Similes in the Kāma Section of Tirukkural

திருக்குறள் காமத்துப்பாலில் உவமைகள்

Abstract

This article explains the concept of similes (uvamai) as found in the Kāma section of Valluvar’s Tirukkural, which classifies and presents the essential ethical and life values for human beings. The aim of this study is to analyze the similes specifically used in the Kāma portion of the Tirukkural. A simile, which compares one object with another, serves as the foundation for many literary units. It is often referred to as the “mother unit” (thāy aṇi). Many ideas and concepts in literature emerge based on similes. Examples include muṉṉa vilaikkaṇi, adhisaya vaṇi, ethuvaṇi, aarva moḻiyaṇi, thanmempāṭṭuraiyaṇi, where the comparison of two objects, either explicit or implicit, can be considered as variations of similes. Tholkappiyar has explained that among the various literary units, a single simile often serves as the basis for several expressions.