South Indian Languages with the Oldest Literary Traditions

Tamil has the oldest literary tradition among South Indian languages, with a history dating back to the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE).

Tolkappiyam is the earliest known Tamil literary work, a grammar text that provides insights into the structure and usage of the Tamil language.

Malayalam is closely related to Tamil, both belonging to the Dravidian language family.

Kavirajamarga is the oldest known Kannada literary work, a treatise on poetics written by King Amoghavarsha I in the 9th century.

Telugu is known for its rich literature, including works like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, translated by Nannaya Bhattaraka and Tikkana Somayaji respectively.

Unnuneeli Sandesam is the oldest known Malayalam literary work, a poem written by the 14th-century poet Kunchan Nambiar.

Malayalam is the official language of the state of Kerala, spoken by a majority of the population.

Tuluva Ramayana is the oldest known Tulu literary work, a translation of the Ramayana by the 16th-century poet Narahari Tirtha.

Kannada is the official language of the state of Karnataka, spoken by a majority of the population.

Kaveri Mahatme is the oldest known Kodava literary work, a poem written by the 17th-century poet Devappa Gowda.

Tamil is the official language of the state of Tamil Nadu, spoken by a majority of the population.

Konkani Ramayana is the oldest known Konkani literary work, a translation of the Ramayana by the 16th-century poet Krishnadasa Shama.

Telugu is the official language of the state of Andhra Pradesh, spoken by a majority of the population.

Tuluva Ramayana is the oldest known Tuluva literary work, a translation of the Ramayana by the 16th-century poet Narahari Tirtha.

Telugu is the official language of the state of Telangana, spoken by a majority of the population.