PREFACE

The Department of Indian Studies, University of Malaya brings out the seventh volume (issue 2) of Tamil Peraivu which is a bi-annual journal. Academicians around the globe contribute their articles to this journal. The present volume consist of ifteen research articles. The leit –motive of a research has to be scientiic and this is the sole objective of this journal.

The article, ‘Alchemy in Siddha Literature’ by Dr. L. Pushpa Latha (India), focuses on Alchemy in Siddha literature. The writer of this article establishes that discussion about Alchemy which to be found in Siddha literature is mainly about treating diseases and retaining youth. There is also valuable information about the early traces of Alch emy in this article. The following article is by Associate Professor Dr. Samikkanu Jabamoney Ishak Samuel (Malaysia) entitled. “The Contributions of Tirunelveli Tamil Christians in the Development of Tamil Education in the State of Perak” is an attempt to expose the contribution of Thirunelveli Tamil Christians in the growth of Tamil education in the state of Perak, Malaysia.

The third article by Gauthama Sanna is entitled,” Thiruvalluvar’s birth, place of birth and upto his demise : A study based on the perspective of Ayotthidasa Pandithar”.This article provides a new perspective about the life history of Thiruvalluvar as compared to the existing body of the knowledge in the ield. These indings are supported by some valid data from the inscriptions and research works. The main evidence for this study has been obtained from the research indings of Thirukkural by Ayothitasar. The next article is by Dr Uma Allaghery (Mauritius) deals with problems and solutions in the implementation of Communication Skills in the Primary schools of Mauritius. The author highlights problems that both the teachers and the students are facing during the implementation and also suggests probable solutions which might help to make Communication Skills interesting.

‘The Puzzles and Riddles - A Study - A Study”, by Associate Professor Dr. Stalin (India) is the next article in this of Tamil Peraivu journal. This article explains the diference between the Tamil words, ‘Vidi’ (puzzles) and ‘Vidukathai’ (riddles). ‘Vidi’ involves short questions made up of one or two words, whereas, ‘Vidukathai’ involves a question asked based on a brief situation or a story. In this article, the special characteristics on ‘V idi’ and ‘Vidukathai’ are well explained based on ield work conducte in Kancipuram, India. The following article of Parvathi Vellachami and Professor Dr.M.Rajantheran (Malaysia) entitled, “Mahakavi Bharathiar’s Intellectual Thinking in Teaching and Learning of Moral Education”. This article mainly establishes as how to integrate Mahakavi Bharathiar’s poems in teaching and learning of Moral Education.

The next article entitled, “Fate in Tamil Tradition” was written by Dr.P.Mohan. This article surveys and analyses the concept of fate found in the Tamil literature. The writer quotes incidents that portray fate from various Tamil literary texts. He further establishes that fate is an important aspect in the life of the Tamils. The following article by Dr. Jothi S. Themozhi (United States of America) explains the contributions of Buddhadatta to the History of Tamil Nadu. This article identiies some passages from Buddhadatta’s literary work that mentions the Kalabhra ruler of Buddhadatta’s time, King Achyutavikranta. Based on earlier scholars’ research, this article also attempts to identify the location of Buthamangalam, where the monk Buddhadatta resided while penning his work during the fifth century Chola country.

This following paper by Dr.S.Kanmani Ganesan deals with the fact that a communal sector (cast) derived from the ‘thinai maanthar’ parathavar - the speciic people who lived in the neithal land i.e.area near sea. This article deies those researchers who are reluctant to accept the fact that there were communal sectors prevailing in the ancient Tamil Nadu.The next article by Dr M S Shri Lakshmi describes the state of Children’s literature during the period prior to the freedom of Singapore from Malaya and proceeds to highlight how it has sprouted ever since independence of the country in 1965. The following article written by Dr.Satyaraj is entitled, “Uyirmei Ezhuthu: History and the contemporary state”, focuses on Tamil grammar, mainly discusses about Uyirmei ezhuthu. This article is an outcome of a research regarding the history of Uyirmei ezhuthu and the contemporary level of it at present.

“The records of Halle Franckeischestiftung (Germany) Tamil palm leaves and paper manuscript collections” by Dr.K.Subashini (Germany) is the next article in this volume of Tamil Peraivu journal. This article examines selected number of Tamil palm leaves and paper manuscripts from the archives of Francke Foundations in Halle, Germany and set path to further research in this area to study and understand the social system, culture, history and life style of Tamils and Tamil Nadu that has significant potentials in filling the gaps in the Tamil Nadu history. The next paper by K.S. Sangeetha, entitled,“Tamil Language Syllabus at the primary level 1957 – An Analysis”. This paper is to written to investigate the content used for teaching Tamil 60 years ago. The author evaluates how the syllabus has been effectively used as a tool to transform students as future resources of the society.

The following article by Sharmila Sathasivam and Dr.Silllalee S. Kandasamy, entitled. “The Glory of Maran Sri Marathandavar Temple “is an attempt to expose the history and the tradition of this well known temple located in Pahang, Malaysia. The last article of this volume is entitled, “Portrayal of women in creative writings of Imayam Padaippugal” authored by Dr. R. Vijayasamundeswary and M.Saraladevi. This article highlights the concept of real feminism based on the creative writing of Imayam Padaippugal, a collection of Tamil creative writings.

This Journal in its sustaining efort records the innovate ideas of many researchers. The Editorial Board feels immense pleasure in bringing this seventh Volume (Issue 2) of Tamil Peraivu expressing heartfelt thanks to all the contributors and evaluators of this volume. Last but not least, we would like to thank Mr.MGL.Velayutham – Alma Herbal Nature Pvt. Ltd for his sincere generosity in sponsoring this journal.

Professor Dr.M.Rajantheran
Chief Editor
20.12.2018