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Art and Culture of Tamilnadu
R. Nagaswamy
THE BOOK
The people of Tamil Country do possess a distinct individuality and yet they have not been averse to absorb the essential best from others. This is more apparent from the historical times onwards bringing out the Catholic and pan-Indian outlook of the Tamils, which is reflected in their literature, art impulses, aesthetic sense, socio-economic and religious conditions. In fact, there has always been a two-way traffic of give and take. This is evident in the field of religion, religious art, architecture, etc.; the social background for which are to be found in the Temple festivals predominating the everyday life of the people.
Dr. Nagaswami in his Art and culture of the Tamil Nadu has presented a cross section of the communites — king and commoner, aristocrat and the agriculturist — highlighting their life customs, obligations, etc. He has shown that the temple was the hub of the Society and the festivals were a unifying factor catering to the social obligations of the people. His erudite distinction between the folk-temple and the agamic temple built according to Vāstu Śāstras is thought provoking. The exclusive worship of a Pīṭha in teh sanctum of a temple would indicate the presence of a particular sect and tradition. The apex of the art of the lapidiary and the jewellar is very well borne out by the many jewelled crowns and ornaments in the Temples of Tamil Nadu.
The book written in a lucid style is well illustrated.