Sangam Literature in Malayalam Education: A Lost Opportunity in Kerala Schools

When delving into the rich heritage of Sangam literature and comparing its linguistic nuances with modern Malayalam, a clear similarity emerges, leading to an intriguing question: is Sangam literature taught with Malayalam in the schools of Kerala? The answer, unfortunately, is no, and this is a significant oversight that merits severe examination.

Understanding the Rarity of Sangam Literature in Kerala Schools

While the ancient Tamil literature from the Sangam period (around 300 BCE to 300 CE) has been extensively studied and taught in schools, the linguistic and literary treasures from both the Tamil and Malayalam regions are often treated as separate entities. This segregation is particularly perplexing in the state of Kerala, where the language is historically and culturally tied to Tamil and its linguistic sibling, Malayalam.

Similarities Between Sangam Literature and Malayalam

The languages of Malayalam and Tamil share a common origin pre-dating the Sangam period. However, during the Sangam era, the languages diverged, with Malayalam developing distinctly in the southwestern region of India. Despite these divergences, the linguistic similarities between Sangam Tamil and early Malayalam are striking, especially in the context of vocabulary, grammar, and literary structure.

Vocabulary

Many words found in Sangam literature are still common in Malayalam. For instance, the Sangam word maranam for 'news' or 'intelligence' finds a direct counterpart in Malayalam as muham. Similarly, concepts like arul (truth) and aradhana (truth, reality) are present in both genres.

Grammar and Literary Structure

The grammatical structures of early Tamil and Malayalam are also remarkably similar. Sangam Tamil is characterized by its use of participle forms and crab-cake-like syntax, which is mirrored in early Malayalam texts. The literary devices like cūr-pūram (meters) and cūr-cūr-utarangkal (praise styles) are also evident in Malayalam poetry.

The Neglect of Sangam Literature in Malayalam Education

The failure to integrate Sangam literature into the Malayalam curriculum in Kerala is unfortunate because it underutilizes a valuable resource for fostering a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural context. By teaching Sangam literature in Malayalam schools, students can develop a more profound appreciation for the linguistic ties between Tamil and Malayalam, enrich their understanding of pre-historic literature, and enhance their overall linguistic skills.

Benefits of Teaching Sangam Literature

1. Vocabulary Enrichment: Exposure to ancient Tamil vocabulary will enhance students' Malayalam vocabulary, making them more versatile speakers and writers.

2. Cultural Heritage: Sangam literature provides a window into the diverse cultural traditions of the region, fostering a sense of identity and pride.

3. Linguistic Evolution: Understanding the origins of modern Malayalam through Sangam Tamil can help in studying the evolution of languages and appreciating historical linguistic processes.

The Way Forward

The integration of Sangam literature into Malayalam education in Kerala can be achieved through several strategic steps:

1. Curriculum Revamp: Incorporate Sangam literature as part of the standard curriculum in all academic levels, from high school to higher education.

2. Teacher Training: Conduct workshops and training programs to equip teachers with the necessary skills to teach Sangam literature effectively.

3. Textbooks and Resources: Develop comprehensive textbooks, study materials, and digital resources that highlight the linguistic and literary significance of Sangam literature.

Conclusion

The teaching of Sangam literature with Malayalam in the schools of Kerala is a matter of national and cultural significance. By recognizing and integrating this invaluable resource into the educational system, we can bridge the linguistic gap between the past and present, enriching the language, and heritage of the region. It is time we rectify this oversight and embrace the full spectrum of our linguistic and cultural treasures.