Issued by India

Issued on May 3, 2013

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paisa

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : A. S. Muthiah Chettiar

Born on Jun 24, 1927 at Sirukoodalpatti, Karaikudi Taluk, Madura district, Madras Presidency, British India [now in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu]

Died on Oct 17, 1981 at Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Issued by India

Issued on Jun 27, 2010

Issued for : India Post is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on World Classical Tamil Conference.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• Greek and Latin were the only languages initially considered to be classical languages. In the 19^th Century scholars like William Jones and Max Mueller published their translations of ancient Sanskrit literature and, with that, Sanskrit was elevated to the status of a classical language too. In 1816, noted scholar Ellis published his report and established that the Dravidian languages were different and distinct from Sanskrit and proved their separate antiquity and status. Government of India recognised Tamil as a classical language formally in 2004.
  
• Dr. Robert Caldwell in the later part of the 19^th Century had done detailed research and proclaimed to the world that Tamil, among the Dravidian languages, was equally ancient with a distinct diction and literature without the influence of Sanskrit.
  
• Even before Dr. Robert Caldwell, many Tamil scholars with proficiency in Sanskrit had stated the distinct features of the Tamil language. Madava Sivagnana Munivar of 18^th century AD was the first among them, who compared the diction and grammar of the Tamil and Sanskrit languages and his elaborate commentary on the prologue of the very ancient Tamil grammar Tholkappiyam deserves special mention. His research brought to light some of the features of Tamil. The morphophoneme rules, the technical terms, the implied verb, compound and other grammatical categories, the classification of words into rational and non rational categories, the classification of themes & some of the metres are a few of the unique features of the language.
  
• 26,350 lines of Sangam poetry promote Tamil to the rank of one of the classical languages of the world. Tamil can be justly proud of an indigenous literary theory of a very high standard including metrics and prosody, poetics and rhetoric. Sangam poetry reveals a perfect exposition of diction, distinct style, besides being complete in composition giving literary expression to an entire culture. Kamil. V. Zvelebil calls Sangam poetry a truly classical product and a classical literature. This view is endorsed by several scholars.
  
• In many languages such as Greek, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Malay, Tamil words are often found. Professors T Burrow and MB Emneau had published their research work on the composition of Vedas which contains a lot of Tamil words in it. Kaatyayana who paraphrased Panini‘s grammar called Astadhyaayi and Patanjali said that they were seen to be proficient in Tamil as evidenced by their work. Commerce and culture were proved to have been greatly influenced by Tamils and their literature.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 2008

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Udumalai Narayana Kavi.

Credits :
Stamp : India Security Press, Nasik
FDC & Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

Name : Udumalai Narayana

Born on Sep 25, 1899 at Poolavadi, Udumalpet taluk, Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, British India

Died on 1981

About : 

• Udumalai Narayana Kavi was born on 25.09.1899 in Poolavadi Village about 20 kms from Udumalpet, Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. He lost his parents Thiru Krishnasamy and Tmt. Muthammal at an early age and was brought up by his elder brother Thiru Dhanuskodi. His early education was only up to Standard IV at a local elementary school in his village. Thereafter, he was taught by Guru Udumalai Muthuswamy Kavirayar, who also taught Tamil Literature. Then he learnt Harikatha Kalakshepam from Gayaka Sikamani Harikesa Nallur Muthiah Baghavthar.
• Udumalai Narayana Kavi displayed acting talents in local dramas at a very early age of 15. He acted in dramas like Valli Thirumanam, Pavalakhodi and Nandanar. A patriot, he went round the villages selling Khadi products and singing nationalist songs. Some of his songs became extremely popular.
• In 1923, he got the opportunity to act in dramas. His patriotic songs were often sung by famous artists of those days. His works earned him praise and recognition. The award of best lyricist by Sangeet Natak Academy and South India Film Chamber, the title of Sahitya Ratnakar and Kalaimamani, the award by the Tamil Nadu Government are some examples.
• He entered the world of cinema in 1933 when he continued till 1976. He wrote several lyrics for Tamil films.
• His Kathakalakshepam titled “Kindanar” was to eradicate caste-based discriminations among the people. His poems contained rationalistic, patriotic and social messages.
• Text : Based on material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 17, 2007

Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on V.G. Suryanarayana Sastriar (Parithimar Kalaignar).

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Brahm Prakash
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 million

Printing Process : Wet–Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : V. G. Suryanarayana Sastri (Parithimar Kalaignar)

Born on Aug 11, 1870 at Vilacheri, near Thirupparankundram, Madura District, British India

Died on Nov 2, 1903 at Madras, British India

About : 

• In November 1902 in Chenthamil publication he wrote in the editorial that Tamil is a classical language (Uyar thani chemozhi). He was Editor-in-Chief for Gnanapothini. He wrote many novels, prose, essays, poems such as Roopavathy, Srimaniya Sivanar – history, Chithirakavi Vilakkam, Kalavathy, Pavalar Virunthu, Mathivanan, Tamil Pulavar history and Tamil Viyasankal etc.
• He died on 2^nd November, 1903 but his contribution to the enrichment of Tamil language and literature remains his legacy.
• Text : Based on material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 18, 2006

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Dr. U.V. Swaminatha Iyer, a great scholar of Indian classical literature.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Brahm Prakash (Based on the photograph provided by the proponent)
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Print Quantity : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Uttamadhanapuram Venkatasubbaiyer Swaminatha Iyer

Born on Feb 19, 1855 at Suriaymoolai, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Apr 28, 1942 at Tirukazhukundram, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer, popularly known as ‘Tamizh Thattha‘ was a great Tamil scholar who made the most outstanding contribution to the enriching of the Tamil language.
• Born on 19^th February 1855, Swaminatha Iyer spent his days till 1871 in searching for master. His father was his first teacher but it was under the tutelage of Mahavidwan Meenakshisundaram Pillai when the foundation of his scholarship and genius were laid. Later, Swaminatha Iyer studied for some time under the Head of the Tiruvaavaduturai Mutt.
• He acquired a thorough and extensive mastery of Tamil literature. He joined the Government College at Kumbakonam as Tamil Pandit in February 1880. His literary research also began in this year. In 1903, he came to the Presidency College, Madras on transfer from Kumbakonam and in 1919 he retired from service as a college teacher but he continued his research work in Tamil. He served for three years as Principal of Sri Meenakshi Tamil College at Chidambaram.
• First he worked on Jeevaka Chintamani, a Jain classic. He delved deep into the ancient classic without allowing his religious beliefs to come in the way, and made it intelligible to all. He also introduced a set of ten poems of the Sangam age known as Pattu Paattu and the other set of eight known as Ettutokai, at the time, when no one knew anything about the classics of the Sangam age. It was his efforts that made Tamilnadu and the whole world aware of the way of life, the wealth of thought and the wonderful literary output that had been there two thousand years ago but was since forgotten.
• Another work that came out with his imprint was Manimekalai, a Buddhist classic. After the publication of Manimekalai, he published ‘Perunkathai’, an epic of considerable literary merit, various collections like Ainkuru Nooru, Pajjtruppattu and Paripaadal, and a large number of puranams and minor poems of various kinds, in addition to a paraphrase and commentary on the Sangam classic, ‘Kuruntokoi’.
• The Government of India conferred on him the distinction of Mahamahopadhyay in 1906 and the University of Madras, an honorary Doctorate in 1932.
• Dr. Iyer won the respect of pupils by his profound scholarship. He set an example of a well-ordered life for his pupils to emulate.
• Dr. Iyer’s prose works include literary criticism as well as reminiscences showed him at his best as an expert in research. He was also a poet and wrote hundreds of poems. Of these, a short work called ‘Dandapani Viruttam’ was printed.
• He passed away on 28^th April 1942 but his legacy lives on.
• Text: Material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 18, 2006

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Gnanamuthu Devaneyan Pavanar

Born on Feb 7, 1902 at Sankaranayinarkoil, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Jan 15, 1981 at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• A doyen of linguistics, Pavanar‘s command on the Tamil vocabulary both literary and colloquial, was phenomenal. New coinages of pure Tamil words made by him in his works have already entered the common usage.
• A versatile scholar, Pavanar displayed originality and boldness in his critical examination of prevalent theories. His works include History of Tamils, History of Tamil literature, A Critical Survey of the Madras University Tamil Lexicon (in English), History of Sanskrit (Vadamoli), Commentary on Tirukkural in Tamil Tradition, etc.
• He wrote more than 35 books, which provide an insight into the variety of facts and highlight the significant contribution made by literary stalwarts.
• Pavanar composed some noteworthy poems including the collection ‘Venpa‘. He was also skilled in music, vocal and instrumental and has written a number of books on metrical lyrics (Kirtanas).
• He was given the title ‘Senthamil Selvar‘ by Tamilnadu Government in 1979.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 18, 2006

Issued for : The Department of Posts honours the work and life of Tamilavel Umamaheswarar through issue of this commemorative postage stamp.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Brahm Prakash (Based on the photograph provided by the proponent)
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Tamilavel Umamaheswarar

Born on May 7, 1883

Died on May 9, 1941

About : 

• Tamilavel Umamaheswarar was a great Tamil scholar. He served the society as an eminent lawyer and was known for his unimpeachable honesty and integrity. One of the best representatives of the cultural renaissance in literature, Umamaheswarar was known for his significant contributions to the Tamil language.
• Born on 7^th May 1883, Tamilavel Umamaheswarar advocated upgradation of Tamil language by incorporating certain elements of other languages. He did not support alterations in the letters of the script. His efforts resulted in the founding of Karanthai Tamil Sangam, which was instrumental in the revival of Tamil as a medium of literary expression. Great Tamil scholars like Gnaniyar Swamigal, Pandithamani, U.V.S. Iyer, Raghava Iyengar etc. were some of the eminent voices who used the platform of the Tamil Sangam. He also worked for the development of Sanskrit.
• He started the Oriental College in Karanthai Tamil Sangam, which is presently converted to the Arts College. His aim was to develop Oriental College on the pattern of Viswa Bharati University founded by Ravindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan in West Bengal.
• In the political arena, Umamaheswarar was a prominent leader of the Justice Party of Tanjavur. He was elected as a President of Taluk Board and remained in office for twelve years. During his tenure he gave proper attention to digging wells, constructing elementary schools and establishing hospitals and dispensaries etc. Due to his efforts, 170 elementary schools were opened in his Taluk.
• He had a deep commitment for the poor and downtrodden. He opened the boarding schools for all communities. He was also instrumental in reforming the rules and regulation of Thiruvaiyaru Sanskrit College, renamed as Raja’s College, to facilitate academic upliftment of the backward and downtrodden rural masses.
• Tamilavel Umamaheswarar was a proficient orator both in English and Tamil. His Presidential address in 1934 at Tirunelveli conference showed ample testimony to his depth and verve in literature, grammar and phonetics. His hints for coinages and neologisms in increasing vocabulary for science and technology were practical. He started and served as an editor of a literary monthly ‘Tamil Pozhil’ in the year 1925, which is still in circulation.
• The Government of Madras conferred on him the title of “Rao Bahadur” in 1935.
• Tamilavel Umamaheswarar breathed his last during his journey to Ayodhya on 9^th May 1941.
• Text: Material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 5, 1995

Issued for : The Department of Posts is privileged to bring out a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the Eighth International Conference – Seminar on Tamil Studies in Thanjavur.

Credits :
Stamp Design & F.D.C. : Govt. of Tamil Nadu
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Four Colours

Denomination : 200 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.50 x 2.50 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Un W/M Chromo, gummed, Stamp Paper

Number of stamps Printed : One Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : Madras Security Printers

About : 

• The International Association of Tamil Research is hosting the Eighth International Conference – Seminar of Tamil Studies during January 1-5, 1995, in Thanjavur, the culture centre of Tamil Nadu which dates back to the time of the Chola Kings.
• The International Association was established in 1964 during the 26^th International Congress of Orientalists held in Delhi. The first International Conference – Seminar of Tamil Studies was held in Kualalumpur in 1966, followed by Madras in 1968, Paris in 1970, Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1974, Madurai in 1981, Kualalumpur in 1987 and Moka, Mauritius in 1989.
• This International Conference – Seminar is being held in Thanjavur under the patronage of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The theme of the Conference is “Contribution of Tamil Culture to the 21^st Century“. Eminent scholars engaged in various fields of Tamil Studies have been invited from India and abroad to submit research papers as delegates and also participate as observers. The Conference-Seminar is an event of considerable historical and cultural importance. It is expected that more than 800 scholars from all over the world would be participating in it.
• The development of Tamil culture cannot but be associated with the famous King Rajaraja Chola, whose rule of about thirty years during 985-1016 AD liberated progressive forces in art and architecture, religion and literature. He was an able administrator and a great patron of the arts. The magnificent Bragadeeswara temple at Thanjavur, a beautiful specimen of Tamil architecture and design, is a tribute to grandeur and glory of his reign.
• Text Source : Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 3, 1968

Issued for : The Posts & Telegraphs Department is happy to bring out a special postage stamp in commemoration of this important event in the cultural life of the country.

Description of Design : The stamp depicts the emblem of the Conference. It portrays the globe and a temple tower resting on a book with the word ‘Thirukkural‘ on it in Tamil script. It also bears the legend – ‘Every country is my country; every man is my kinsman’ a maxim propounded by the famous Tamil poet Poongundran.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Purple 

Denomination : 15 Paise

Overall Size : 3.91 X 2.90 cms.

Printing Size : 3.56 X 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 20,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• Tamil studies have not yet received the attention they deserve from international scholars. Very few are aware, for instance, that it is the only example in history of an ancient classical language which has had an unbroken and massive literary record covering a period of over 2000 years. At the same time, it has survived more or less in the same form throughout this long period as the spoken language of more than 40 million people.
• Ever since Sir William Jones pointed out in 1786 the close resemblance between Sanskrit, Avestan, Greek, Latin and the modern European languages, Western scholars have evinced keen interest in Indology. This term until recently was equated only with Sanskrit studies, because Tamil and other Dravidian languages of South India were wrongly thought to owe their origin to Sanskrit. With the progress and popularity of Indology among scholars, the distinctive derivation of Tamil came to be appreciated. International interest in the language was also aroused by the fact that the Tamils migrated in large numbers to various parts of the world like South Africa, Malaysia, Fiji Islands etc. It is interesting to recall the role played by this community in the struggle conducted by Mahatma Gandhi against racial domination in South Africa. Gandhiji has this to say on the subject and on the beauties of Tamil : “What the Tamils have done in the struggle no other Indian Community has done. So I thought that if for no other reason than to show my sincere gratefulness to them, I should seriously read their books. So I spent the last month in attentively studying their language. The more I studied the more I felt its beauties. It is an interesting and sweet language, and from what I read, I saw that the Tamils had in their midst, in the past and even now, many intelligent, clever and wise persons. Again if there is to be one Nation in India, those who live outside the Madras Presidency, must know Tamil.“
• With a view to creating the proper climate for international interest in Tamil studies, some distinguished scholars formed the International Association of Tamil Research in 1964. In April 1966, the first International Conference – Seminar of Tamil Studies was held in Malaysia. The active support extended by the University and the Government of Malaysia contributed to the success of this venture, which was attended by over 200 scholars, drawn from about 25 countries, In response to the invitation of the then Chief Minister of Madras, this second International Conference – Seminar of Tamil Studies was being held in Madras from 3^rd January to 10^th January 1968. It will not only be of great interest to scholars and specialists, but to the common people as well because the programme includes an exhibition, public meetings and processions, the erection of statues etc.

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Issued by India

Issued on Sep 11, 1960

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Dark blue

Denomination : 15 naye paise

Size : 3.34 x 2.88 Cms.

Perforation : 13½ x 14

Watermark : All-over multiple ‘Lion Capital of Asoka‘

Number Printed : 11 Million

Set : 42 stamps per issue sheet

Printing Process : Photogravure

Name : Subramanian

Born on Dec 11, 1882 at Ettayapuram, Tirunelveli district, Madras Presidency, British India [now in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu]

Died on Sep 11, 1921 at Madras, Madras Presidency, British India [now in Tamil Nadu]

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