Explanations:The question pertains to the authorship of the oldest known book of Tamil grammar, which is a significant aspect of Tamil literature and linguistic history. The text in question is "Tolkappiyam," a comprehensive treatise on Tamil grammar and poetics. Tolkappiar, the author of "Tolkappiyam," is a revered figure in Tamil literature and is credited with laying the foundational principles of Tamil grammar.
"Tolkappiyam" is divided into three parts: "Ezhuttu," "Col," and "Porul." "Ezhuttu" deals with phonetics and phonology, "Col" with morphology and syntax, and "Porul" with poetics and rhetoric. The text is not only a grammatical treatise but also provides insights into the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of ancient Tamil society.
It is important to distinguish Tolkappiar from other significant figures in Tamil literature. For instance, Tiruvalluvar is renowned for his ethical and philosophical work "Thirukkural," which is a collection of couplets that provide guidance on ethical living, governance, and love. The Cheras and Pandyas were ruling dynasties in ancient Tamilakam and are not associated with authoring grammatical texts.
Understanding the contributions of Tolkappiar to Tamil literature is crucial for students of Tamil language and culture. His work has been influential in shaping the grammatical structure of Tamil and has been studied extensively by linguists and scholars. The recognition of Tolkappiar as the author of "Tolkappiyam" underscores the importance of his contribution to the preservation and development of the Tamil language.