Maraimalai Adigal (1876–1950)
- Context: The Minister of School Education said at the 150th anniversary of Maraimalai Adigal, jointly organized by the World Tamil Research Forum and Maraimalai Adigal Education Foundation, that the name of Maraimalai Adigal will live on as long as the Tamil language exists.
Introduction
- Maraimalai Adigal was a great Tamil scholar, researcher and writer.
- He was well-versed in Tamil, Sanskrit and English.
- He strongly advocated the use of ‘Dhaniyatamizh’ (pure Tamil) without Sanskrit influence.
- He founded the ‘Dhaniyatamizh movement’.
- His contributions to the Tamil language, Saiva ideology and social reform have earned him an indelible place in Tamil history.
Birth and family
- Birth name: Vedhachalam.
- Date of birth: 15 July 1876.
- Place of birth: Thirukkazhukundram.
Education
- Studied at Wesleyan Mission High School, Nagapattinam till class IV.
- He learnt Saiva ideology from Somasundara Nayakkar, who was revered as ‘Saiva Siddhanta Chandamarutham’.
Contributions to Tamil and society
- Journalistic work
- He worked as an editor in the magazine ‘Meenalochani’.
- Later, on the recommendation of Somasundara Nayakkar, he joined the magazine ‘Saiva Siddhanta Deepikai’.
- Tamil teaching work
- He wanted to become a Tamil teacher and prepared himself for that job.
- After moving to Chennai, he worked as a Tamil teacher in a Christian college along with V.G. Suryanarayana Sastri.
Founder of magazines
- He started the magazine ‘Gnanasagaram’ in 1902.
- Later, he renamed it ‘Arivukadal’ to express the principles of independent Tamil.
- Founder of organizations
- He founded the ‘Saiva Siddhanta Maha Samaj’ in 1905 and presided over its conference.
- Inspired by the teachings of Ramalinga Vallalar, he founded the ‘Samarasa Suddha Sanmarkka Sangam’ in Pallavaram on 22 April 1912.\
- Later, he renamed it ‘Pothu Nilayak Kazhagam’ to support the independent Tamil movement.
- Development of Independent Tamil
- He started and led the independent Tamil movement.
- He encouraged the use of Tamil words instead of Sanskrit loanwords.
- He popularized independent Tamil among the people through his speeches, writings and publications.
- Press and Library
- He established the ‘Thirumurugan Press’ to publish Tamil books. He established the ‘Manimozhi Library’ with the aim of promoting Tamil literature and education.
- Contributions to Saivism
- He promoted Saivism ideology through his speeches and writings.
- He spread religious awareness across caste and religious divides.
- He combined religious work with social reform.
Important books written
- Suitable and unsuitable foods (1921)
- Human lifespan: A century of life (two volumes, 1933)
- A study on the drama Sakunthalam (1934)
- Mullaipattu: A critical essay (1903)
- Pattinapalai: A critical essay (1906)
- A study on the Thirukkural (1951)
- The life and times of Manickavasaka (two volumes, 1930)
- A study on the teachings of Sivagnana (1958)
Death
- Maraimalai Adigal passed away on 15 September 1950.
- He passed away at the age of 75.
- His contributions to the Tamil language, literature and Saivism are still remembered and appreciated today.
Honours and Recognitions
- The Maraimalai Adigal Bridge in Chennai is named after him.
- A government school named after him is functioning in Pallavaram.
- The Tamil Nadu government annually presents the ‘Maraimalai Adigal Award’ to Tamil scholars and writers who promote independent Tamil through their literary works.
Legendary Honours
- He is widely regarded as the ‘Father of the Independent Tamil Movement’.
- He played a key role in promoting independent Tamil and preserving the classical tradition of Tamil.
