Tamil

Tamils

தமிழர்
Total population
Approx. 75 million
Regions with significant populations
India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Tamil diaspora
Languages
Tamil
Religion
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Other Dravidian peoples

The Tamils are an ethnic group native to the Tamil Nadu region of India and the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. They speak Tamil, which is a member of the Dravidian languages family and one of the oldest continuously spoken classical languages in the world.

History

The history of the Tamil people goes back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of their presence found in archaeological sites such as Adichanallur. The classical period, known as the Sangam period, produced a rich body of literature and significantly shaped Tamil culture and identity.

Culture

Tamil culture is highly syncretic and is noted for its contributions to the arts, literature, and architecture. Traditional Tamil literature, known as Sangam literature, is celebrated for its poetic nature and profound spirituality. The Tamils also have a rich tradition of music and dance forms like Bharatanatyam and are known for their large, intricately designed temples such as Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

Religion

Religion plays a significant role in the lives of the Tamil people. The majority of Tamils follow Hinduism, with significant numbers adhering to Christianity and Islam. The Hindu Tamils are known for their elaborate festivals like Pongal and Diwali, which reflect the agrarian roots of the society.

Language

The Tamil language is intrinsic to Tamil identity. It is recognized as a classical language by the Government of India and has an extensive body of literature. Tamil is also an official language in Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Diaspora

The Tamil diaspora is widespread across the globe, with significant populations in Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States. Migration was initially due to trade, but during the colonial period, many Tamils moved as part of the indentured labor force to other parts of the British Empire.

Contemporary issues

Tamils have faced various challenges in modern times, particularly during the Sri Lankan Civil War between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which sought an independent Tamil state. The war caused significant hardship and led to the displacement of many Tamils.

See also

• Dravidian peoples
• Tamil literature
• Tamil cinema