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In Ancient Tamil, the primary word for "food" was "Unavu", while other words like "Valsi", "Undi", "Odhanam", "Asanam", "Pagadham", "Irai", "AaSaaram", "Urai", "Oottam", "Puga", and "Misai" were also used to describe different types of food depending on the context, as documented in ancient Tamil literature like the "Pingala Nigandu" which lists various foods and their corresponding Tamil terms. 

Tamil evolved from Proto-Dravidian, with Old Tamil (500 BCE–700 CE) in Sangam literature, Middle Tamil (700–1600 CE) influenced by Sanskrit, and Modern Tamil (1600–present) shaped by colonial and digital advancements.

The primary differences between Old Tamil and Modern Tamil lie in vocabulary, with some changes in grammar, where Modern Tamil has adopted a more simplified structure, and has incorporated loanwords from other languages, particularly due to the influence of English, while still retaining a significant portion of the old vocabulary; additionally, Old Tamil lacked a distinct present tense which has developed in Modern Tamil

In Tamil culture, the closest equivalent to the Vedas are the texts known as "Nalayira Divya Prabandham" and "Tevaram," often referred to as the "Tamil Veda" or "Dravida Veda," signifying their high spiritual importance and reverence similar to the Sanskrit Vedas; particularly within the Vaishnava tradition, these Tamil texts are considered equally sacred to the Vedas. 

The advantages of the Tamil language include its rich ancient history and literature, status as a classical language, potential for cultural understanding, a large number of speakers across various regions, and its ability to foster connections with Tamil culture and traditions across the globe; learning Tamil can provide insight into a diverse cultural perspective and enhance cognitive empathy.