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Tracing the Roots of Tamil: The Oldest Dravidian Language

Description: Explore the rich history and unique characteristics of Tamil, the oldest Dravidian language, in this captivating quiz. Test your knowledge about its origins, evolution, and enduring legacy.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: ancient languages dravidian languages tamil history indian linguistics
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Which of the following is considered the oldest extant Tamil text?

  1. Silappatikaram

  2. Tirukkural

  3. Sangam Literature

  4. Tolkappiyam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Tolkappiyam, a comprehensive work on Tamil grammar and poetics, is widely regarded as the oldest surviving Tamil text, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

What is the approximate number of Tamil speakers worldwide?

  1. 50 million

  2. 100 million

  3. 150 million

  4. 200 million


Correct Option:
Explanation:

There are approximately 75 million Tamil speakers globally, making it one of the most widely spoken Dravidian languages.

Which ancient Tamil dynasty is credited with establishing the Sangam academies?

  1. Chola Dynasty

  2. Pandya Dynasty

  3. Chera Dynasty

  4. Pallava Dynasty


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Pandya Dynasty, renowned for its cultural patronage, is believed to have established the Sangam academies, which played a pivotal role in the development of Tamil literature.

What is the significance of the term 'Sangam Literature' in Tamil history?

  1. A collection of ancient Tamil poems

  2. A body of religious texts

  3. A compilation of scientific treatises

  4. A record of political events


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sangam Literature refers to a vast collection of ancient Tamil poems, composed between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, providing valuable insights into early Tamil culture, society, and history.

Which Tamil poet is revered as the author of the renowned ethical work 'Tirukkural'?

  1. Thiruvalluvar

  2. Avvaiyar

  3. Kambar

  4. Ilango Adigal


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Thiruvalluvar, a revered Tamil poet and philosopher, is widely recognized as the author of 'Tirukkural', a collection of 1330 couplets offering profound insights on ethics, morality, and various aspects of life.

What is the predominant script used for writing Tamil?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Tamil Script

  3. Kannada Script

  4. Telugu Script


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Tamil language is primarily written using the Tamil script, a unique writing system with a rich history and distinct characters.

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Tamil language?

  1. Extensive use of Sanskrit loanwords

  2. Absence of gender distinction in nouns

  3. Use of ergative case in grammar

  4. Presence of a complex system of verb conjugations


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Tamil is unique among Dravidian languages for its lack of gender distinction in nouns, meaning that nouns do not have inherent masculine or feminine forms.

What is the approximate number of words in the Tamil lexicon?

  1. 50,000

  2. 100,000

  3. 150,000

  4. 200,000


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Tamil language boasts a rich vocabulary with approximately 150,000 words, including a significant number of classical and archaic terms.

Which Tamil poet is known for his epic work 'Silappatikaram'?

  1. Thiruvalluvar

  2. Avvaiyar

  3. Kambar

  4. Ilango Adigal


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ilango Adigal is renowned as the author of 'Silappatikaram', an epic Tamil poem that narrates the tale of Kannagi, a devoted wife seeking justice for her husband's wrongful execution.

What is the name of the ancient Tamil kingdom located in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent?

  1. Chola Kingdom

  2. Pandya Kingdom

  3. Chera Kingdom

  4. Pallava Kingdom


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Pandya Kingdom, with its capital in Madurai, was one of the three major ancient Tamil kingdoms, known for its cultural achievements and maritime trade.

Which Tamil poet is regarded as the 'Grandmother of Tamil Literature'?

  1. Thiruvalluvar

  2. Avvaiyar

  3. Kambar

  4. Ilango Adigal


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Avvaiyar, a revered Tamil poet and sage, is often referred to as the 'Grandmother of Tamil Literature' for her significant contributions to Tamil poetry and her wisdom.

What is the name of the ancient Tamil port city that served as a major trading hub in the Indian Ocean?

  1. Madurai

  2. Kanchipuram

  3. Puhar

  4. Thanjavur


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Puhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, was a prominent ancient Tamil port city located at the mouth of the Kaveri River, serving as a vital center for trade and commerce.

Which Tamil poet is known for his epic work 'Manimekalai'?

  1. Thiruvalluvar

  2. Avvaiyar

  3. Kambar

  4. Sattanar


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sattanar is credited with authoring 'Manimekalai', an epic Tamil poem that narrates the story of Manimekalai, a young woman who embarks on a spiritual journey.

What is the name of the ancient Tamil academy that played a significant role in the development of Tamil literature?

  1. Sangam Academy

  2. Madurai Academy

  3. Kanchipuram Academy

  4. Thanjavur Academy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sangam Academy, located in Madurai, was a renowned center for Tamil literature, where poets and scholars gathered to compose and recite their works.

Which Tamil poet is known for his epic work 'Kambaramayanam'?

  1. Thiruvalluvar

  2. Avvaiyar

  3. Kambar

  4. Ilango Adigal


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Kambar is celebrated for his epic work 'Kambaramayanam', a Tamil adaptation of the Hindu epic 'Ramayana', known for its poetic beauty and vivid storytelling.

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