What do Tamil people believe in?

Buddhism and Jainism were widespread among the Tamil, and these religions’ literatures predate the early bhakti literature in the Tamil area. Although the present-day Tamil are mostly Hindus, there are Christians, Muslims, and Jains among them.

What is special about Tamil culture?

Tamilians have perfected the art of spinning, weaving and chiseling over the years and their brilliance is reflected in different art subjects like bronzes, sculptor works, carvings, etc. Magnificent temples represent Tamil architecture with lofty ‘gopurams’ and statues of goddesses engraved all over the edifice.

Why do Tamil nationalists hate the word “Dravidians”?

In the worldview of Tamil Nationalists, “outsiders” (vantheri) can live peacefully in Tamil Nadu but cannot and should not rule over the Tamils. That is why, they have started attacking the word “Dravidian”, which encompasses Telugus, Kannadigas and Malayalis as well. They feel that this is a one-way street.

What is the history of Telugu people in Tamil Nadu?

Right through the 15th century onwards large number of Telugu speaking people came and settled across Tamil Nadu. Some were there to help the Nayaks rule the kingdom. Others were traders and craftsmen. Some of the chieftains deployed by the Nayaks known as Palayakkarar (Polygar) were also Telugu.

Is the word ‘Dravidian’ being exploited by Telugu speakers in Tamil Nadu?

But according to Tamil Nationalists today, the word Dravidian is exploited by the Telugu speakers in Tamil Nadu to usurp and keep power to themselves to the exclusion of the native Tamils. Thankfully, the people at large have not shown any interest in this kind of divisive politics.

Who were the Nayaks of Tamil Nadu who fought amongst themselves?

Some of the chieftains deployed by the Nayaks known as Palayakkarar (Polygar) were also Telugu. After the Vijayanagara empire’s collapse, Nayaks of the Tamil country fought amongst themselves. Marathas moved into Thanjavur to establish their own rule. Hyderabad Nizam sent his troops to establish Nawab rule headquartered from Arcot.