Early Periods:
* Ancient Tamil Poets and Scholars: Many ancient Tamil poets, like the Sangam poets, translated and adapted existing works into Tamil, influencing the development of Tamil literature.
* Buddhist and Jain Monks: During the early centuries AD, Buddhist and Jain monks played a crucial role in translating religious texts into Tamil, contributing to the spread of these religions.
* Hindu Scholars: Many Hindu scholars translated religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana into Tamil.
Medieval Period:
* Tiruvalluvar: The author of the Tirukkural, a celebrated work of Tamil ethics and philosophy, may have translated some texts into Tamil.
* The Chola Kings: The Chola period (9th to 13th centuries) saw a flourishing of Tamil literature and translation. Royal patronage encouraged the translation of Sanskrit works into Tamil.
* The Nayak Kings: During the Nayak period (16th to 18th centuries), there was continued interest in translating religious and literary works into Tamil.
Modern Era:
* Christian Missionaries: Christian missionaries like Bartholomew Ziegenbalg and C.W. Maclean played a significant role in translating the Bible and other religious texts into Tamil in the 18th and 19th centuries.
* Modern Tamil Writers and Scholars: Many modern Tamil writers and scholars continue to translate books from various languages into Tamil. Some prominent figures include:
* R. K. Narayan: Translated his own works from English into Tamil.
* A. S. Gnanasambandan: Translated works of Rabindranath Tagore, Leo Tolstoy, and others.
* M. Varadarajan: Translated Shakespeare's plays into Tamil.
Specific examples:
* The Bible: Translated into Tamil by numerous individuals over the centuries.
* Ramayana and Mahabharata: Translated into Tamil by numerous authors like Kamban, and R.K. Narayan.
* The Bhagavad Gita: Translated into Tamil by numerous authors including A.S. Gnanasambandan.
It's important to note that translation has been a collaborative effort involving numerous individuals throughout history. It's also worth remembering that the history of translation into Tamil is vast and complex, with a rich tapestry of contributors.
If you are interested in learning more about specific translations, you can consult specialized bibliographies or online resources dedicated to Tamil literature.