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Thamil Literary & Religious outputs during the Chola period

K.S. Sivakumaran

We al know that in Indian History the Chola period is an important one not only in the South Indian perspective but also in larger context of Indian History. During the reign of Rajaraja and Rajendra monarchs and even during the reign of subsequent rulers like Kulotunga in particular and even before, literature and artistic activities flourished. The Cholas had had a strong influence in Lanka as well. Last week (August 22 to 24, 2008), the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural affairs held a fruitful three day research seminar with well known international scholars from India and academics from our country. They were from the Universities of Yaalpaanam, Peradeniya, East, South East and Jayawardenepura. They addressed the general public and higher education students on various aspects in the field.

It was interesting to note that young and old attended the seminar partly with interest and partly with enjoying the free meals and refreshments provided by the department. The director Ms Shanthi Naavukkarasan and her amiable staff should be thanked and congratulated.

Respected Emeritus Professor of History S Pathmanathan directed and guided and moderated the seminar. The seminar papers were read in Thamil and with occasional speeches made in English by the representatives of the Ministry who unfortunately could not speak in Thamil. In anyway it was good that they were present on the opening day and gave state patronage.

Although some papers were too academic and heavy, I was able to digest some of the unknown material that helped me to understand the Tamil Literature in greater detail. While most academics were fine presenters, some lacked the art of speaking with a purpose.

I shall present for the present give you the titles of the papers that were presented for a general understanding of the pattern of discussion: Avoiding the designations of the erudite scholars I give below the subjects and the speakers who presented their lecture or papers.

The Politics & History during the Chola period
01. The Trading Centres during the period (S.Pathmanathan)
02. The Chola Hegemony in Lanka (S. Pushparatnam)
03. The Women during the period (S. Yogarasa)
04. Historical Geology of Chola Land (A. Subbarayalu)
05. The water rights of the Chola Land (K.Ira Sangaran)
06. Meikirthis in Chola period (S.Pathmanatahan
07. Scholars and Artistes during the period ( Vijaya Ramasamy)

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