Page:Gleaning Of Tamil Literature.pdf/21

 Development of ‘Literature 21

The divisions of these Prapandhams are named as Kovai, Ula, Andahdi, Kalambagam; Thoodhu, Parani ete. They all belong to a much later period. The only Ula coimposed by Serman called Adi Ula belongs to the early period of the 9th century. These types of poems are worthy of mention for their depth of thought and felicity of expression.

Coming to the recent developments in Tamil literature, we have to bear in mind the changes that came upon the life of the people, their civiliza- tion and modes of life. The impact of other civilizations on Indian culture and thought, was largely responsible for the rise of certain types of literature in our country. Foreign words were used in abundance in Tamil. The impact of Mohammadanism and Christainity gave rise to many works in Tamil. Mohammadan scholars and Christian missionaries played a prominent part in enriching the language as literature of Tamil Nad, Seethakathai a patron and also one of those eminent muslim scholars dedicated him- self to thé betterment of Tamil literature, Pope became a Tamilian by conversion and plodded a weary way to enrich the language. The Tamil speaking population is indebted to them for ever for their service. Pope’s rendering of grammar in asimplified form and his translations of Kural, Naladiyar and Tiruvachakam are marvellous pieces of achievement. The Italian born Beski came to Tamil Nad rechristened himself Veeramamunivar, �