The peacock is a beautiful and colorful bird found in many parts of the world. In Tamil, the national language of Tamil Nadu in India, the peacock is called “mayil”. Knowing the Tamil name for peacock can be useful for travelers visiting Tamil Nadu, people interested in Indian culture and languages, or just for fun trivia. In this article, we will explore the Tamil word for peacock, break down its etymology, look at how it’s used in Tamil literature and culture, and more. Whether you’re visiting Tamil Nadu, studying the Tamil language, or just curious, read on to learn all about the Tamil word for this majestic bird.
The Tamil Word for Peacock
The Tamil word for “peacock” is “மயில்” (mayil). In the Tamil script, it is written as “மயில்”. When transliterated into English, it is most commonly spelled as “mayil”. This word refers specifically to the male peacock, which is the more colorful and ostentatious of the two sexes.
Some key facts about the Tamil word “mayil”:
- It is a noun in Tamil referring to the male peacock species.
- The Tamil script spelling is “மயில்”.
- The most common English transliteration is “mayil”.
- It is pronounced similarly to “my-yil”, with a rolled “y” sound.
- “Mayil” refers only to the male peacock specifically.
The female peacock has its own distinct Tamil name, although “mayil” is also commonly used to refer to peacocks of either sex. The specific Tamil word for a female peacock is “mayil kozhi”.
Etymology and Meaning
Where does the Tamil word “mayil” come from and what exactly does it mean? Looking deeper into the etymology provides more context.
The word “mayil” has its roots in the Tamil/Dravidian language family. The Dravidian languages include Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu.
The root word is believed to derive from the Tamil words “mayir” meaning “feathers” and “kal” meaning “stone”. Together, this denotes a creature with feather-adorned and stone-like spots, an apt description of the peacock’s radiant feathers and coloration.
Thus, “mayil” refers specifically to the male peacock’s vibrant, multi-hued feathers and eye-like spots on its tail and train. The eye-spot patterns are likened to colorful stones or gemstones in the Tamil language.
So in summary, the Tamil word “mayil”:
- Comes from the Dravidian Tamil language roots
- Literally means “feathered stone” – describing the peacock’s ornamental feathers
- Refers specifically to the male peacock’s appearance and feathers
This linguistic origin perfectly mirrors the visual qualities that make the peacock so distinctive and captivating in its beauty.
Usage in Tamil Culture and Literature
Beyond its basic dictionary definition, the word “mayil” has rich cultural, historical and literary significance in the Tamil language.
Some noteworthy uses and associations include:
- One of the symbols of the Tamil deity Murugan is the peacock. Murugan’s peacock is known as “Paravani” in Tamil.
- The peacock is the national bird of India, home to a majority of the world’s native peacock population.
- Peacock motifs and themes are found extensively in South Indian temple architecture and design.
- Mayil is used metaphorically in classical Tamil poems like the Cilappatikaram to refer to qualities like beauty and dignity.
- The peacock dance is a popular folkdance named “mayil attam” in Tamil tradition depicting the peacock’s courtship ritual.
- “Mayakkam” meaning illusion or false appearance is derived from mayil in Tamil.
- One of the Tamil months in the traditional calendar is named “aani” for the period when peacocks dance (June/July).
As you can see, the peacock holds a treasured place in Tamil language and culture. The endemic presence of peafowl in India and Tamil Nadu intertwines with Tamil identity. The word “mayil” reflects this rich history.
Examples of Usage
To further illustrate how the word “mayil” fits into everyday Tamil vocabulary and speech, here are some examples of usage:
- “Vanathile oru mayil kathirundhadhu” – “A peacock was shining/strutting in the forest”
- “Mayil kadalai pidithu nadanthathu” – “The peacock danced shaking/ruffling its tail feathers”
- “Mayil than padam atra colour-a irundhadhu” – “The peacock had very colorful feathers”
- “Koyilil mayil tholvi”- “Peacock feathers used in temple decor”
- “Mayakkathai vidra mayil pola” – “Like the illusory appearance of a peacock”
As you can see from these examples, “mayil” is used in Tamil just as “peacock” would be used in English – to refer to the animal itself, describe its features and behaviors, speak about its feathers, draw metaphors, and more.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tamil word used to name the majestic peacock is “mayil”. It traces back to Dravidian roots signifying the visual essence of the peacock’s feathered regalia. Beyond just a name, this word bears literary, cultural, and historical importance reflecting the peacock’s stature in Indian tradition. Hopefully this overview provides some insight into the Tamil term for this most elegant and resplendent bird. From its linguistic origins to its cultural symbolism, the Tamil name “mayil” reflects the peacock’s standing as one of nature’s most stunning avian species.
English | Tamil |
---|---|
Peacock | மயில் (mayil) |
Peahen | மயில் கோழி (mayil kozhi) |
Peacock feather | மயில் தோல்வி (mayil tholvi) |
Peacock dance | மயில் ஆட்டம் (mayil aattam) |
Key Facts about Mayil
- Refers specifically to the male peacock in Tamil
- Comes from “mayir” (feathers) + “kal” (stone)
- Used in Tamil literature, poems and metaphors
- Symbol of the deity Murugan in Tamil culture
- India’s national bird and extensively found in Tamil Nadu
With its intricate etymology, literary symbolism, cultural motifs and more, the Tamil name “mayil” reflects the peacock’s importance in Indian tradition. Hopefully this overview gives you some insight into the Tamil term for the king of birds.