Kerala, a state known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has a fascinating linguistic and literary history. From the evolution of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam to the development of early inscriptions and texts, Keralas language and literature reflect its cultural and historical uniqueness. This article delves deeply into these aspects.
Development of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam
1. Proto-Tamil-Malayalam: An Overview
Proto-Tamil-Malayalam is the hypothesized ancestor of modern Tamil and Malayalam. The language developed during the Sangam period (300 BCE 300 CE), when Tamil was the dominant linguistic and cultural medium in the region. Scholars believe Proto-Tamil-Malayalam began to diverge as a distinct language due to geographical, political, and cultural factors.
2. Geographical and Cultural Context
Keralas natural isolation by the Western Ghats and its extensive coastline facilitated the development of unique linguistic features. The language absorbed Dravidian elements while also being influenced by the maritime trade networks that brought in diverse linguistic interactions.
3. Key Features of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam
Lexical Similarities with Tamil: The vocabulary was predominantly Tamil-based but began incorporating distinct regional terms.
Phonological Variations: Changes in vowel length and the development of retroflex sounds distinguished it from classical Tamil.
Morphological Developments: The emergence of suffixes and grammatical structures unique to Malayalam began during this period.
4. Divergence into Malayalam
The divergence of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam into distinct Tamil and Malayalam branches was solidified by the 9th century CE. The Chera Kingdom (present-day Kerala) played a critical role in fostering a separate linguistic identity, as inscriptions and literary works began to show deviations from Tamil.
Early Inscriptions and Texts
1. Early Inscriptions: A Window into the Past
The earliest inscriptions in Kerala date back to the Sangam period and provide valuable insights into the linguistic evolution.
Ashokan Edicts: While predominantly in Prakrit, they hint at the Dravidian linguistic substratum in the region.
Chera Inscriptions: The Vazhappally Copper Plate (9th century CE) is among the earliest records featuring Proto-Tamil-Malayalam characteristics. It highlights early Malayalam words and grammatical constructs.
Sanskrit Influence: Many inscriptions also exhibit Sanskritization, showcasing the amalgamation of local and pan-Indian cultures.
2. Thaliyola (Palm Leaf Manuscripts)
Palm leaf manuscripts were the primary medium for preserving literary and administrative texts in early Kerala. These texts were written in the Vattezhuthu script, which predates modern Malayalam script.
3. Texts Reflecting Proto-Tamil-Malayalam
Several texts and inscriptions reflect the transitional stage of the language:
Sangam Poetry: Though classified under Tamil literature, the Sangam corpus includes poems and references to Keralas geographical and cultural milieu.
Manipravalam Works: A blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, these works, such as Lilathilakam (14th century), mark the early literary flowering of Malayalam.
Commentaries and Folk Songs: Early folk traditions and ballads also preserved linguistic nuances of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam.
4. Notable Early Texts
Chandrotsavam: A landmark Manipravalam text.
Unniyachi Charitham and Unniyadi Charitham: Folk tales that depict the socio-cultural life of medieval Kerala.
5. Religious and Secular Texts
Early inscriptions and texts include a mix of religious and secular content. While many were composed to record temple donations and royal decrees, others reflect everyday life, trade, and socio-political norms.
Language Evolution Post-Proto-Tamil-Malayalam
1. Formation of Modern Malayalam
By the 13th century, Malayalam emerged as a fully independent language, influenced by Tamil, Sanskrit, and Arabic due to Kerala's trade links with the Arab world.
2. Script Development
Vattezhuthu to Kolezhuthu: Vattezhuthu evolved into Kolezhuthu before modern Malayalam script was standardized.
Grantha Script Influence: Sanskrit borrowings led to adaptations from the Grantha script, forming the basis of modern Malayalam script.
Influence on Literature
1. Growth of Malayalam Literature
The transition from Proto-Tamil-Malayalam laid the foundation for a rich literary tradition that matured with poets like Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, who is considered the father of Malayalam literature.
2. Interplay of Languages
Keralas literature reflects a blend of Dravidian, Sanskritic, and later Persian and Arabic influences, creating a distinct literary identity.