K.V. Jagannathan and the Study of Folk Literature Compilation, Classification, Evaluation

Abstract

In the field of Tamil literary studies, the work of K.V. Jagannathan is largely identified only with Sangam literature, devotional literature, and his role as a commentator; his contribution to folklore literary studies has been relatively less subjected to scholarly scrutiny. As an attempt to fill that gap, this article examines his approach to folklore literature from three angles — his compilation method based on direct fieldwork, his classificatory system comprising the threefold criteria of function, theme, and form, and his evaluative approach that granted scholarly dignity to folklore literature. Centering on his compilation volumes including Natodi Ilakkiyam (Nomadic Literature) and Tamilaga Nattuppura Padalgal (Folk Songs of Tamil Nadu), this article brings to light his integrated vision in which he viewed folklore literature and the classical literary tradition as two dimensions of a single continuous heritage. Through this, the article concludes that K.V. Jagannathan can be established as one of the pioneers of Tamil folklore studies.