திருக்குறளில் இந்திய அறிவு மரபும் உலகளாவிய மனித மதிப்புகளும்

Indian Knowledge System and Universal Human Values in Thirukkural

Authors

  • Dr. P. Murugesan Assistant professor in Tamil, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode - 638052. Author
  • Mr. S. Venkatesh Assistant professor in Tamil, Karpagam academy of higher education, Coimbatore -624021 Author
  • Dr.V.C. Srinivasan Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode. Author
  • Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/tm08sp0126.05

Keywords:

Thirukkural, Indian Knowledge System, Universal Human Values, Dharma, Ethics, Tamil Classical Literature

Abstract

Thirukkural is not merely a piece of Tamil literature; it is a global philosophy for a complete human life. Beyond being a masterpiece of Tamil classical creation, it stands as a vital component of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and serves as an excellent guide connecting the essence of that system with universal human values. This work inseparably links the three fundamental categories of life—Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Love)—to provide a holistic socio-personal ethic.

This research article explores two primary aspects:

1.It analyzes the foundational elements of the Indian Knowledge System embedded within Thirukkural, specifically how the supremacy of Dharma (justice/duty), the teaching of the Middle Path (Madhyama Marga), Non-violence (Ahimsa), and Self-control are manifested.

2.It examines how this specific cultural foundation harmonizes with universal human values such as justice, responsibility, love, truth, and equality, providing them with a robust, practical framework.

Finally, this paper emphasizes that the "Dharmic Cosmopolitan Ethics" presented by Thirukkural transcends narrow cultural boundaries to provide a timeless blueprint for a just and humane world.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. P. Murugesan, Assistant professor in Tamil, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode - 638052.

    Dr. P. Murugesan, Assistant professor in Tamil, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode - 638052.

    Email: murugesanjrf2012@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0844-6691

  • Mr. S. Venkatesh, Assistant professor in Tamil, Karpagam academy of higher education, Coimbatore -624021

    Mr. S. Venkatesh, Assistant professor in Tamil, Karpagam academy of higher education, Coimbatore -624021

    Email: venkattamilsangam@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2103-4707

  • Dr.V.C. Srinivasan, Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode.

    Dr.V.C. Srinivasan, Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode.

    Email: srivc2345@gmail.com, Orcid Id:  https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9926-7982

  • Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai, Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

    Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai, Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

    Email: lakshmi.duttai@pondiuni.ac.in.

References

1. Subramanian, C. (2000). Thirukkural and Indian Philosophy. Chennai: Indian University Tamil Teachers' Centenary Fund.

2. Prabhakaran, K.M. (2015). Universal Ethics of Thirukkural. International Journal of Tamil Studies, 8(2), 34-49.

3. Dhasan, R. (2009). The Concept of Dharma in Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

4. Sharma, E. (2012). Indian Knowledge Traditions: An Introduction. Varanasi: Vishwavidyalaya Publishers.

5. Radhakrishnan, S. (1992). Indian Philosophy. Madras: I.M.H. Press. (pp. 78-82).

6. Thiruvalluvar. (Reprint 2015). Thirukkural. Chennai: Tamil Virtual Academy.

7. Ramachandran, A. (2005). Thirukkural and the Philosophy of Equality. Chennai: Ilakkiya Chinthani Pathippagam.

8. Thiruvalluvar. (Reprint 2015). Thirukkural. Chennai: Tamil Virtual Academy.

9. Ilamurugan, K. (2010). Global Acceptance of Thirukkural: A Study. International Journal of Tamil Research, 6(1), 22-38.

10. Subramanian, V. (2007). Thirukkural: A Universal Book. Chennai: Manivasagar Pathippagam.

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Published

01/01/2026

How to Cite

திருக்குறளில் இந்திய அறிவு மரபும் உலகளாவிய மனித மதிப்புகளும்: Indian Knowledge System and Universal Human Values in Thirukkural. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 8(01), 54-64. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm08sp0126.05

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