Here's what we know:
* Ancient Origins: The Tamil calendar is believed to be one of the oldest surviving calendars in the world. It's thought to have evolved from the ancient Dravidian civilization, which existed long before the arrival of the Aryans in India.
* Pre-Christian Era: Scholarly estimates place the origins of the Tamil calendar system to be somewhere between 2000 BCE and 1000 BCE.
* No Definitive Dates: There's no official documentation of a specific date of origin for the calendar. It's a system that has evolved organically over centuries, influenced by various factors and societal changes.
Key Points to Remember:
* No Single Founder: Unlike some calendars, the Tamil calendar doesn't have a single founder or specific creation date.
* Continuous Evolution: The system has evolved over centuries, incorporating astronomical observations and cultural practices.
* Cultural Significance: The Tamil calendar plays a vital role in Tamil culture, marking religious festivals, agricultural cycles, and social events.
While we can't pinpoint a specific origin date, the Tamil calendar's ancient roots and continued relevance make it a fascinating example of a living tradition.