Tamil Literature book Tirukkural (Thirukkural) in English (Yogi Suddanantha Bharathi)

Tirukkural constitutes one of the most important literary works in Tamil (Dravidian language of southern India). It is generally reckoned that Kural was composed during the Sangam Period of literary development in Tamil (500-200 BC). Tiruvalluvar and is considered to be the first work to focus on ethics, among the Buddhist - Jain literature of India Thirukkural expounds various aspects of life and is one of the most important works in Tamil. This is reflected in some of the other names by which the text is known: tamilmarai (Tamil Veda); poyyamoli (speech that does not lie); and teyva nul (divine text).

The word "kural" applies in general to something that is short or abridged. More specifically it describes a poetic couplet in which the two lines have fourteen syllables. In the Kural the couplets are arranged in groups of 10 in 133 chapters. Each chapter deals with a particular subject and gives Tiruvalluvar’s views on different aspects of it. By this means he is able to put forward a wide ranging humanitarian guide to life at home and in the local community.