04-10-2005, 10:37 PM
/exit lurk mode/
I would like to clear up some facts before we go any further...
In 1816, Francis Ellis examined Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kanada as well as Tulu, Kodagu and Malto to come to conclusion that they were all related.
In 1856, Robert Caldwell expaned this list of related languages with Kota, Toda, Gondi, Kui, Kurukh and Brahui. To this family, he first attributed the word 'Dravida' a SANSKRIT word which simply means 'Tamil'.
Thus the word Dravida came into being. Ironically, it is a Sanskrit word, used by those who are so opposed to Sanskrit.
In course of time, the theory of 'Sanskritisation' was propounded by various Indologists. Along with this theory, the case for Dravidian identity as seperate from Sanskritic or Brahmanical Hinduism was developed.
I would like to clear up some facts before we go any further...
In 1816, Francis Ellis examined Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kanada as well as Tulu, Kodagu and Malto to come to conclusion that they were all related.
In 1856, Robert Caldwell expaned this list of related languages with Kota, Toda, Gondi, Kui, Kurukh and Brahui. To this family, he first attributed the word 'Dravida' a SANSKRIT word which simply means 'Tamil'.
Thus the word Dravida came into being. Ironically, it is a Sanskrit word, used by those who are so opposed to Sanskrit.
In course of time, the theory of 'Sanskritisation' was propounded by various Indologists. Along with this theory, the case for Dravidian identity as seperate from Sanskritic or Brahmanical Hinduism was developed.