The NCERT, besides publishing textbooks and other curricular materials for the entire school stage, also publishes books for the general readers' over-all development. Some of these are translations of the well known classics of Indian languages. The central objective behind these publications is to make the young generation of the country aware of India's traditional wisdom. the different shades of its multicoloured and vibrant culture, and its personal and social value systems. Thirukkural, the acknowledged masterpiece of one of the most ancient languages of India, viz. Tamil, is held in high esteem by the Tamil knowing populace for offering a rich treasure of traditional wisdom and values related to human life in totality in all its domains. The NCERT, therefore, decided to get Thirukkural translated into English in order to enable the much wider section of Indian readers, particularly students, from all the regions, to 'know' this great work of Thiruvalluvar, appreciate it and learn something from it.
One thing merits special mention here. Like almost all other classical writings, Thirukkural also carries a set of time specific personal and social values and convictions which may not necessarily be in consonance with the modern value system and individual sensitivity. This notwithstanding. the work is to be viewed in its totality and with a touch of apathetic discernment. Since it is not always very easy to do, not at least for everyone, a couple of chapters of this classic, which might prove rather distracting in the context of Impressionistic young students, have not been included in this translation.
The NCERT thanks Shri P. Varadarajan for rendering this immortal Tamil work into English.
Our purpose will be more than served if, after reading Thirukkural, our young readers are able to appreciate the undercurrent of basic cultural unity between the South and the rest of the country and look back upon the sterling values of healthy personal, social and spiritual life.
Tamil is an Indian language of great antiquity. Classical Tamil literary works, date back to more than two thousand years ago. The stupendous history of Tamil Literature, commences with the Sangam Age. The Tamil word Sangam means, a body of associates. An association of erudite poets lived during the Sangam Age and created great literary works. There is no unanimity amidst the scholars, in deciding the historical period of the Sangam Age. However, it is the opinion of many. that Sangam Age must have spanned from the fifth century B.C to the fourth century A.D.
The vast Sangam Age is divided into the initial Sangam Age, the middle Sangam Age and the final Sangam Age. Obviously, works of great literary Importance must have been created, all through the three segments of the Sangam Age. But, only the works of the final Sangam Age are available, In part.
The available works of the final Sangam Age, are divided into three groups such as, Pattuppattu, Ettuth Thogai and Padhinenkeelkanakku. Thirukkural forms part of Padhinenkeelkanakku. Eighteen works, each consisting of poetic compositions, each of not many verses, are grouped under Padhinenkeelkanakku. These works treat one or more of. Virtue. Wealth and Love.
The title Thirukkural is composed of two Tamil words: Thiru and Kural. Thiru means holy or sacred. Kural means a couplet. Thirukkural is a collection of one thousand three hundred and thirty couplets, composed in the Venba meter, a difficult one, in the domains of Tamil poetics. Each of these couplets consists of only fourteen syllables. In fact, it is the shortest form of stanza, in Tamil poetics. Brevity is the forte of Thirukkural. The one thousand three hundred and thirty couplets, are clustered in hundred and thirty three chapters. each consisting of ten couplets. Each of these chapters throw light on a different human virtue or vice. Each of the ten Kurals, in each chapter. constitutes a facet of the author's perspective, of the theme focussed on.
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