TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT

TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE

Policy Note - 2001-2002

“Engal Vazhvum, Engal Valamum

  Mangatha  Tamizhendru sanghe Muzhangu”

- Pavendar Bharathidasan

The following address delivered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the concluding day of the VIII world Tamil conference held for five days during the first week of January 1995 at Thanjavur for the classical Tamil Language which is dearer than our life, was unanimously appreciated and rejoiced by not only the people of Tamilnadu but also by the Tamils all over the world.  That speech holds good even now and serves as the foundation for Tamil Development and for evolving necessary guidelines:

“In the present circumstances, a language has to equip itself to face the socio - economic and emotional changes that are continuously taking place at the international level.  If any language fails to assimilate and accommodate such changes, then that language will become handicapped.  To continue to be a modern linguistic currency without losing its ancient moorings, a language should develop into a multi-vehicular   medium,   capable  of  functioning  in all registers, ancient and

modern.  Changes are but natural and god blessed and as such, they are signs of growth and development.  To try to avoid or ward off such essential and evolutionary changes will result in self - ostracization from the international scenes of activities.  A language should be able to adapt itself to and accommodate the new vistas  of human experience and knowledge and should function as a powerful medium of the same, to deserve to be called a living language.”

            “I request our younger generation through this conference to resolve to see that,

- the unique features of our language are preserved; and at the same time, it should be so rejuvenated as to accommodate all the new developments taking place every now and then.

- love and appreciation for our ancient  Tamil literature should be cultivated afresh.

- the hoary glory of our Tamil language and its literary heritage are brought out to the attention of our people.

- a healthy and absorbing interest is created among our people  regarding our ancient classical and folk arts.

- it is impressed upon the minds of the people that the Tamil language influences, as ever, our ideology, life, literature, arts and culture.

- the purity, uniqueness, and everlasting beauty of our Tamil language are preserved through the many more millennia to come, and     

- to maintain the status of the Tamil language as the oldest of the old and the newest of the new”    

After assuming office again during May, 2001 with overwhelming support and mandate of the people of Tamilnadu, our Hon’ble Chief Minister has given  detailed instructions regarding the policy to be adopted and the steps to be taken for the development of Tamil language and arts of Tamil Nadu.  On this line under the guidelines and eminent leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, this Government have taken a vow to dedicate itself for the development of Tamil language and for the enrichment of Tamil Arts and Culture, viz., (a) those meant for the development of Tamil (b) for preservation, exposition and study of our ancient heritage and (c) for encouraging and promoting arts, crafts and culture.

DEVELOPMENT OF TAMIL LANGUAGE

1) Directorate of Tamil  Development

2) International Institute of Tamil Studies

3) Tamil University

4) Institute of Asian Studies

5) Tamil Ilakiya Sanga Palagai - Kuralpeedam

6) Translation Wing

7) Directorate of Tamil Etymological Dictionary Project

PRESERVATION AND STUDY OF TRADITIONAL HERITAGE

8) Government Museums

9) Directorate of Archaeology

10) Government Oriental Manuscripts Library

PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURE

11) Directorate of Art and Culture

12) Regional Cultural Centers

13) Government Music Colleges and Music Schools

14) Government College of Arts and Crafts

15) Government College of Architecture and Sculpture

16) Eyal Isai Nataka Manram

17) Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu

18) Jawahar Siruvar Manram

DIRECTORATE OF TAMIL DEVELOPMENT

            Tamil Official Language Commission was formed in the year 1957; then it was established as Directorate of Tamil Development.  The prime objective of this department is to promote, expand and improve the usage of Tamil as the official language in Government Administration.  This department is also carrying out other schemes relating to the Development of Tamil Language.

IMPLEMENTATION OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGE SCHEME INSPECTION

The Official Language Act is implemented by the Government very vigorously, suitable instructions have been given by the Government to the Directorate of Tamil Development in this regard.  Besides, inspection is made by the Secretary to Government, Tamil Development Culture & Religious Endowment Department at the Secretariat departments and by the Director of Tamil Development at the Offices of the Heads of Departments, Collectorates, Government undertakings and by the Regional Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors at Subordinate Offices in the concerned Districts.

SEMINARS ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

            To ensure effective implementation of the official language scheme, seminars are being conducted in the Districts from the year 1984.

AWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY DRAFTING AND NOTING AND SCHEME FOR HONOURING THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WHICH SHOW ABILITY AND INTEREST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGE SCHEME

            With a view to improve the implementation of the official language scheme in Government Offices, prizes are being given to those persons who write exemplary drafts and notes in Tamil.

            Further, the offices which perform all the activities effectively in Tamil are being honoured with shields and merit certificates.  Accordingly, every year one office among the Head of Department, one Collectorate and one Autonomous body are being honoured.  The District level Offices are also being honoured with shields and certificates.

FINANCIAL ASSISSTANCE

SCHEME FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF BEST TAMIL BOOKS

            Financial assistance is made available to deserving authors to help them publish their books of recognized value.  A maximum of Rs.25,000/- or 50% of the estimated cost of publication whichever is less is sanctioned in two instalments as assistance under this scheme.

SCHEME FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF RARE BOOKS

            This scheme is aimed to decipher the rare Tamil Books.  A sum of Rs.20,000/- or 60% of the estimated cost of publication whichever is less is sanctioned in two instalments as financial assistance.

SCHEME FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF BEST TRANSLATIONS

            This scheme envisages translation of best books, available on other languages into Tamil and vice versa.  The books thus published under this scheme get financial assistance of Rs.25,000/- or 60% of the printing charges whichever is less.  The financial assistance is granted in two instalments.

SCHEME FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AGED TAMIL SCHOLARS

            Under this scheme, aged Tamil Scholars are getting financial assistance. Persons above 58 years of age and whose monthly income does not exceed Rs.400/- are eligible for getting financial assistance.  Tamil Scholars who are selected for the financial assistance are sanctioned Rs.500/- p.m.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TAMIL STALWARTS

            A sum of Rs.3000/- plus Medical Allowance of Rs.15/- per month totally amounting to Rs.3015/- is given as Financial assistance to the persons who  have  rendered  meritorious service for the  preservation and promotion of Tamil Language.   After  the  demise  of the pensioner,  a sum of Rs.1500/- and Medical Allowance of Rs.15/- amounting to Rs.1515/- p.m. is given as financial assistance to the legal heirs of the pensioner and free bus passes are also given under this scheme, upto their lifetime.

PRIZES

PRIZES FOR THE BEST TAMIL BOOKS

             So far, prizes were given by the Government every year for the best books under 15 different categories.  From this year prizes are to be given to 30 different categories of books. The authors selected under each categoriey are to be honoured with a cash prize of Rs.10,000/- and the publishers of award winning  books are to be honoured with a cash prize of Rs.2,000/- each and a certificate.

CONDUCTING  COMPETITION IN TAMIL AT UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE LEVEL

            The aim of this scheme is to improve the proficiency of Tamil Language among students.  In order to stimulate the study of Tamil language and to speed up the implementation of official language scheme and to stress the importance of  “Scientific Tamil” competitions are being conducted at College/University level and prizes are awarded by the Directorate of Tamil Development.

PRIZE SCHEME FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THE I.A.S. EXAM.  IN TAMIL

            This scheme intends to encourage those who write the I.A.S. Exam in Tamil and to encourage others to write I.A.S. exam in Tamil.  Under this scheme, provisions are made for three prizes for those who pass in first three ranks every year.

PRIZE SCHEME FOR THE NEWSPAPERS AND JOURNALS TO PROMOTE TAMIL LANGUAGE

            To encourage the Newspapers and journals which serve for the development of Tamil Language, a prize scheme with First, Second and Third prizes has been introduced.

KURAL PRIZE

            Selvi S.SIVARAJI who belongs to Veeramudaiyan Natham Village, Cuddalore District has been awarded with a cash award of Rs.5,000/- by the Hon’ble Chief Minister in June 2001 for her ability and knowledge in Thirukkural Mutrothal.

AWARDS

THIRUVALLUVAR AWARD

            Thiruvalluvar Award is given every year on Thiruvalluvar day to a person who propagates the ideals of Thiruvalluvar.  This award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- and a gold medal.

PAVENTHAR BHARATHIDASAN AWARD

            A reputed Tamil poet is honoured with Paventhar Bharathidasan Award in memory of Late Pavendar, every year.  The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- and a gold medal.

THIRU. VI. KA. AWARD

            This award is given to commemorate the name of great Tamil savant, Tamil Thendral Thiru. Vi. Ka. Thiru Vi. Ka. Award is given every year by selecting a best literary writer. This award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- and  a gold medal.

BHARATHIYAR AWARD

            This award is given to a person who propagates the ideas of Bharathiyar. It carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-  and a gold medal.

KI. AA. PE. VISWANATHAM AWARD

            This award is given to a Tamil intellectual who has rendered great service to Tamil. This award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- and a gold medal. 

It has also been decided to institute awards in the name of Tamil Savants like Vallalar, Karaikal Ammaiyar, Arunagirinadhar, Saivate Saints and Alwars who have not only added glory to Tamil but also devoted their lives to the development of spirituality.

GRANT / AID

            This scheme has been operated in view of propagation of Tamil and to promote Tamil Development.  This scheme is being executed by the following three ways.

1) GRANT / FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INSTITUTE TAMIL CHAIRS,TO CONDUCT TAMIL DIPLOMA COURSES IN THE UNIVERSITIES OF OTHER STATES AND FINANCIAL AID/GRANT TO EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS

            In order to pave the way to learn Tamil by Tamils living in other states and to encourage the other Tamil learners, financial assistance/ grant is being provided for the institution of Tamil Chairs and conduct the Tamil Diploma Courses in the Universities of other States.

2) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TAMIL SANGAMS

            Financial Assistance is being provided for Tamil Associations and sangams of Tamil Nadu and other States  according to their requirements and demands, such as to put up new buildings, for building renovation, to maintain  Tamil Schools for development of sangams and Tamil schemes etc.,

3) GRANT TO THE INSTITUTIONS WHICH INVOLVE IN TAMILRESEARCH SCHEMES

            According to their performance Grant is being provided to the Institutions which involve into Tamil Research Schemes.

The popular Institutions which receive the annual grant of this kind are Institute of Asian Studies, Chemmanchari, Chennai; The Southern Languages Book Trust, Chennai, and the International School of Dravidian Linguistics,  Thiruvananthapuram.

            Every year Grants are given by Government to the International Institute of Tamil Studies and Thanjavur Tamil University for their Tamil Research Services with Co-operation of Tamil Scholars of all over the World.

FUNCTIONS AND CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

            To familiarize the memories of Tamil Scholars, celebrations like Thiruvalluvar day and the Birthday of U.V.Swamynatha Iyer are celebrated by this Department every year. Chitrai Full Moon day is also celebrated by this department every year in commemoration of Kanngi.

PUBLICATION OF BOOKS

ADMINISTRATIVE GLOSSARY

            Administrative glossary is greatly helpful to the implementation of Tamil official language. So far, 6 editions have been published and distributed to the Government offices; Supplementary glossaries consisting of special terms for each and every department are also prepared and distributed to the respective Government Departments.

HISTORY OF TAMILNADU

            It was decided to publish an authentic History of Tamil Nadu in 7 volumes, So far four volumes (7 Books) have been published.  The Printing of 5th volume dealing with the period of Pandiya kings has completed.  The printing work of  the comprehensive History of  Tamilnadu in one volume is under progress.

PREPARATION OF SOURCE BOOKS IN TAMIL FOR THE USE OF I.A.S. EXAM

            Under this scheme, the book History of Tamil Language has been published. The preparation of other books on History and Geography is under progress.

TAMIL SHORTHAND BOOK

            The Department publishes Tamil Shorthand Books periodically according to the need.

THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF TAMIL PRINTED BOOKS

            The prime objective of this scheme is to prepare a Bibliography of all the books published in Tamil which have been registered and preserved in Government archives.

            Bibliography has been published for the books published upto the year 1935.  The details for Bibliography of books from 1936 to 1945 have been collected and the work of collecting the details for the Bibliography of books from the year 1946 is under progress.

DICTIONARY LEXICON, ENCYCLOPAEDIA

            Financial assistance is being given separately for the preparation of Dictionary, Lexicon, Encyclopaedia, Medical Encyclopaedia, etc.,

NATIONALISATION OF BOOKS

            The literary works and books of Bharathiyar, Silambu Selvar Ma.Po.Sivagnam (the book Viduthalai Poril Tamizhagam only), Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram, Bharathidasan, Perarignar Anna, Deveneyappavanar, Thiru.Vi.Ka. Kalki, Maraiamalai Adigalar, V.Swaminatha Sarma, have been nationalised and compensation amount has been given to the legal heirs.

            In connection with the Golden Jubilee year of National Independence, the books of 13 Tamil National Authors have been nationalised and  compensation amount was given to  their legal heirs.  The works of Mylai Seeni.  Venkatasamy, Thiru Swamy Chidambaranar, Kavingar Mudiyarasan, Thiru K. Appadurai have also been nationalized and compensation amount was given to their legal heirs.

 THE FOURTH DIMENSION OF TAMIL DEVELOPMENT OF TAMIL FOR SCIENCE

During the Eighth World Tamil Conference, Our Hon’able Chief Minister emphasised that Tamil for science should be developed as the Fourth Dimension of Tamil along with the existing Muthamizh.

As instructed by the Hon’ble Chief  Minister, suitable measures for implementing the thoughts of Hon’ble Chief Minister relating to the Development of Tamil for science will be undertaken.

  - A foundation to be laid to enable Tamilnadu to reach a leading

  position at the International level in the development of unique

  human resources in the field of Computer and Information

  Technology;

 

 

- Popularise computerisation  throughout the State;

- Create an awareness about E-Learning, E-Mail, E-Commerce even among the  rural people.

- Set up KIOSKS, which will enable even the illiterates to operate the  Internet  by merely touching images on the screen;

 

 

- Extend the use of Tamil in Information  & Technology;

- Develop softwares in Tamil  for spell check,   Grammar Check,

  Digital Dictionary, Search Engine, Dictaphone, Translation and

  Founts as in English Language; Encourage publication of science  books in Tamil.

New Schemes: 

The following Schemes will be implemented:-

01.Scheme of forming Word Bank during the current financial year  2001-2002.

 

02.Scheme of purchasing necessary equipments to the Tamil Development Assistant Director offices situated in 11 Districts in Tamilnadu.

 

03.Sanction of State Government Finance for construction of Buildings for Tamil University at Thanjavur and Scheme of preparing and publishing   statement through computer for Tamil Books.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TAMIL STUDIES

            The International Institute of Tamil Studies was established in 1970 by the Government of Tamil Nadu for pursuing higher research in Tamilology at the International level.  The Institute is functioning with the financial aid from the Government of Tamil Nadu.  At present, the institute has four Departments viz. Faculty of Tamil Literature and Manuscriptology, Faculty of Tamil Language and Linguistics, Faculty of Sociology, Art and Culture and Faculty of Overseas Tamils.  The Institute has several functions such as doing projects relating to Tamilology, publishing Books, conducting Courses of Tamil Language, Manuscriptology and Translation, conducting Seminars and workshops and bringing out News Letters and a Journal entitled Journal of Tamil Studies.     

            Academic Staff of the Institute are involved in several projects in Tamilology.  The books published in Tamilology are catalogues with brief explanatory notes of all the books, articles, research papers etc. on Tamilology published till date. This documentation will be fed into computer and connected to the internet.  This will help the people around the world to get information relating to Tamilology and it will pave the way   for   the  International  Institute  of  Tamil Studies functioning as anInformation center for Tamil Studies.  The institute has so far published 392 Books.  The Institute on its own and also in collaboration with other institutions is conducting several seminars and workshops.  This Institute has 22 Endowments in the names of Erudite Scholars.  The responsibilities to organise and conduct lectures under these endowments have been distributed among the academic staff of this institute and the endowments lectures are arranged by them.  The Library of the institute houses at present 65,000 books.  The Institute publishes a Journal of Tamil studies since 1971 onwards.  The Institute is publishing a quarterly News letter since 1987.  The Institute has two E-Mails for transmitting and receiving information relating to Tamilology and from other countries across the globe.

TAMIL UNIVERSITY THANJAVUR

            The main aim of the university is to undertake advance research in the domains of Tamil Language, Literature, Grammar, Philosophy, Tamil Culture and Tamil Society.  This University also aims at developing Tamil Language as an effective medium for modern science and technology.  To achieve this goal this University has undertaken various projects through its five academic Faculties which comprises of 23 departments.  The Government has sanctioned the annual maintenance grant of Rs.353 lakhs.  In order to highlight the research works of this University books are being published through the publication department. To   fulfill    the    ambition    of    poet     Bharadhidasan  the academics of this university are doing various projects under various desciplines.  The major research projects are being undertaken with the financial support of the UGC and institutions such as CSIR, ICHR, DOD, TNSCST.  Already 40 Endowments are instituted in Tamil University.  AT present 5 Endowments have been included.  Endowment Lectures, Music Competitions and research publications are being done with the interest amount received from the Endowments.  Thus, the policy of the Tamil University for the year 2001-2002 will be based on the consolidation of available facilities, to continue the ongoing programmes for the future requirements, and to start need based innovative programmes for the future requirements.   Further as instructed by our Hon’ble Chief  Minister of Tamilnadu action will be taken to commence Post Graduate degree during the Academic year as per the current needs and usages.

INSTITUTE OF ASIAN STUDIES

            The concepts of the West influenced the other half of the world in the 20th Century.  Likewise the concepts of the Asian Nations will influence the humanity in the 21st century.  With this view in mind, the Institute of Asian Studies has been engaged in publishing authentic books on the Languages, Literature, Culture, Religion, History, Arts, Science, etc. of the Countries of Asia and the relations, the influence and similarity between them. This institute was established in 1982 at Chennai Registered    under   40/82   of    Co-operative    Societies     Act,   1975). 

This Institute is functioning as a Registered Institution.  This Research Centre equalling the rigorous International Standards has earned a name by publishing 110 standard books.  What is the place of Tamil Culture, Literature, Religion thought etc. in this Asian background? What is the contribution of Tamilology to the Asian Studies? Having these questions as the basis, Department of Tamil Studies, Department of Manuscriptology, Department of Panniru Tirumuri Translation etc. are engaged in their Research, Translation and publication, employing modern research methodology.  The Tamil scholars of the world have recognized Tamil as a Classical Language.  And this Department is engaged in presenting in English the basic texts covering the Ancient Tamil Literature, Encyclopaedia of Tamil Literature, Dictionaries and History etc.  Accordingly, Encyclopaeida of Tamil Literature (3 volumes) has been published Kalittokai and Paripatal of the Sangam Classics the unparalleled book of knowledge in Tamil, Tolkappiyam and the dedatic work, Nalatiyar have been published in translation (English) a Dictionary of Tamil Literary Terms a work of unique nature, has been published in English.  Under the Scheme of bringing out an elaborate work of the History of Tamil Literature, two volumes have so far come out.  So also the Social History of the Tamils has come out in three volumes. 

            Preparation of a Descriptive catalogue of Palm-leaf Manuscript publication of so far unprintedpalm-leaf Manuscripts on rare subjects like Medicine,  Mathematics, Literature etc.   with  commentary  with  English

translations    conducting   seminars   and   workshops   on   the   study of  Manuscripts, are some of the activities of this Department.  It has brought out more than fifty publications so far.  The Government sanction a sum of Rs.22.50 lakhs every year as grant to this institution. During the current financial year (2001-2002) it is proposed to translate and publish the Sangam Classics like Purananuru, Natrinai and Ainkurunuru the later literary works like culamani Muttollayiram and Kalinkattup parani and the Tamil Poetry through the Ages.  Vol.III.  Also there is a plan to copy out from the Palm-leaf, edit and publish with commentary the  works viz., Kanita Nul Part II (Mathamatics), Vaikunta Ammanai, Part-II, Aleciyar Natakam, Valivicina Katai, Akattisar Kalampakam, and five more of less known manuscripts.  Also, Encyclopaedia of Tamil literature, vol.I. Count down from Solomon (History of Tamil literature) Vol.II and one of the volumes of Panniru tirumurai translation are to be published.

TAMIL SANGA PALAGAI - KURALPEEDAM

            The object of this organisation is to select the best among the creative literature work of eminent Tamil writers (novels and short stories) and to translate and publish these works in English and in other Indian languages and also awarding awards and prizes.

            Steps are being taken to merge Tamil Sanga Palagai - Kuralpeedam with the Directorate of Tamil Development.

TRANSLATION WING

            Translation wing, by translating all the Notifications issued by all the Departments of Secretariat into Tamil, helps the people to know the activities of the Government of Tamil Nadu. All the important files in English received from Secretariat Departments are being translated into Tamil.

            The  Translation wing renders translation for Notifications, policy Notes, Reports of Public Accounts Committee, Public Undertaking Committee,  State Administration  Reports, Police Citations, Police Medal, the Confidential files of Public Department, Enquiry Commission Reports, Election Commission Reports, Finance Commission Reports, Detention Orders issued under COFEPOSA Act, Government  Orders, Cabinet Notes, Ministers’ Speeches, Messages, Circulation Notes etc.

          Further, One Assistant Section Officer from this wing is deputed to  the Assembly Secretariat for translating the questions answered in Assembly.

            Likewise, a team consisting of One Assistant Director, One Section Officer and three Assistant Section Officers is deputed to Finance Department to translate the Budget Estimates, Budget Speech, Supplementary Estimates  etc., into Tamil.

            Further, One Section consisting of One Section Officer and four Assistant Section Officers was deputed to Second  State. Finance Commission to translate its Report. This team has successfully completed the work within a short period.

DIRECTORATE OF TAMIL ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY PROJECT

            Compilation and publication of Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary occupies a significant place in the development of the Tamil Language. With a  view to bring out the dictionary in multi volumes, this Directorate of Tamil Etymological Dictionary  Project was created. The unique   features  of  this  bilingual  dictionary  is   that  apart from being a general purpose dictionary, each entry   in the book explains the origin and derivation of words as also their grammatical disposition, besides giving extensive quotations which is immensely useful, especially to the Research Scholars in Tamilology and Dravidian studies. In addition to quotations from various sources such as Archaeology, Numistatics, Epigraphy and literature, this dictionary is embellished with figurative illustrations for rare entries.

            Under this project , three parts in the vowels commencing with the letter from ‘m’ to ‘xs’ and two parts in  consonants commencing with the letter from ‘f’to ‘T’have been brought out by this department.  These have received wide acclamation of the Linguists and Scholars from different walks of life.  The third part in the ‘f’volume commencing with the letter from ‘bf’to ‘bfs’ is under print and expected to be published shortly.  The work relating to  compilation and codification of the remaining parts commencing with the letters ‘r’, ‘P’ ‘j’ ‘e’ ‘g’ ‘k’ ‘a’ ‘t’ is also in progress.

It is proposed to bring out three parts in ‘r’ series during the financial  year 2001-2002.  With the help of the computer systems, the work relating to the publication of the  remaining parts of the Dictionary will   be expedited and completed as scheduled.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

            The Government Museum, Chennai is the oldest and the second largest museum among all the state museums in India. The Chennai Museum is renowned for its rich and rare collections.  It preserves the objects and artefacts relating to multifarious fields like Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Natural Science, Geology, Children’s Museum, Chemical Conservation etc. It is a centre for the preservation of our national heritage.  It is well known to the world for nearly one and a half century for its rich and valuable collections.  It attracts a large number of visitors from home and abroad.  It is also involved in activities oriented to the preservation of artefacts related to the greatness of our heritage and culture. So far twenty district museums have been established and functioning at Pudukottai, Salem, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Vellore, Cuddalore, Erode, Uthagamandalam, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Krishnagiri, Sivaganga, Tiruvarur, Palani, Nagapatinam, Kancheepuram, Karur, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar.

Government Museum, Chennai is famous for South Indian bronze collections, Amaravati limestone sculptures, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Natural Science and Scientific collections.  Scholars throughout the world are interested in getting information about the objects.  Already provisions for Internet and E.Mail are available.  A website is being created, to enable people and scholars to get information about the Museum from any part of the world.  A virtual Museum as part of the Website is being created for them to visit.  Thousands of visitors from various countries are visiting this Museum daily. 

To bring the Museum to International standards, several developmental schemes are being undertaken.  The  lavatory facilities now available are not sufficient.  Hence modern type lavatories are being constructed and it is proposed to entrust the maintenance to  NGOs for proper upkeep.  Fire extinguishers have been provided and staff trained to handle.  A Disaster Manual for Museum has been prepared for the first time in India.

            There are 110 modern paintings of artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Srinivasalu, Dhanapal and 11 metal sculptures  displayed in the Contemporary Art Gallery and in the National Art Gallery.  Fibre optic lighting has been provided for rare paintings (National treasures) in the National Art Gallery and track lighting has been provided in the Contemporary Art Gallery.  This kind of lighting is a technology demonstrator for Museums in India. 

Setting up of Rock Art Gallery at Chennai Museum,  re-organisation of civilisation and costume Dolls Gallery of Children’s Museum,  reprinting of old publications and printing of new publications, Brochure, Colour Picture Post Cards etc.. in Chennai Museum,   modernisation of Bronze Gallery in District Museum at Madurai; setting up of Science corner in the basement of children’s Museum; purchase of four computers and accessories for Chennai Museum; and special repairs to Trichy   Museum,   preservation  of   traditional   building  belonging to Museum, from the allocation made under the XI Finance Commission are the proposals planned for implementation. during 2001-2002. In commemoration of the  150th year of Chennai Museum which is going to be celebrated in December this year, it is proposed to release a postal stamp with the emblem of Museum Theatre.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY

            The Department of Archaeology was started in the year 1961.  It was started with the objective of preserving ancient monuments in Tamil Nadu, and printing them in book form, conducting excavations at historical sites and setting up site museums.  In the year 1966, the scheme of copying of inscriptions, reading and publishing them in book form for the benefit of public was sanctioned.  For printing inscriptions, guide books and monographs, a printing section was established in the Directorate.  At present, the department is functioning with 20 sub-offices in the districts.  The following are the functions carried out at present:

1) Preservation of Ancient Monuments.

 

2) Excavation of Historical Sites.

 

3) Copying, reading and printing of inscriptions, guide books,monographs etc.

 

4) Photography

 

5) Chemical Conservation at the laboratories at Chennai and   Madurai.

 

6)  Registration of Antiquities.

 

7) Site Museums.

 

8) Providing Library facilities for Archeologists

 

9) Preservation of Palm leaves and Manuscripts at Government  Oriental Manuscripts Library,  Chennai.

EXCAVATION

            Excavations are conducted every year.  So far excavations have been carried out at 24 historical sites. Valuable artefacts have been unearthed.  For the year 2001-2002, it has been proposed to conduct excavations at Mangudi in Tirunelveli District and Perur in Coimbatore District.

PRESERVATION OF MONUMENTS

            In Tamil Nadu 85 historical monuments including secular monuments have been identified and declared as protected monuments.  Maintenance and repair works for the monuments are being carried out periodically according to the availability of funds.

EPIGRAPHY AND COMPILATION OF EPIGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

            An Epigraphy branch is functioning in this department to copy the inscrip

tions available in Tamil Nadu to publish them in book form for the benefit of the public and research scholars.  So far 7244 inscriptions have been copied and are being deciphered.  After publishing the inscriptions, the estampages are sent to the sub-office at Ooty for preservation.

INSTITUTE OF EPIGRAPHY

            An Institute of Epigraphy is functioning in the Directorate, which conducts a one year Diploma Course in Epigraphy and Archaeology.  Every year 8 Post Graduate students are being enrolled.  A sum of Rs.500/-  is  paid as stipend per month to each student.

            One thousand words beginning with vowels found in the inscriptions from ‘South Indian inscriptions’ volumes, Travancore State and Pudukkottai State Inscriptions Volumes have been translated and suitable meanings have been given both in Tamil and English.  Arrangements for publication are being made.

SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP ON EPIGRAPHY

            For the benefit of Post Graduate Scholars and students a “Workshop on Epigraphy” is proposed to be conducted at Chennai this year.  About 25 Post Graduate students are expected to participate in this workshop.

SITE MUSEUMS

            17 site museums are functioning under the control of this department.  Every year improvement works are being taken up for two museums.  It is proposed to improve the museums situated at Gangai konda cholapuram and Karur during 2001-2002.

REGISTRATION OF ANTIQUITIES

            The Government of India have  enacted “ANTIQUITIES AND ART TREASURES ACT, 1972” in order to curb the smuggling of art treasures  from  India.    The  art  objects  that are more than 100 years are registered and certificates issued under this Act. The entire expenditure of the scheme is met by the Government of India.  At present two Registering Offices are functioning at Chennai and Trichy.

GOVERNMENT ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS LIBRARY:

            The Government Oriental Manuscripts Library situated in the Chennai University Campus is functioning under the control of this department.  It has a large collection of nearly 72,314 manuscripts dealing with various subjects in different languages.  450 manuscripts have been brought out in book form.  Out of this 69 are in Tamil. Proposals for the publication of 12 Tamil Manuscripts in book form is under consideration. 

Conducting “Workshop on Epigraphy”; excavation at two historical sites, purchase of equipments for conservation section; purchase  of  equipments  and  chemicals   for   the   chemical  laboratory,Chennai; improvement works to two site museums, purchase of equipments for the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library are the schemes to be implemented during 2001-2002. 

In order to preserve historical monuments it is proposed to constitute an Expert Committee with adequate powers.

DIRECTORATE OF ART AND CULTURE

            Bringing the Art Institutions and Art organisations under one umbrella, a separate department namely, “Directorate of Art and Culture” was created in  December 1991.  The format of this  department  may  be divided into three parts viz. administrative offices, art educational institutions and art organisations for the promotion of cultural activities. The Directorate of Art and Culture is functioning at Chennai, while the administrative Regional Cultural Centres at  6 places. These offices  by co-ordinating the cultural activities, guiding and  by inspecting assist in carrying out the  policies of the Government. At present , four Government Music Colleges, two  Government Colleges of Arts and Crafts, one College of Architecture and Sculpture, 17 District Music Schools, Six Regional Cultural Centres, Tamilnadu Jawahar Siruvar Mandram with 22 District Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams, 10 Extension Centres, two rural siruvar mandrams, Tamilnadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram and Tamilnadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu are functioing under the control of the Directorate of Art and Culture.

REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRES

            Regional Cultural Centres are functioning at Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Thiruchirappalli, Madurai, Thirunelveli and Salem.  These Centres, functioning with the Assistant Directors of this department as Head of Office, carry out the policies of the Government by coordinating, guiding and inspecting the cultural institutions.  On behalf of this Department  these Centres on their own and in co-ordination with District Art Societies, Tamilnadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, Tamilnadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, Tamilnadu Jawahar Siruvar Mandram and South Zone Cultural Centre which is functioning under the Chairmanship of His excellency the Governor, organise functions and impart training.

ART EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

MUSIC COLLEGES

            Three year diploma courses are offered at the Government Music Colleges in 4 places viz., Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Thiruvaiyaru.  In Thiruvaiyaru College alone, besides diploma courses, a three year course of  graduate course - Bachelor of Arts in Music is also conducted.  An one year Music Teacher diploma course is available only in the colleges at Chennai and Madurai.  In four places at Chennai and at one place in Madurai Evening College Centres are functioning.  Here Two year Certificate course is offered.

MUSIC SCHOOLS

            Government District Music Schools are functioning at 17 places viz., Thiruvarur, Thiruchirapalli, Pudukottai, Salem, Thirunelveli, Karur, Perambalur, Tuticorin, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Sirkazhi, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Erode. In these institutions, three year Certificate courses in Vocal, Bharatham, Nadasuram, Thavil and Thevaram  are offered.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

            Government Colleges of Arts and Crafts are functioning at Chennai and Kumbakonam.  In the college at Chennai  four year graduate courses in Ceramic, Textile design, Visual Communication Design, Painting, Sculpture and Print Making and a two year Post Graduate course in Ceramic, painting, Visual Communication design and Textile   design  are  offered.  A pass in +2   examination  is  the minimum qualification for admission in this college.  This college holds the pride of having started 150 years ago.  In the college at Kumbakonam a five year graduate course, in Painting, Visual Communication Design and Sculpture and a two year Post Graduate courses in Painting and Sculpture are conducted.  A pass in 10th Standard examination is the minimum qualification fixed for admission in this college.

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE

            The  Government  College  of  Architecture  and  Sculpture    is functioning at Mamallapuram.  From last year onwards,  four year degree courses are offered in this college.  B.Tech. in Traditional Temple Architecture,  B.F.A in Traditional Sculpture and B.F.A in Traditional Drawing - Painting are  also offered.  This is the only institution in whole Asia, where course on Temple Architecture is offered.

TAMILNADU EYAL ISAI  NATAKA  MANRAM

            To carryout the objectives of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi at State level and also for the development and fostering of Traditional Tamil Arts, Tamil Nadu  Sangeet Nataka Sangam was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1955 and  it was renamed  as Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram in the year 1973.

            The coveted schemes such as felicitating famous artistes by conferring “Kalaimamani” awards every year, who have rendered rare services in its field of art, sanctioning of monthly financial assistance to the indigent artistes and men of letters,  extending family maintenance grant   to  the    families  of  the  deceased  famous  artistes,  are   being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram. Till last year, 1167 artistes were awarded Kalaimamani Awards.  Monthly financial assistance  of  Rs.500/-  is  being  sanctioned  to  indigent  artistes,  who have   rendered   yeomen   services   in   the   fields   of  Tamil   arts   and Culture throughtout their life time.  Under this scheme 5568 artistes have received the financial assistance so far.  The family maintenance grant of Rs.5000/- is being given to the families of the deceased artistes.  So far 218 families have been benefitted by this scheme. To create opportunities for the people in different parts of India, to know about the Tamil arts and cultural heritage and also to promote the sense  of  national  integration,  till the  end of last year, 77 cultural troupes from other States have visited Tamilnadu and  81 cultural troupes of Tamilnadu have visited other States under the scheme of Inter State - Cultural Exchange Programme.   In view of encouraging talented young artistes, 25 young artistes belonging to the disciplines of Vocal, Instrumental,  Bharathanatyam and other art fields were provided with opportunities to perform 4 programmes each during last year through the reputed voluntary cultural institutions in  places such as Chennai, Madurai, Thirunelveli, Pollachi, Karur, Thiruchirappalli, Gopichettipalayam, Neyveli, Karaikudi and Sivakasi. Under the scheme of financial assistance for the publication of rare books in the field of art, 8 scripts have been selected and a maximum grant up to Rs.15,000/- each has to be released for publication.

Under the scheme of extending grants for the production of great new dramas in Tamil, 14 dramas have been selected and a grant of Rs.15,000/- to Rs.22,000/- to each drama will be given for staging the drama at the appropriate Drama Festival to be arranged by the Manram.

Under the scheme of extending grant to folk artistes and folk troupes, for the purchase of new costumes and instruments, 329 individual artistes and 99 folk troupes have been selected and out of them, grant has been released to 145 individual artistes and 45 folk troupes, belonging to 9 Districts.

Under the scheme of imparting training in Nattuvangam 6 Bharathanatyam artistes have been selected and one year training is being given through an expert in the premises of Manram.  Under the scheme of imparting special training in Nadhasuram and Thavil, 12 Nadhasuram young artistes and 5 Thavil young artistes have been selected and they are given one year training in the premises of the Manram by the experts in their respective disciplines. To enhance the talent among the young artistes in the age group of 5 to 15 years, 30 young Vocal artistes and 20 young Bharathanatyam artistes have been selected and a training stipend of Rs.1,600/- to each Vocal artiste and Rs.2,400/- to each Dance artiste will be given for the period of one year.

Every year, the Manram is organising festivals such as commemoration of famous artistes, Folk arts festival, Indra Vizha at Poompuhar, Saaral Vizha at Coutralam with the co-ordination of various Government Departments.

TAMIL NADU OVIA NUNKALAI  KUZHU

            Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai kuzhu was established in the year 1975 at Chennai, for preserving,  promoting and propagating fine arts such as painting, sculpture and graphic in the State and to  encourage the artists.  By utilising the annual grant sanctioned by the Government, Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu implements all the development schemes in the fields of Painting and Sculpture.  To encourage the outstanding artists in the fields of traditional and contemporary art, “Kalaichemmal” awards are given every year. The Kalaichemmal Awardees are given cash award of Rs. 20,000/- each along with a Certificate.

To develop the traditional and contemporary arts of Painting and Sculpture, and to encourage the creators of these arts, Exhibitions of Art are conducted in the field of Traditional and Contemporary art and awards are given to the painter and sculptor  whose works are adjudged as outstanding in these exhibitions. So far 31 artists in the Traditional Exhibitions of Art and 234 artists in the Contemporary Exhibitions of Art, have won awards.  Cash  award of Rs. 5,000/- each is given to 10 artists in the Traditional Exhibitions of Art.  In the contemporary Exhibitions of Art, cash award of Rs. 15,000/- each to 5 artists in the age group of above 30 years under “Senior Category”   and Rs. 5,000/- each to 10 artists, in the age group of 30 years and below  under “Junior Category “ are given every year. 

To provide opportunities to the talented upcoming artists to organise   exhibitions  of  art  of  their   works,      financial   assistance  of Rs. 5,000/- each are being given.  Under this scheme it becomes feasible to organise 20 art exhibitions in a year and to create an awareness on fine arts.

            To encourage the students of fine arts, scholarships are given every year.  Under this scheme,  scholarships of Rs.3,000/- each are given to 10 students of Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, 10 students of Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kumbakonam, 2 students of Fine Arts in Stella Mary’s College, Chennai and 3 students of Kalakshetra, Chennai who are studying in the final year Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Besides, the scholarship of Rs.5,000/- each to 4 final year Master of Fine Arts students of Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai and 2 final year M.F.A. students of Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kumbakonam are being given.  So far 358 B.F.A. course students and 22 M.F.A. course students have received the scholarships.

            For the promotion of fine arts at District level, Exhibitions, Seminars and Art Workshops are being organised  in co-ordination with Regional Cultural Centres of Kanchipuram, Salem, Thanjavur, Thiruchirapalli, Madurai and Thirunelveli.

An Art Gallery of Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu has been established at Udhagamandalam, in 1992.  Works of Art of Tamilmadu artists are displayed in this Gallery.  Similar Art Gallery of Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu is  also established at Madurai. For persons interested in learning fine arts, training classes in fine arts being conducted on Sundays at the office premises of  Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu.

            The Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu has brought out a publication in English and Tamil on Senior artists of Tamil Nadu.  At present the Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu has undertaken the preparation of a documentary publication on paintings and sculptures of Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs. 3.00 lakhs.

TAMILNADU JAWAHAR SIRUVAR MANDRAM (JAWAHAR BAL BHAVAN)

            Tamilnadu Jawahar Siruvar Mandram is functioning since 1979.

            The aim of the Jawahar Siruvar Mandram is to give training in various art disciplines and encourage the art talents of the Children in the age group of 5 to 16.

            Jawahar Siruvar Mandram is functioning in all the Districts except Ariyalur.

            During the School summer holidays, Training Camps are conducted thoughout Tamilnadu.  By this scheme more than 10,000 children are benefited every year. 

            The children trained by the Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams participate in the ‘National Childrens’ Assembly held at New Delhi in the 3rd week of November every year and are felicitated.

Further, the children of Jawahar Siruvar Mandrams are sent to  Foreign Countries and other States to participate in various cultural    programmes and win  awards.

PROPOSED SCHEME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAMIL ARTS

            At the behest and guidance of our Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu the Government will initiate necessary steps to promote Tamil music, folklore, street plays, dance and dramas to cherish and protect Tamil Ethos and culture.

Commemorating the traditional Art experts, it is proposed to build monuments as “PUGHAZHARANGAMS’ in memory of Tholkappiar at Chennai, four Saints of Saivaites at Madurai, Ilankovadikal at Coimbatore, Rural Artisans at Thirunelveli and Bharathanatya Maestro at Thanjavur.  Further, according to the instruction of Hon’ble Chief Minister with a view to promote and preserve the Traditional Tamil Arts, it is proposed to confer awards on five artistes through the District Art Societies  in each district in honour of their  contribution to culture.

During this year, action is being taken to implement schemes for purchase of new equipments and purchase of books as required for the new syllabus for the Government College of Architecture and Sculpure, Mamallapuram to construct a Library building, and purchase computers for   the   Government   College   of   Arts   and  Crafts,  Kumbakonam to purchase Xerox copier machines to two Regional Cultural Centres and to  establish an Audio Visual Library for the Government Music College, Thiruvaiyaru.

  M.THAMBIDURAI 

Minister for Education

[Home]   [Policy Notes of Departments]