Language Preservation in Tamil Iyer Communities: Shankar Mahadevan and the Palakkad Brahmins

Shankar Mahadevan, a renowned Indian playback singer and music composer, speaks Tamil as his mother tongue primarily due to his family's cultural background. Born in Palakkad, Kerala, into a Tamil Iyer family, he maintains the linguistic and cultural roots of his heritage. Similarly, many Tamil Iyer communities in Kerala, especially in areas like Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari, continue to speak Tamil. This article delves into the linguistic preservation practices of these communities, with a focus on the Tamil Iyer community of Palakkad.

Shankar Mahadevan's Linguistic Background and Cultural Heritage

Shankar Mahadevan was born in Chembur, Mumbai, to a Tamil Brahmin family from Palakkad, Kerala. His mother tongue is Tamil, a language deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of his family. Tamil Iyers, who are primarily settled in Palakkad, speak both Tamil and Malayalam. The dialect of Tamil spoken in Palakkad has a significant number of Malayalam loanwords, reflecting the influence of Malayalam syntax and accent.

Linguistic Diversity and Coexistence in Palakkad

The history of Tamil Brahmins settling in Palakkad dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Seeking to escape religious persecution and seek better pastures, these early migrants brought with them their linguistic and cultural practices. Today, Tamil Iyer communities in Palakkad continue to maintain their Tamil language and cultural identity, often mixing it with Malayalam in daily conversations. This linguistic blend is evident in the unique language form known as Manipravalam, which combines Tamil, Malayalam, and Sanskrit.

The Unique Community of Palakkad Iyers

The Palakkad Iyer community is a unique subset of Kerala Iyers. They enjoy the best of both worlds, maintaining their Tamil language and cultural practices while also integrating Malayalam. This duality is reflected in their contributions to various fields, including music, literature, and politics. Prominent personalities such as Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu) Chief Justice TN Seshan, playback singer Shankar Mahadevan, and poets Hariharan, Jayaram, Trisha, and Vidya Balan have all come from this community.

Language and Cultural Preservation

Despite the linguistic and cultural coexistence in Palakkad, the community is often caught in a cultural identity crisis. When asked, Tamil speakers do not fully accept them as their own since they possess a stronger connection to Malayalam, and when asked by Malayalees, they are not accepted as Tamils due to their strong connection to Tamil language and heritage. However, they hold a unique position, maintaining and sustaining their language and culture wherever they go.

Conclusion

The language and cultural preservation practices of Tamil Iyer communities, notably the Palakkad Brahmins, highlight the rich diversity of linguistic and cultural coexistence in India. Shankar Mahadevan's background exemplifies this preservation and the unique identity of these communities. As they continue to thrive, their contributions and linguistic amalgamation continue to enrich the cultural landscape of India.