In recent times, the ancient Tamil poet-saint, Thiruvalluvar, has been a subject of interest due to a political issue in Tamil Nadu. This article delves into the life, legacy, and influence of Thiruvalluvar, who is revered by various communities and whose contributions to the Sangam literature are still celebrated today.
About Thiruvalluvar
Thiruvalluvar, also referred to as Valluvar, was a revered Tamil poet and saint. Several aspects of his life, such as the period he lived in and his religious identity, remain uncertain. Estimates suggest that he could have lived either during the 3rd-4th century or the 8th-9th century.
Various communities associate Thiruvalluvar with their own faiths. While some believe that he was tied to Jainism, others contend that he was a Hindu. Dravidian groups hold him in high regard as a saint, given his outright rejection of the caste system.
Thiruvalluvar’s Literary Contributions
One of Thiruvalluvar’s most outstanding contributions to the Sangam literature is the Tirukkural, often simply referred to as ‘Kural’. This monumental work comprises of 133 sections, each containing 10 couplets, and is classified into three key categories: Aram (virtue), Porul (government and society), and Kamam (love). Given its profound wisdom and insight, the Tirukkural has been compared to the great books of the world’s chief religions.
| Literary Work | Components |
|---|---|
| Tirukkural | 133 sections of 10 couplets each |
| Thematic Categories | Aram (virtue), Porul (government and society), Kamam (love) |
The Sangam Literature
The term ‘Sangam’, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sangha’ meaning an association or a group of people, refers to an academy of poets who flourished under the patronage of the Pandyan kings during three different periods in varying places.
The iconic Sangam literature, primarily consolidated from the third Sangam, provides valuable insights into the life and times around the beginning of the Christian era. It covers secular topics related to public and social activities like governance, warfare, charity, commerce, worship, agriculture, among others.
This body of literature includes earliest Tamil works such as the Tolkappiyam, the ten poems (Pattupattu), the eight anthologies (Ettutogai), and the eighteen minor works (Padinenkilkanakku) as well as three epic compositions. The Sangam literature sheds light on the societal structures, traditions, and wisdom of its time while also providing a rich source of linguistic insight.