Thamil Literary and Religious outputs during Chola period
K.S. Sivakumaran
We all know that in Indian History the Chola period is an important
one not only in the South Indian perspective but also in larger context
of Indian History.
During the reign of Rajaraja and Rajendra monarchs and even during
the reign of subsequent rulers like Kulotunga in particular and even
before, literature and artistic activities flourished. The Cholas had a
strong influence in Lanka as well.
Last week (August 22 to 24), the Department of Hindu Religious and
Cultural Affairs held a fruitful three day research seminar with
well-known international scholars from India and academics from our
country.
They were from the Universities of Yaalpaanam, Peradeniya, East,
South East and Jayawardenepura. They addressed the general public and
higher education students on various aspects in the field.
It was interesting to note that young and old attended the seminar
partly with interest and partly with enjoying the free meals and
refreshments provided by the department. The director Shanthi
Naavukkarasan and her amiable staff should be thanked and congratulated.
Respected Emeritus Professor of History S. Pathmanathan directed and
guided and moderated the seminar.
The seminar papers were read in Thamil and with occasional speeches
made in English by the representatives of the Ministry who unfortunately
could not speak in Thamil.
In anyway it was good that they were present on the opening day and
gave State patronage.
Although some papers were too academic and heavy, I was able to
digest some of the unknown material that helped me to understand the
Tamil Literature in greater detail.
While most academics were fine presenters, some lacked the art of
speaking with a purpose.
I give you the titles of the papers that were presented for a general
understanding of the pattern of discussion: Avoiding the designations of
the erudite scholars I give below the subjects and the speakers who
presented their lecture or papers.
The Politics and History during the Chola period
1. The Trading Centres during the period (S.Pathmanathan)
2. The Chola Hegemony in Lanka (S. Pushparatnam)
3. The Women during the period (S. Yogarasa)
4. Historical Geology of Chola Land (A. Subbarayalu)
5. The water rights of the Chola Land (K.Ira Sangaran)
6. Meikirthis in Chola period (S. Pathmanathan)
7. Scholars and Artistes during the period ( Vijaya Ramasamy)
More next week
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