தொல்காப்பியப் பொருளதிகார புறத்திணை மரபுகள்: உருமாற்றத்தின் சமூக-வரலாற்றுப் பின்னணியும் தாக்கமும்

The External Traditions of the Tholkappiyam's Literary Categories: The Social-Historical background and impact of transformation

Abstract

The Purapporuḷ Veṇpāmālai, which emerged as a development of the Tolkāppiyam and is based on the Paṇṇirupadalam tradition, reflects the changing conditions of Tamil society through External (Purapporul) related concepts. The Tolkāppiyam embodies traditional stances, while the Purapporuḷ Veṇpāmālai mirrors the transformations that occurred in that context. Significant changes took place in Purapporuḷ-related thought during the period of Kaḷappirar rule. Various scholars of different religious traditions adapted grammatical rules to suit their philosophies and the prevailing literary trends. Such changes appear to have been implemented by Aiyanār Iṭanār in response to social changes, particularly in the structure of the Kaikkilai and Peruntinai divisions. This study aims to extensively explore these traditional divisions and their transformations, focusing on: 1) The background of changes in External (Purattinaiyiyal)—the study of Purapporuḷ meaning. 2) The background of changes in the terms “Tinai” and “Padalam.” 3) The background of changes in the classification system of Uzhiṉai and Nochiṭṭinai divisions. 4) The background of conceptual changes in the Kañcitinai division. 5) The differing perspectives of commentators on the classification of Tinai. Using the commentaries of Ilampūraṇar and Naccinārkkiṇiyar, who provided expositions on Tolkāppiyam’s Purattinaiyiyal, it is evident that the term “Tinai” came to signify an unconventional meaning related to “poruḷ” (meaning or content). Ilampūraṇar specifically refers to “poruḷ.” We understand that commentators used the term “poruḷ” in the sense of “purpose” or “significance” of something. Similarly, although the word “Padalam” is mentioned in the Purapporuḷ Veṇpāmālai, there is no clear indication that commentators referred to it in their explanations. Regarding the categorization system of Uzhiṉai and Nochiṭṭinai divisions, changes can be assumed based on the versions of manuscripts obtained through U.V. Swaminatha Aiyar’s editions. The instability resulting from war, as described by Tolkāppiyar, is elaborated upon in the Kañcitinai division. Thus, the Purapporuḷ Veṇpāmālai, by discussing the war division and instability, helps us perceive social change. Even though the number of External divisions increased from seven to twelve, commentators continued to uphold the traditional seven. This entire evolution can be understood through this investigation. Hence, the article decodes the nuances and the in-depth details between tradition and transformation of External Traditions from the viewpoint of Tholkappiar.