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Book Review
TAMIL
Cultural history of Tamils
S. N. KANDASWAMY
TAMIL PANPATTU VARALARU: M. Rajamanikkanar; Kaavya Publication, 16, II Cross Street, Kodambakkam, Chennai-600024. Rs. 500.
THIS VOLUME is a precious collection of nine books, written by Dr. M. Rajamannikkanar, one of the renowned Tamil professors of the 20th century. All his books bear eloquent testimony to his keen interest in portraying the various facets of the cultural history of the Tamils.
The first book begins with a classification of the Tamil states, stratification of society, the different avocations of the people, the impact of religions on society, and the commercial contacts of the Tamils with those in the West and in the East. The second is a brief study on the system of monarchy, the duties of the cabinet and administrative officials, the mode of election to the local assembly through the ‘pot system’, and the elected body’s functions, the system of revenue collection, judiciary, and defence. The next book projects the salient features of the administration during the reigns of the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and other dynasties. The characteristics of an ideal family life are depicted in the fourth book. The next one is a thought-provoking study on the practice of tying “Thaali” (Mangalya Sutra) which, according to the author, came into vogue only in the medieval period. The sixth deals with some aspects of architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance and other arts. The last three books trace the growth of culture and civilisation on the river basins of Tamil Nadu.
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