Tholkappiyam is an ancient Tamil grammar text that is considered one of the most important works of Tamil literature. It is believed to have been written in the 3rd century BCE and is the oldest known work of Tamil grammar.
The Tholkappiyam is divided into three sections: Ezhuttadikaram, Poruladikaram, and Kolladikaram. Ezhuttadikaram deals with the Tamil script and the rules for writing Tamil. Poruladikaram deals with the classification of words and their meanings, while Kolladikaram deals with the rules of composition and style.
The Tholkappiyam is known for its detailed analysis of Tamil grammar and syntax. It is also known for its classification of words into different categories based on their meaning and function. The text describes the different parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and provides rules for their usage in sentences.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Tholkappiyam is its discussion of the Tamil literary tradition. The text describes the different genres of Tamil literature, such as epic poetry, love poetry, and didactic poetry, and provides examples of each. It also discusses the different styles of Tamil poetry, such as the akaval style and the venpa style.
The Tholkappiyam has had a significant impact on the development of Tamil language and literature. It is considered a foundational text for the Tamil language and has influenced the works of many Tamil poets and writers throughout history.