Tamil culture

Tamil culture denotes the diverse culture of the Tamil people. It includes the unique art and architecture, clothing, cuisine and practices that form a part of the lives of Tamils. The Tamils speak the Tamil language, one of the ancient languages with a significant written history. Emphasis on self respect and hospitality are notable features of Tamil culture.^[1]

Archaeological evidence points to the Tamilakam region being inhabited for more than 400 millennia and indicates a continuous history from more than 3,800 years ago. Historically, the region was inhabited by Tamil-speaking Dravidian people. It was ruled by various kingdoms such as the Sangam era (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) triumverate of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas, the Pallavas (3rd–9th century CE), and the later Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century CE). European colonization began in the 17th century, and continued for for two centuries before Indian Independence in 1947. Due to its chequered history, the culture has seen multiple influences over the years and have developed diversely.

Tamils form the majority in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a significant portion of northern Sri Lanka. The Tamils had outside contact in the form of diplomatic and trade relations with other kingdoms to the north and with the Romans since the sangam era. The later conquests resulted in Tamil culture spreading to South and Southeast Asia. With Tamils migrating world-wide since the 19th century, the culture has become diverse and forms a significant part of the life of the people in India and other regions with significant Tamil diaspora such as Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, Middle East, Caribbean and the United States.