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Release of 55 volumes of classical literary works

07 Jan 2026 GS 1 History
Release of 55 volumes of classical literary works Click to view full image

Context

  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released 55 volumes of literary works.

  • Languages covered:

    • Kannada

    • Odia

    • Telugu

    • Malayalam

    • Tamil

  • A sign-language series of the Tirukkural was also released, authored by Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Institutional framework behind the initiative

Publishing institutions

  • 41 volumes published by Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the
    Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).

  • 13 volumes + Tirukkural sign-language series published by the
    Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT).

Key literary highlights

Tamil and Malayalam works

  • Malayalam translations of Sangam-period texts:

    • Purananooru

    • Pathitrupathu

    • Pathuppattu

  • Later works:

    • Nanmanikkatigai

    • Nanarpattu

    • Muthollayiram

Telugu

  • Telugu translation of Silappathikaram

    • One of the five great Tamil epics (Aimperumkappiyam)

Odia

  • Classical texts such as:

    • Charyapada

    • Madalapanji

  • English and Hindi translations to broaden accessibility beyond Odia speakers

Sign-language Tirukkural: why it matters

  • First major step to democratise access to classical literature for the hearing-impaired.

  • Reinforces the constitutional principle of inclusivity and equality of access to knowledge.

  • Aligns with India’s commitments under:

    • Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework

    • Inclusive education goals

Five Great Tamil Epics

The Aimperumkappiyangal (Five Great Tamil Epics) form the core of classical Tamil narrative literature. Composed largely between the 5th and 10th centuries CE, these epics provide deep insights into ancient Tamil society, polity, economy, gender roles, religious debates, and ethical ideals.

They are notable for:

  • Strong influence of Jainism and Buddhism

  • Emphasis on dharma, justice, renunciation, and moral conduct

  • Rich descriptions of urban life, trade, music, dance, and courts

1. Silappatikaram (The tale of the anklet)

  • Author: Ilango Adigal (Jain prince)

  • Theme: Justice, chastity, fate, and state accountability

  • Story:
    Narrates the tragic life of Kannaki and her husband Kovalan. After Kovalan is unjustly executed by the Pandya king, Kannaki proves his innocence and curses Madurai, eventually attaining divine status.

  • Importance:

    • Early articulation of rule of law

    • Strong female protagonist

    • Detailed portrayal of Tamil cities (Puhar, Madurai)

2. Manimekalai

  • Author: Sittalai Sattanar

  • Religion: Buddhism

  • Theme: Renunciation, compassion, impermanence

  • Story:
    A sequel to Silappatikaram, it follows Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi, who renounces worldly life and embraces Buddhist philosophy.

  • Importance:

    • Key source for Buddhist thought in South India

    • Describes monastic institutions and philosophical debates

3. Jivaka Chintamani (The gem of Jivaka)

  • Author: Tiruttakkatevar

  • Religion: Jainism

  • Theme: Heroism, sensual life, renunciation

  • Story:
    The life of Prince Jivaka, a gifted warrior and scholar with multiple marriages, who ultimately renounces worldly pleasures and attains spiritual liberation.

  • Importance:

    • Introduced viruttam metre to Tamil poetry

    • Reflects Jain ideals of detachment after indulgence

4. Valayapathi

  • Author: Unknown

  • Religion: Jainism

  • Theme: Ethical conduct and Jain principles

  • Status: Largely lost, known through references

  • Importance:

    • Demonstrates Jain dominance in early Tamil intellectual life

    • Shows coexistence of multiple religious traditions

5. Kundalakesi

  • Author: Nagakuttanar (traditionally attributed)

  • Religion: Buddhism

  • Theme: Spiritual awakening and philosophical debate

  • Story:
    Follows Kundalakesi, who becomes a Buddhist nun after personal tragedy and defeats scholars of rival schools in debates.

  • Importance:

    • Early example of women ascetics

    • Highlights inter-religious philosophical contests

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q. Which of the following Tamil epics is correctly matched with its author and religious affiliation?

  1. Silappatikaram – Ilango Adigal – Jainism

  2. Manimekalai – Tiruttakkatevar – Jainism

  3. Jivaka Chintamani – Sittalai Sattanar – Buddhism

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  • Silappatikaram → Ilango Adigal → Jain ✔

  • Manimekalai → Sittalai Sattanar → Buddhist ✘

  • Jivaka Chintamani → Tiruttakkatevar → Jain ✘

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Silappatikaram:

  1. It emphasises the principle of rule of law and moral accountability of the ruler.

  2. Kannaki is portrayed as a passive victim throughout the epic.

  3. The epic provides vivid descriptions of early Tamil urban centres.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct

  • Statement 2: Incorrect (Kannaki is a strong moral agent)

  • Statement 3: Correct

Q. Manimekalai is important for historians primarily because it:

(a) Describes Vedic rituals in detail
(b) Serves as a major source for Buddhist philosophy in South India
(c) Records the Chola administrative system
(d) Focuses on Jain ethical codes

Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Manimekalai is a Buddhist epic highlighting renunciation, compassion, impermanence, and monastic life.



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