In recent times, an alarming narrative has emerged within the Malaysian blogosphere, suggesting a historical event that appears to be a misinterpretation or perhaps a deliberate misinformation campaign. The claim revolves around a so called Malay prince named Manabharana from Srivijaya, purportedly attacking and conquering the Chola kingdom. This misleading story has gained traction and is spreading like wildfire across various social media platforms. The need to address and rectify such inaccuracies is crucial not only for the sake of historical accuracy but also for fostering a responsible and informed online community. To delve into the matter, it is essential to clarify that historical records reveal the existence of multiple individuals named Manabharana throughout history. However, a nuanced understanding reveals that all these figures were Tamils (Damila) hailing from the Pandya kingdom, with references to their exploits documented in Tamil inscriptions and Sri Lankan chronicles
In recent times, a thought-provoking public post on Facebook caught my attention. The post's author, whose identity remains protected for privacy reasons, expressed discontent with the growing trend among Tamil people, particularly the youth, of embracing their traditional surnames. This article delves into the complexities of the issue, shedding light on the historical and cultural context of Tamil surnames, as well as examining the merits of the objections raised by certain groups.
Respecting Individual Autonomy:
It is essential to uphold the principle of individual autonomy in matters concerning personal identity. While the Facebook user is within her rights to choose not to use a surname, it is crucial to recognize that she lacks the authority to dictate others' choices in this regard. Personal preferences and naming conventions vary widely across cultures and societies, and it is imperative to respect the right of individuals to decide how they wish to be identified.
Clarifying Misconceptions:
One common misconception propagated by certain groups is the belief that surnames in Tamil culture are synonymous with caste (jati) names. This is an inaccurate assumption, as many surnames, such as Pillai, are used across multiple jatis, including Vellalar, Agambadiyar, and some Kallar groups, as well as among certain Malayalee families. Gounder is used by the Vellalars, Vettuvars, Vokkaligas and Uralis of the Kongu region. These jatis are endogamous yet they share a similar titular surname.
Diversity of Tamil Surnames:
The Tamil society is a diverse tapestry, with numerous jatis and subgroups, each having distinct patrilineal surnames. For example, the Arunattu Vellalar jati boasts 35 different surnames, including Chakravarti, Samayamanthiri, Vanamudaiyan, and Miratudaiyan. Similarly, the Mukkulathor community consisting of three jatis; Kallar, Maravar and Agambadiyar, utilizes hundreds of surnames like Vandayar, Thevar, Thondaiman, Servai, and Chitachiyar, while the Kongu Vellalars have patrilineal names such as Silamban, Poosan, Pavalan, and Kadai. These examples underscore that surnames transcend mere jati labels and carry significant familial associations. Surnames, in this context, also indicate patrilineal family connections similar to the Chinese and Europeans.
Changing Landscape of Tamil Society:
As Tamil society has become more urbanized and globalized, a considerable number of Tamils now reside in various major cities worldwide. Many are employed in multinational companies (MNCs), fostering interactions with individuals from diverse nationalities. In this international context, surnames have become a standard practice, facilitating cross-cultural communication and mutual understanding. Embracing surnames is an acknowledgment of Tamil society's integration into the global community.
Respecting Individual Freedom:
Supporters of Periyar, while entitled to their views, need to appreciate the evolving nature of contemporary Tamil society. Insisting on eradicating the use of surnames disregards the fundamental human right to associate with one's ancestry and cultural heritage. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, advocating for the abandonment of surnames disregards the preferences of a significant portion of the Tamil population.
Minority Perspective:
It is important to recognize that the Tamil-speaking population constitutes a relatively small percentage of the global populace, comprising only about 1% (80 million) of the total human population of 8 billion. Even assuming a 50-50 divide on the issue, a substantial majority of the human race will not object to the use of surnames by the Tamils. Within Tamil Nadu, other parts of India and even in multi cultural countries like Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the UK, many individuals continue to embrace surnames, and this trend is evident on various social media platforms, including Facebook and LinkedIn, where Tamils engage with a global audience with English as the main medium of interaction.
Conclusion:
The debate surrounding the usage of surnames in Tamil society reveals a diverse and evolving cultural landscape. While respecting the right of individuals to choose whether or not to use their surname, it is essential to appreciate the significance of surnames in reflecting familial connections and cultural heritage. As the world embraces globalization and cultural exchange, Periyar supporters will have to accept that the use of surnames has indeed become a prevalent and accepted norm among the Tamils.
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