The book brings out the fundamental fact that Tamil is more than just a language. It is part of the identity and pride. The ancient Sangam poetry, Thirukkural and poems of Avvaiyar and Bharathiyar have constantly reinforced this distinct and unique linguistic pride. This is the reason why all the official and cultural programmes in Tamilnadu always start with the singing of Thamiz Thai Vazhthu (invocation of Mother Tamil).
The book starts with the unique way of description of different parts of Tamilnadu named after flowers indigenous to each region: the kurinchi, a rare mountain bloom; mullai, the fragrant jasmine flourishing in the forests; the blue water lily of neytal, representative of the seashore; the desert flower of palai, emblematic of the arid lands; and marudam, also known as the queen’s flower, of the lowlands. Beyond representing physical attributes, these descriptions encapsulated themes of life and death, as well as the continual flow of generations. This landscape, etched into collective memory and interwoven with life, is luminously reflected in Sangam poetry—compositions that are over 2,500 years old, yet hold relevance today.
There is a comprehensive overview of the Tamils covering history, literature, politics, films, temples, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, art, culture, jallikattu, Kancheepuram silk saree and filter coffee. She has avoided the usual Tamil tendency of glorification and hyperboles. She has described events and personalities factually letting the readers to draw conclusions. She has highlighted the contribution of Muslim and Christian scholars to Tamil literature and the communal harmony. At the same time the author has pointed out the peculiarities and contradictions in the Tamil society including caste conflicts and worship of film heroes.
The author says, “This book is largely subjective; it is a portrait rather than an academic study. It strives to provide an accessible account of the Tamils and their history for those interested in the subject but not necessarily familiar with it".
Nirmala Lakshman is well qualified academically and as a cosmopolitan member of the historical and respected newspaper group The Hindu. She has travelled across Tamilnadu interviewing and interacting with common people besides sociologists, historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, actors, politicians and businessmen. She has quoted extensively from many books and authors. She is objective and unbiased when commenting on Periyar and DMK even though her community has been at the receiving end of the anti-Brahmin movement spearheaded by the Dravidian leaders.
This book, published in January 2025, is a useful read to understand Tamils for some of those beyond the Vindhyas who are often ignorant and prejudiced. This includes the Hindi chauvinists who are surprised by the Tamil resistance to imposition of Hindi and my golf buddies in DLF Golf Club, Gurgaon who do not know the difference between Tamil and Malayalam or Swaminathan and Viswanathan.
