Is the Myth of Kumari Kandam a Reality?

The mystique of ancient continents such as Lemuria and the enigmatic Kumari Kandam has captivated the imaginations of scholars and enthusiasts for decades. While the tales of these lost lands have been woven into the fabric of myth and legend, there is growing interest in exploring the historical and scientific evidence behind these narratives. This article delves into the reality and mythology surrounding Kumari Kandam, a lost continent that may have once thrived off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu, India.

Lemuria: The Hypothesis of a Lost Land

Lemuria was a hypothesis proposed in the late 1890s by scientists, predating the continental drift theory. The name "Lemuria" is derived from the lemur, a type of monkey, as the same fossil was found in regions such as South India, Madagascar, and Australia. This hypothesis suggested the existence of a landmass connecting these three areas, referred to as Lemuria. It was not until the 20th century that the continental drift theory became widely accepted, explaining how landmasses separated and drifted to their current positions.

The Reality of Kumari Kandam

Regarding the Kumari Kandam and the landmass mentioned in the first and second Tamil Sangams, the evidence suggests that these places did exist and were not purely myth. Understanding the concept of the Last Glacial Maximum period is crucial. Around 20,000 to 25,000 years ago, sea levels were approximately 400 feet below the current level due to the world being cooler and much of the water being stored as ice. After the Last Glacial Maximum, as the ice began to melt, sea levels rose significantly, submerging many low-lying lands into the sea by about 8000 years ago.

Based on ancient Tamil Sangam literature, the first Sangam was convened in Thenmadurai, which later got submerged, followed by the second Sangam in Kabadapuram that also got submerged. The third Sangam was then established in the current city of Madurai. These findings suggest that the first and second Tamil Sangams were held in an area south of present-day Tamil Nadu, around 8000 to 25000 years ago.

Migration and Displacement

According to historical records, people from Kumari Kandam moved to various regions around the world, leading to the emergence of diverse cultures and civilizations. For instance, those who moved from Kumari Kandam to Africa eventually became the Sumerians, and those who moved from Africa to Arabia became the Jews. Within India, people from Kumari Kandam who moved to Bengal became the Cholas, and those who moved to the regions of Sind and Punjab became the Cheras. These migrations significantly influenced the development of languages and cultures in their new locations.

Mythical and Historical Loom

The narrative of Kumari Kandam shares similarities with the story of Atlantis, a fictional city mentioned in Greek literature. Just as the Greeks in their writings described Atlantis as a place of advanced civilization that eventually sank into the ocean, the Kumari Kandam myth revolves around a large landmass quickly submerged by rising sea levels, leaving us with little physical evidence to support its existence.

While the details of Kumari Kandam remain largely mythical, the tales have sparked a significant interest among researchers and linguists. Some believe that if Kumari Kandam indeed existed, the Tamil language may have been one of the earliest and most influential languages in the world, with connections to early cultures in the region.

Theories and studies about Kumari Kandam continue to evolve as new evidence emerges, and the idea of this lost land serves as a fascinating reminder of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and its ancient inhabitants.