What are the unknown facts about Tamil people which rest of the non-Tamil people should know?

Here are some lesser-known facts about the Tamil people that highlight their rich culture, history, and contributions:

Ancient and Continuous Cultural Heritage

• The Tamil language is one of the oldest datable languages still in use, with Tamil writing dated back to the 6th century BCE in India and the 2nd century BCE in Sri Lanka34.
• The Tamil people have preserved substantial elements of their past, including their beliefs, culture, music, and literature, earning them the description as the "last surviving classical civilization" by historian Michael Wood4.

Historical Trade and Cultural Exchange

• Tamil merchants played a significant role in ancient trade, particularly in spices, which revolutionized the flavor profiles of various cuisines around the world. They traded not only goods but also ideas, influencing kingdoms from Thailand to Vietnam and Indonesia34.
• The Tamil-Pallava script influenced the development of modern Khmer, Javanese, and Thai scripts, and the Hindu temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a monument to this cultural exchange3.

Literary and Artistic Traditions

• Tamil culture boasts a rich literary tradition spanning over 2,000 years, including works such as the Sangam poems and the epic Cilappatikaram. These works are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of Indian literature24.
• The Tamils have a deep love for music, dance, and theater, with traditional forms like Bharatanatyam, Koothu (Tamil theater), and Bommalattam (puppetry) being integral parts of their cultural expression24.

Religious and Social Practices

• Hinduism is deeply intertwined with Tamil culture, but the region also has significant populations of Muslims, Christians, and followers of Jainism and Buddhism. The worship of various village deities and ancient Tamil gods, such as Murugan and Amman, is prevalent24.
• The Tamils have a strong sense of community and family values, with a deep respect for tradition and elders. Local deities like Aiyyan̲ār are worshipped to protect villages from harm25.

Architectural and Artistic Contributions

• The Tamils have a distinct style of architecture, sculpture, and other art forms. Their visual art includes stone sculptures in temples and detailed bronze icons4.
• The region is home to some of the most important Hindu temples in India, known for their elaborate architecture and religious significance5.

Historical Kingdoms and Political Influence

• The Tamil area was ruled by several powerful dynasties, including the Chera, Chola, Pandya, and Pallava, which built great temples, irrigation systems, and roads. The Chola dynasty, in particular, was known for its naval power and influence over Southeast Asia14.

Cuisine and Culinary Contributions

• Tamil cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of dishes, from spicy and flavorful to mild and soothing, using a wide variety of spices and herbs. Popular dishes include dosas, sambar, and idlis25.

These aspects highlight the complexity, richness, and enduring nature of Tamil culture and its significant contributions to global history and culture.