From Historical Roots to the Digital Age: Cultural Transformation of Tamils in Bangalore

Abstract

The city of Bangalore has long been a significant destination for migration, attracting diverse linguistic and cultural communities. Among them, the Tamil community has played a vital role in shaping the city's social and cultural landscape. The cultural transformation of Tamils in Bangalore from their historical roots to the digital age is examined with a focus on how traditional cultural practices have evolved in response to urbanization, globalization, and digital media. Historically, Tamil migrants in Bangalore preserved their cultural identity through language, religious institutions, festivals, cinema, and community networks. Practices such as temple-centered gatherings, classical and folk arts, Tamil press, and neighborhood associations helped sustain cultural continuity across generations. However, the advent of the digital era has significantly reshaped these cultural expressions. Social media platforms, digital communication, online entertainment, and mobile technologies have transformed the ways Tamil culture is practiced, represented, and transmitted, particularly among younger generations. Digital spaces have enabled new forms of cultural participation while also redefining identity, language use, and community belonging. The coexistence of tradition and transformation illustrates where cultural roots are not abandoned but adapted to contemporary digital contexts. By situating the Tamil experience within Bangalore's multicultural urban setting, broader discussions on cultural change, migration, and digital influence in modern Indian cities are explored. The study offers insights into how regional cultures negotiate continuity and change in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.