Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c23.s1.1

c23.s1.1

Tamil-Brāhmī cave inscriptions portray life in early Tamil society at the commencement of a period of great political, religious and social changes.¹ The earlier tribal chieftaincies had become small but well-organised kingdoms ruled by the Cēra, Cōḻa and Pāṇṭiya dynasties; smaller territories were held by local chieftains of long-established lineage. The Buddhist and Jaina faiths had entered the Tamil country and acquired sizeable following creating social and religious ferment in the society. The simple and easy-to-learn Tamil-Brāhmī script took roots and spread fast all over the Tamil country creating a literate society which would produce before long literary works of the highest quality. The influx of Prakrit along with the Buddhist and Jaina faiths had its impact on Tamil, which would also usher in significant changes in the language in due course. Trade flourished with Rome in the west, gem-rich Sri Lanka in the south and the powerful kingdoms in the Deccan and further to the north creating new affluence.