Context:
Ministry of Culture to Revive and Sustain the ‘Kamba Ramayana’ through Statewide Festival and Educational Initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
Kamba Ramayana:
- A Tamil epic based on the Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana.
- Also known as – Ramavataram
- Composed by – Tamil poet Kambar
- Written during – 12th century CE.
- Combines Tamil folk elements with deep philosophical and spiritual symbolism.
Kambar:
- A renowned Tamil poet.
- Timeperiod – He lived in the Chola Empire during the reign of Kulothunga III.
- Lived after Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja, whom he references in his works.
- He was bestowed the title Kavi Chakravarthy (Emperor of Poets)
- Other works –
- Tirukkai Valakkam – Ethical and moral verses.
- Erelupatu and Silai Elupatu – Spiritual compositions.
- Kangai Puranam – Temple-based mythological narrative.
- Sadagopar Antati and Saraswati Antati – Devotional compositions.
Source: PIB
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)