How old is the Tamil script?

The Tamil script is one of the oldest writing systems in the world with a history that spans over two millennia. The exact age of the Tamil script is a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Here's a brief overview of its historical development:

1. Ancient Origins: The earliest known inscriptions in Tamil script date back to the 3rd century BCE during the Sangam period. These inscriptions, which have been found in various regions of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, are written in a script that is considered the precursor to the modern Tamil script.

2. Brahmi Influence: The early Tamil script was influenced by the Brahmi script, which was used to write various Indian languages. Over time, the Tamil script evolved into a distinctive writing system with its own set of characters and rules.

3. Grantha Script: During the medieval period, the Tamil script further evolved, and the Grantha script, which combines Tamil and Sanskrit characters, became prominent. This script was used for writing both Tamil and Sanskrit texts.

4. Modern Tamil Script: The modern Tamil script, known as "Tamil Ezhuthu," began to take its current form by the medieval period and has continued to be the standard script for writing Tamil to the present day.

The antiquity of the Tamil script is reflected in the vast body of literature and inscriptions written in Tamil throughout its long history. It has played a vital role in the preservation of the Tamil language and culture and is a testament to the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Tamil-speaking people.