U. V. Swaminatha Iyer, also known as "Tamil Thatha" (Grandfather of Tamil), was a prominent scholar, researcher, and pioneer in the field of Tamil literature and language. He played a crucial role in reviving and preserving ancient Tamil literary works and promoting the Tamil language.
Born on 19 February 1855, in Uthamadhanapuram, Tamil Nadu, India, Swaminatha Iyer dedicated his life to the study and promotion of Tamil literature. He made significant contributions to Tamil scholarship by collecting, editing, and publishing numerous ancient Tamil literary works that were on the verge of being lost or forgotten.
One of Swaminatha Iyer's most notable achievements was his efforts to compile and publish the works of the Sangam poets, a group of Tamil poets who lived over 2,000 years ago. He traveled extensively across Tamil Nadu, visiting remote villages and libraries, and collecting manuscripts of ancient Tamil texts.
Swaminatha Iyer's meticulous work in collecting and editing these manuscripts helped preserve invaluable Tamil literary treasures, including the famous Sangam anthologies such as "Purananuru" and "Kurunthogai." His editions of these texts are considered authoritative and have been instrumental in advancing the study of Tamil literature.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Swaminatha Iyer was also a prolific writer and lecturer, advocating for the importance of Tamil language and literature in Indian culture and society. His efforts earned him the title of "Tamil Thatha" and made him a revered figure among Tamil scholars and enthusiasts.
Swaminatha Iyer passed away on 28 April 1942, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest contributors to Tamil literature and language revival. His dedication to preserving and promoting Tamil literary heritage has had a profound impact on the preservation and appreciation of Tamil culture for generations to come.
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