Which is the earliest Tamil Composition?

The earliest Tamil composition is a matter of scholarly debate and there is no definitive answer. However, the Tolkappiyam is widely considered to be the oldest extant Tamil literary work.

Here's why:

* Earliest Available Text: The Tolkappiyam is the earliest surviving Tamil text, estimated to be composed between 3rd century BC and 3rd century AD.

* Grammatical Text: It's a comprehensive grammar treatise, offering insights into the language's structure, phonology, and vocabulary.

* Preservation of Early Tamil: The Tolkappiyam provides valuable evidence for the evolution and nature of early Tamil language and literature.

However, there are some alternative hypotheses:

* Oral Tradition: Some scholars argue that pre-Tolkappiyam Tamil literature existed in oral tradition. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the earliest composition accurately.

* Possible Earlier Texts: There might be fragments or inscriptions older than the Tolkappiyam, but their authenticity and interpretation remain contested.

Therefore, while the Tolkappiyam holds the title of the oldest available Tamil text, the earliest Tamil composition could potentially be even older, but lost to time or yet to be discovered.