Thiruvalluvar: The Timeless Sage of Tamil Literature

Abstract

This examination delves into the significance and impact of the Tirukkural by famed scholar Thiruvalluvar. It starts by locating the Tirukkural within the sociological and cultural context of ancient Tamil society. The essay then explores how each of the three main chapters of the Tirukkural champions virtuous conduct, just government and the importance of love respectively. The text also examines Thiruvalluvar’s writings, characterized by concise aphorisms, imaginative metaphors and masterful economy of words. In conclusion, the article considers the lasting impact of the Tirukkural on Tamil literature, the many translations around the world and its significance in contemporary discussions of society and government. This in-depth study demonstrates the ways in which Thiruvalluvar shaped moral thinking and has remained a guiding force in Tamil and global literature for centuries.