Oldest and Purest Dravidian Language
The question of which Dravidian language is the oldest and purest among Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu is a topic of scholarly debate. Each language has its unique history and evolution.
1. Tamil
- Tamil is often considered the oldest Dravidian language.
- It has a rich literary tradition that dates back over 2,000 years.
- The earliest Tamil inscriptions date back to around 500 BCE.
- Classical Tamil literature includes notable works like "Tolkāppiyam" and "Sangam" poetry.
2. Malayalam
- Malayalam evolved from Tamil and has influences from Sanskrit.
- It emerged as a distinct language around the 9th century CE.
- Its literature has flourished since the 12th century with works like "Ramacharitam."
3. Kannada
- Kannada has a history that spans over a millennium.
- It was recognized as a classical language in 2008.
- The oldest known Kannada inscription dates back to 450 CE.
4. Telugu
- Telugu is also a classical language, officially recognized.
- It has a rich literary history, with roots traceable to the 11th century CE.
- The earliest Telugu inscriptions are from around 575 CE.
Conclusion
While Tamil is often regarded as the oldest Dravidian language due to its ancient literary roots, claims of purity vary. Each language has retained its distinctiveness over the centuries, influenced by socio-cultural factors. Thus, determining the "purest" language is subjective and depends on the criteria used for purity, such as linguistic continuity, literary history, or phonetic characteristics.