On Tamil Brahmins: Admiration Amidst Divergence

My feelings towards the Tamil Brahmins are a blend of admiration and regard for their cultural heritage, which I feel is reflected in every Tamil-speaking person, regardless of their caste or background. The qualities they are attributed with, such as respect for learning and the integration of diverse cultural elements, are fundamental human traits, not exclusively belonging to the Tamil Brahmins.

Sanskrit and Tamil: A Complex Relationship

While several Tamil Brahmins exhibit a bias towards Sanskrit, a language deeply rooted in Vedic traditions, I find this attitude unacceptable, especially given Tamil's status as their mother tongue. As natives of Thamizhagam, the Tamil region, they have a rich linguistic and cultural heritage that has not been undermined by Sanskrit.

Tragically, these pro-Sanskrit individuals have often bitten the hand that feeds them. They support Hindi imposition, an act that, in turn, promotes Sanskrit. Their opposition to the singing of Tamil compositions at Carnatic Music stages during the Tamil Isai Movement in the 1940s is particularly abhorrent, given a historical backdrop where Saint Thyagaraja benefited from Tamil’s rich cultural traditions.

The Evolution of South Indian Classical Music

The South Indian classical music system, often referred to as Carnatic Music, predates the Vedic era. It was the Tamil Saivaite Naayanmaars and the Tamil Vaishnavite Aazhwars who played a pivotal role in its formation, starting from the 6th century CE. This movement was a part of the Bhakthi Movement, emphasizing devotion to God, and was deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu.

Saint Thyagaraja, despite not being born in Tamil Nadu, embraced its traditions and composed Telugu songs with Sanskrit influences. His compositions were not native to Tamil, and certain terms in his Telugu works are burdensome, blending Sanskrit into the natural Tamil language.

The Nature of Tamil Brahmins

I consider Tamil Brahmins not exclusive to Vedic traditions within Hinduism but are more accurately seen as converted followers of a composite Hinduism. Their cultural identity is not solely tied to Sanskrit, but to the rich Tamil literary and musical heritage. Ancient rituals in Tamil Nadu, such as offerings of flowers, fruits, incenses, sandal paste, and cooked food, are quintessentially Tamil.

It is vital for Tamil Brahmins to embrace and respect the unique character of Tamil, rather than presenting convoluted arguments that often lack substantial evidence, such as etymological, archaeological, or epigraphical support. Recent archaeological discoveries in Tamil Nadu have indeed bolstered the argument for Tamil’s independence and authenticity.