Is Tamil language a Pre Sanskrit language?

A question that sparks debate among linguists and historians!

The relationship between Tamil and Sanskrit is complex, and the answer to this question depends on how one defines "Pre-Sanskrit."

Linguistic Evolution

Tamil is a Dravidian language, which is a language family distinct from the Indo-Aryan languages, including Sanskrit. The Dravidian languages are believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent before the arrival of the Indo-Aryan languages.

Chronology

The earliest known Tamil inscriptions date back to around 300 BCE, while the oldest Sanskrit texts, such as the Rigveda, date back to around 1500 BCE. However, it's essential to note that the Tamil language likely existed in some form before the emergence of these inscriptions.

Language Contact

Tamil and Sanskrit have had significant language contact, with Sanskrit influencing Tamil, particularly during the period of Brahmi script adoption (around 300 BCE to 500 CE). However, this influence does not necessarily imply that Tamil is a post-Sanskrit language.

Theories and Debates

Some scholars argue that Tamil is a pre-Sanskrit language, citing the following points:

1. _Dravidian language family_: Tamil belongs to the Dravidian language family, which is distinct from the Indo-Aryan languages, including Sanskrit.

2. _Geographical distribution_: Dravidian languages, including Tamil, are predominantly spoken in southern India, which suggests that they may have originated in this region before the arrival of Indo-Aryan languages.

3. _Linguistic features_: Tamil has distinct linguistic features, such as its phonology and grammar, which are not found in Sanskrit or other Indo-Aryan languages.

However, other scholars argue that the concept of a "pre-Sanskrit" language is problematic, as it implies a clear-cut chronological and linguistic distinction between Tamil and Sanskrit. They suggest that the relationship between Tamil and Sanskrit is more complex, with both languages influencing each other over time.

In conclusion, while the question of whether Tamil is a pre-Sanskrit language is still debated, it is clear that Tamil has a distinct linguistic and cultural identity that predates the emergence of Sanskrit in the Indian subcontinent.

Yes, Tamil is older than Sanskrit as a continuously spoken and written language. It belongs to the Dravidian family, with literary records dating back over 2,000 years (Sangam era). While Sanskrit’s Vedas (1500 BCE) are older, they were originally.  Tamil developed independently and remains one of the world’s oldest living languages.