Context:
The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) has commissioned translation of Thirukkural into four Medium or Major Dravidian languages
Thirukkural:
- Author: Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil poet-philosopher, believed to have lived around the 4th–5th century CE.
- Language: Classical Tamil.
- Structure: A collection of 1,330 couplets (Kurals), grouped into 133 chapters.
- Themes: Covers ethics, governance, and love—divided into three sections:
- Aram (Virtue) – Ethical living and righteousness (Dharma).
- Porul (Wealth) – Governance, politics, and economy (Arthashastra).
- Inbam (Love) – Personal relationships and love.
- Significance –
- Often referred to as the Tamil Veda
- Important contribution to the Sangam literature.
Thiruvalluvar:
- Who was Thiruvalluvar? – An ancient saint, poet, and philosopher
- Also known as – Valluvar
- Place – Tamil Nadu
- Time period – Believed to be 5th century BC or earlier
Sangam Literature:
- Word meaning of ‘Sangam’ – Group of persons or an association.
- Tamil Sangam – Academy of poets who flourished under the patronage of the Pandyan kings.
- Time period – Around the beginning of the Christian era (3rd Sangam).
- Important works – Tolkappiyam, Pattupattu, Ettutogai and Padinenkilkanakku
- Deals with – matters of government, war charity, trade, worship, agriculture, etc.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statements a and c are incorrect. Sangam Literature has references to material culture and war tactics and ethics.
Statement d is incorrect because Sangam literature doesn’t refers to magical forces as irrational.