After successfully establishing the North America Tamizh Writers Organization (NATAWO), I have begun a meaningful journey to meet and engage with Tamizh literary scholars and linguistic professionals across the world. These personal interactions are intended to deepen my understanding of Tamizh literature and linguistics while drawing inspiration from the rich contributions made by these esteemed individuals.

Through, Sangam literature scholar Vaidehi Herbert of Hawaii, USA, I was introduced to Dr. Bryan Levman, Visiting Scholar at the Centre for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto, Canada. A well-known academic specializing in Pāli language and Buddhist Studies, Dr. Levman also possesses deep expertise in Sangam literature and Tholkāppiyam, which he has been actively studying for the past few years. Dr. Levman learned Sangam literature from Vaidehi Herbert initially and Tholkāppiyam from Dr. Mohanraj, Chennai. Mohanraj's doctoral degree is in Tholkāppiyam and he was taught Tholkāppiyam by Dr. Ku.Ve.Balasubramanian.

This week, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Bryan Levman in person. The article below shares insights from our engaging conversation, highlighting how he began his journey into Tamizh literature and the perspectives he brings as a Western scholar immersed in ancient Tamizh texts. In the realm of linguistic and historical research, Dr. Bryan Levman stands as a distinguished scholar whose work bridges multiple ancient traditions. A visiting scholar at the Centre for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Levman is widely recognized for his expertise in Pāli language and Buddhist studies. His scholarly pursuits extend to multiple linguistic domains, including Sanskrit, Hebrew, French, German, Tibetan and Early Middle Chinese. Over the past three years, his focus has increasingly turned towards Tamizh, particularly its classical literature and its ancient grammatical framework as laid out in Tholkāppiyam and the Sangam corpus.

How one can be a Scholar of Many Tongues:

Dr. Levman's academic background is rooted in comparative linguistics, with a keen interest in understanding the interconnections between languages and cultures. His research has emphasized how early Buddhist texts, composed primarily in Pāli, reflect linguistic influences from proto-Dravidian languages such as Old Tamizh. His studies reveal a dynamic linguistic interplay that has shaped the development of both Tamizh and Pāli over centuries.

One of Dr. Levman's primary contributions to linguistic studies has been his exploration of how non-Indo-Aryan linguistic elements, particularly from Dravidian languages, have influenced Buddhist texts. His article “Dravidian Buddhism” (Buddhist Studies Review, 2023, vol. 38. No. 1) is a seminal work that examines the impact of Dravidian speakers on the formation of early Buddhist doctrines and terminology. In this study, he identifies a substantial number of technical terms in early Buddhist literature that are not of Indo-Aryan origin, suggesting the assimilation of indigenous cultural and linguistic elements into Buddhist traditions.

Tamizh's Role in Buddhist Linguistics:

Proto-Dravidian and its direct descendant Old Tamizh, are one of the world's longest surviving classical languages; have played a pivotal role in shaping linguistic traditions in South Asia. Dr. Levman's recent studies focus on phonological, morphological and syntactical features shared between Tamizh and Pāli. He examines how structural similarities in syntax, verb conjugation, and phonetics indicate deep-seated linguistic exchanges. Through a comparative analysis of Tamizh's oldest grammar text, Tholkāppiyam, and Cankam literature he has drawn attention to linguistic patterns that predate the formalization of Pāli as a canonical Buddhist language.

His research also emphasizes the cross-cultural transmission of ideas between Tamizh-speaking Buddhist communities and the broader Buddhist world. Historical records suggest that Tamizh Nadu was home to thriving Buddhist centers at the time of the Buddha and for many centuries afterwards. Dr. Levman's work has highlighted how these centers contributed to the evolution of Buddhist thought, through the influence of the proto-Dravidian language on Pāli.

The Influence of Tamizh in Early Buddhist Texts:

Dr. Levman's analysis of the Pātimokkha, a foundational Buddhist monastic code, reveals a number of technical terms that are of non-Indo-Aryan origin. This suggests that Dravidian-speaking communities had a significant role in shaping Buddhist monastic practices. His study argues that the linguistic structures of Pāli absorbed elements from Tamizh and other Dravidian languages, and explains many non-Indo-Aryan words in the Buddhist scriptures. It also reveals the presence of a vibrant, indigenous renunciant tradition, which influenced early Buddhist recluseship practices.

Additionally, his work explores the socio-linguistic factors that facilitated the transmission of Buddhist teachings among Tamizh-speaking populations. The presence of Tamizh inscriptions in ancient Buddhist sites, as well as references to monks with Tamizh names in Buddhist literature, provide further evidence of the deep-seated interactions between Tamizh and Buddhist traditions. He also argues that the Buddha's Sakya clan were historically a Dravidian speaking group, and that the Buddha was certainly bilingual (speaking Old Tamizh as well as an Indo-Aryan Prakrit, like Pāli) and perhaps multilingual.

Reviving Tamizh's Buddhist Heritage:

Despite Tamizh's significant contributions to Buddhist linguistic and philosophical traditions, much of this history remains underexplored. Dr. Levman's scholarship is part of a growing academic effort to reclaim and recontextualize Tamizh's place in Buddhist studies. By integrating linguistic analysis with historical and cultural studies, his research brings to light the complex exchanges that shaped early South Asian religions.

His work serves as a reminder of the deep interconnections between Tamizh and Buddhist traditions, challenging traditional narratives that often focus exclusively on Sanskrit and Indo-Aryan contributions. Through his meticulous scholarship, Dr. Levman is reshaping our understanding of Tamizh's role in the broader linguistic and religious history of South Asia.

Dr. Bryan Levman's comparative studies on Tamizh language and literature provide a fresh perspective on the linguistic and cultural interconnections between Tamizh and Buddhist traditions. His work not only enhances our understanding of linguistic evolution in ancient India but also highlights the significance of indigenous religious practices and language in shaping early Buddhist thought. As scholars continue to explore these interconnections, Dr. Levman's research remains a cornerstone in the ongoing efforts to bridge the gaps between Tamizh and Buddhist studies. His contributions are invaluable in fostering a deeper appreciation for the linguistic, cultural, and historical bonds that have united these traditions for centuries. As his research progresses, it is certain to inspire further academic exploration into Tamizh's enduring influence on the Buddhist world.

The research conducted by Dr. Bryan Levman highlights not only the antiquity of the Tamizh language but also its far-reaching global influence. His in-depth studies clearly demonstrate the significant role that Dravidian languages particularly Tamizh have played in the evolution of Buddhism.

Language, religion, and culture are not isolated domains. They are interconnected through deep relationships. Through his meticulous research, Dr. Levman shows us how Tamizh has served as a steady bridge and a guiding force of thought within these connections.

Tamizh is not merely an ancient language. Its ideas and influence continue to spread across the globe even today. Scholarly writings, research, and discussions that bring forth such profound perspectives must continue to emerge. It is my heartfelt wish that more passionate individuals will come forward to understand and deeply explore the unique richness of Tamizh!

- Our Overseas Correspondent Mourougavelou Vaithianathan