Page:Studies in Tamil folk literature.pdf/6

Rh INTRODUCTION

Long before there was any written literature, there already existed a vast and complex form of oral literature. Its origin goes back to the begining of man’s recorded history. It is handed down from generation to generation. However sophisticated we may be we use it in our everyday speech. Yet, the begining of this scientific study, which is one of the most exciting of all intellectual experience, is only a little over a hundred years old. In a sense, it started with W. J. Thoms who coined the English word "Folklore" replacing ‘popular antiquities’ in 1846.

During the past decades its value and fascination has grown phenomenolly. Interest in the subject gathered momentum, especially alter Darwin's theory of biological evolution. Following Darwin’s lead, scholars on the subject sought to reconstruct the ancient practices which is the begining of folklore study of the modern type.

The growth of interest in folklore reveals an intimate dependence upon the rise of nationalist spirit. Romantic nationalism or aggressive nationalism has coloured regional folklore everywhere. Of course, it has not attained to such position in India as in Finland and Ireland where the intensive scholarship in folklore assumed the leadership in socio-cultural field receiving support from their governments, as part of their endeavour to demonstrate their cultural independence.