Tirukkuṛaḷ
Tirukkural ( Tamil திருக்குறள், Tirukkural; short Kural ) is the only known work of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and is one of the most important works of Tamil literature in general. The exact formation period is unknown, it is located between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD. As most likely applies to many scientists, the 2nd or 3rd century AD
Tiru means " holy," kural called " couplet ". Consequently, Tirukkural is a particularly honorable name for the Verssammlung Tiruvalluvars that is often only briefly called Kural.
Structure
The Tirukkural contains 133 chapters, each with ten aphorisms liable double verses that deal with various aspects of virtuous living. Each verse consists of exactly seven words, the first four in the row and three in the second.
The chapters spread over three sections:
Allegations that Tiruvalluvar more than 1330 verses supposed to have written, some of whom had but been lost speaks against the fact that later poets from other parts of Tamil Nadu always took on the 1330 currently known epigrams respect, they ruled only different.
Position and Significance
Although the Tirukkural comes from the classical period of Tamil literature, it is also understood by the speakers of modern Tamil well today, which can be explained by the special position which the classic Tamil ( centamil ) still occupies in the Tamil-speaking area. Today's vernacular, however, differs significantly from the Tiruvalluvars. The curricula of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to see the Tirukkural before as required reading for all school children. However, it is not considered a dogmatic but enjoys among people of all faiths, beliefs and caste commonly the value of a quasi "holy " book, but without showing too strong religious tendencies.
Tirukkural and faith
It is unclear what direction faith the author of the Tirukkural actually belonged. According to some sources he might have been Jain, while others see him as a secular Hindu. The Tamils consider him a saint. Is a widely held view that Tiruvalluvar had left the artificial borders between religions unnoticed, which is why his work as a religious point of view is considered neutral.