25th January 2025 (9 Topics)

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Renaming Controversy of the Jaffna Cultural Centre

Context

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced the renaming of the Jaffna Cultural Centre to the ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’. The renaming was done to honor the Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, a respected figure in Tamil culture.

Why the name change?

The Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre was renamed to recognize the cultural significance of Thiruvalluvar to Tamils worldwide.
This decision was part of India’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and promote Tamil culture globally.
The renaming of the Jaffna Cultural Centre to Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre caused controversy due to the removal of ‘Jaffna’ from the name.
Many in the Tamil community felt the change was disrespectful to their identity.
After backlash, India compromised by reinstating the word ‘Jaffna’ in the name.

Fact Box:

Tamil Saint-Poet Thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, is a revered figure in Tamil literature and culture of the Indian subcontinent during the Sangam period.
He is known primarily for his work, the Tirukkural.
The ‘Tirukkural’, a collection of 1,330 couplets (‘kurals’ in Tamil), are an essential part of every Tamil household — in the same way as, say, the Bhagavad Gita or the Ramayana/ Ramcharitmanas are in traditional North Indian Hindu households.
The collection is divided into 3 books: Aram (virtue), Porul (government and society), and Kamam (love).
Thiruvalluvar contributed the Tirukkural or "Kural" to Sangam literature.
His teachings advocate for virtuous living and are celebrated for their universal relevance, transcending regional and cultural boundaries.
Origin: Valluvar is believed to have lived in Madurai and later in town of Mayilapuram or Thirumayilai (present-day Mylapore in Chennai), although there is no real proof.
- He is generally thought to have belonged either to Jainism or Hinduism. However, almost every religious group has claimed him and his work as their own.
Thiruvalluvar is often depicted as a symbol of Tamil identity and pride, and his contributions are honored through various celebrations, including Thiruvalluvar Day.
- This day, observed on the second day of Thai, serves as a tribute to his philosophical teachings and impact on Tamil literature.
There is absence of concrete historical records regarding his life and exact date of birth. Some accounts place him in the 3rd or 4th century CE; others date him to around 500 years later, in the 8th or 9th century.
15^th January is celebrates as Thiruvalluvar Day.

Sangam Period

Sangam Age is the period from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD in south India (area laying to the south of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers).
Sangam period is believed to be the birth place of Tamil literature.
The Sangam literature is the earliest known literature in the Tamil language. It is also known as “the poetry of the noble ones”.
Three dynasties ruled during the Sangam Age:
- Cheras
- Chola
- Pandyas
The period is speculated to have lasted between 300 BC to 300 AD.
The Sangam was an institution to which most south Indian academics contributed, under the patronage of the Pandya kings. In fact, literature discovered of this era has been confirmed with archaeological evidence as well.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

25th January 2025 (9 Topics)

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Renaming Controversy of the Jaffna Cultural Centre

Why the name change?

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Renaming Controversy of the Jaffna Cultural Centre

Why the name change?

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

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