness takes it's head buried in the sands of 'Golden age of Sangam tamil' to the present and future

I liked the depth of understanding of Tamil by a Westerner and the lucidity in his writing.Have not read fully as yet.will recommend this book very highly

Interesting and comprehensive book - highly recommended.

Tamil is a living breathing person. It's evolved, changed and its the eternal means of expression.Reading a biography of a language I don't know was very interesting and yet limiting.I've always been fascinated by South Indian culture and language. My dad has always encouraged us to learn about and think about all parts of India as one country. To learn and discover things about it. He is the main reason I'm so interested in languages.My school friend and my closest friend is an Andhrite and a Telegu speaker so that further intrigued me about the southern culture and people. I've always found her to be a more rounded individual than most. Educated, intellectual, musically inclined and spiritually enlightened.This book delves into not only the history of Tamil, but also into the shared histories of the southern states, their culture, music and ideologies.Tamil is an old language and yet eternally young. It has remained youthful by absorbing new influences and blending them seamlessly in its fabric.I know there's been a lot of arguments about which came first, Sanskrit or Tamil and even attempts to de-Sanskritise Tamil. But those who like to do that, in my view, are missing the point. Finding commonalities encourages togetherness. Fighting over what came first, is a pointless pursuit, because it doesn't change the present or the future.I really enjoyed it. Thank you for buying it for me, husband! I would quite like to hear what those who speak this beautiful language think of this book.