How old is the Tamil language?

A question that delves into the rich history of the Tamil language!

The age of the Tamil language is a topic of ongoing research and debate among scholars. However, based on available evidence and linguistic analysis, here are some key milestones in the evolution of the Tamil language:

Ancient Period (300 BCE - 500 CE)

1. *Sangam Period (300 BCE - 300 CE)*: This is the earliest known period of Tamil literature, with works like the Tolkāppiyam and the Eight Anthologies.

2. *Tamil-Brahmi Script (300 BCE - 500 CE)*: The earliest known Tamil script, which was used to write Tamil and other Dravidian languages.

Medieval Period (500 - 1500 CE)

1. *Middle Tamil (500 - 1000 CE)*: This period saw the emergence of new literary styles and the development of Tamil as a distinct language.

2. *Influence of Sanskrit and Other Languages (500 - 1500 CE)*: Tamil borrowed words and concepts from Sanskrit and other languages, which enriched its vocabulary and grammar.

Modern Period (1500 CE - present)

1. *Standardization of Tamil Script (16th century)*: The modern Tamil script was standardized, making it easier to read and write.

2. *Colonial and Post-Colonial Periods (18th century - present)*: Tamil continued to evolve, with the influence of European languages, particularly English.

Estimated Age of Tamil Language

Based on linguistic and historical evidence, scholars estimate that the Tamil language is at least 2,000 to 2,500 years old. However, some researchers suggest that Tamil may be even older, with roots dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (around 4,000 years ago).

Keep in mind that the age of a language is a complex and multifaceted topic, and different scholars may have varying opinions on the matter.

Tamil is over 2,000 years old with a continuous literary tradition. The earliest known Tamil inscriptions date back to 500 BCE (Tamil-Brahmi script), and the Sangam literature (300 BCE – 300 CE) is among the oldest recorded works. It remains one of the world's oldest living languages still in active use today.