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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.

What is the most beautiful word in the Tamil language?

Would like to list some of my favourites. I have taken the liberty to list some phrases along with words.

1. Sembula Cheru (செம்புலச் சேறும்) : Describes that brilliant brownish red hue that one can see after rains in grounds. The way water mixes up with red sand to form this color has been used as an allegory by poets to describe everlasting love. It was also adapted by Vikram Chandra for the title of his book. This was adapted from Kurunthogai.

2. Mudivili (முடிவிலி ): Translates to Infinity. Could also be translated as "Endless". My opinion is that this word offers an insight into the vast expanse that is infinity and creates a sense of wonder when trying to describe the "cannot-be-described".

3. Thoduvanam (தொடுவானம் ): Translates to Horizon. A literal translation would mean "Touch Sky". Brilliantly describes the feel you get when you look at the horizon from the beach.

Yes, according to linguistic evidence, Tamil is considered a pre-Sanskrit language, meaning it existed and developed before Sanskrit, with records of Tamil literature dating back further than those of Sanskrit; Tamil belongs to the Dravidian language family while Sanskrit is Indo-European, making them distinct linguistic origins. 

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.