Tamil is considered the oldest of the Dravidian languages. It has a continuous literary tradition dating back over two thousand years and is the official language of Tamil Nadu.

Overview of Dravidian Languages
The Dravidian language family consists of several languages predominantly spoken in Southern India and parts of Sri Lanka. Among these languages, Tamil is widely regarded as the oldest.

Historical Evidence
- **Ancient Texts**: Tamil has a rich literary tradition that dates back over 2,000 years. The earliest Tamil inscriptions, found in Tamil Nadu and dating from the 3rd century BCE, indicate a long history of written expression.
- **Literature**: The Sangam literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE, showcases the language's complexity and sophistication, revealing its ancient roots.

Linguistic Evolution
- **Old Tamil**: The Old Tamil period is characterized by its distinct phonetic and grammatical features, which have been preserved to some extent in modern Tamil. This continuity suggests a deeply entrenched linguistic heritage.
- **Comparative Age**: While Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam have rich histories, they are considered to have evolved later. For example, Kannada and Telugu emerged as distinct languages around the 9th century CE, while Malayalam branched out from Tamil around the 9th century as well.

Conclusion
In summary, the combination of ancient inscriptions, extensive literature, and linguistic continuity firmly establishes Tamil as the oldest Dravidian language. Its historical significance and cultural richness contribute to its recognition among scholars and linguists alike.