Literature is a part of the heritage of India. Indian literature exists in varied languages. Various Indians skilled in writing have contributed in creating this part of India"s heritage in the form of stories, novels, prose, essays, etc. Tamil language literature is no exception in this regard. A noteworthy aspect of this literature is poetry written by eminent poets. Some of these poets from the state of Tamil Nadu and their works are mentioned below.
Padikasu Pulavar
Padikasu Pulavar is a Tamil poet, belonging to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is recognized as the court poet of Raghunatha Kilavan, the first Sethupathi of Ramnad and a contemporary of Kalamega Pulavar. Padikasu Pulavar is noted for a poetic collection called Thondaimandala Sadhakam, which was penned in praise of Thondaimandala Vellalars or agriculturists.
Periyasaamy Thooran
Periyasaamy Thooran is recognized as a Tamil poet, patriot, teacher, composer of carnatic music. Apart from writing poetry, Thooran has showcased his versatility in writing short stories, essays, plays, folk songs and books on psychology, embryology, genetics, etc. Thooran has also explored himself as a translator and an editor. Thooran also has compilation of Tamil Encyclopedia to his credit.
R. Raghava Iyengar
R. Raghava Iyengar is recognized for his critical scholarship and creative interpretation of literature from Tamil Nadu. Iyengar also explored himself as a poet. The names of some of his poems are Parikathai, Puvi Ezhupathu, Thiruvadimalai, Oru Thurai Kovai and Inkavi Thirattu. Abigna Sakuntalam Kalidasa`s Sakuntalam and Bhagavat Gita have been translated by Iyengar. Some of his edited works are Tolkappiyam and Athichoodi Uraai.
Ramanuja Kavirayar
Ramanuja Kavirayar is recognized as a Tamil savant and poet. Three of his noted devotional poems are Thiruvengadavar Anubhuthi on Lord Venkatesa of Tirupati, Parthasarathy Padampunai Pamalai on God Parthasarathy of Triplicane and Varadarajar Padirrupa-Thanthadi on the Lord of the famous temple of Kanchipuram. Pancharatnamala on Pachaiyappa Mudaliar, the great philanthropist is recognized as the stray poem of Kavirayar.
Gnanakoothan
Gnanakoothan is recognized as one of the modern Tamil poets. He embarked on a journey of writing poetry with the poem called Prachanai (The Problem). A collection of poems called Gnankkoothan Kavithaigal was published in the year 1998.
Subramania Bharati
Subramania Bharati, also known as "Mahakavi Bharati", is considered to be a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry. He is also identified as an Indian independence activist, social reformer and journalist from Tamil Nadu. Bharati`s poetry exhibits a progressive and reformist ideal.
Other Tamil Poets
The names of some of the other Tamil Poets are Thiruvalluvar, Ottakoothar, Nakkeerar and Suratha.
