திருக்குறளில் கல்லாமை: நவீன மூளை நரம்பியல் மற்றும் அறிவாற்றல் அறிவியலின் அடிப்படையில் ஒரு விரிவான ஆய்வு: "Kallaamai" (Illiteracy) in Thirukkural: A Comprehensive Study Based on Modern Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

பேரா.மரு.எம். ஏ. அலீம்

doi:10.63300/tm07032026.02

திருக்குறளில் கல்லாமை: நவீன மூளை நரம்பியல் மற்றும் அறிவாற்றல் அறிவியலின் அடிப்படையில் ஒரு விரிவான ஆய்வு

"Kallaamai" (Illiteracy) in Thirukkural: A Comprehensive Study Based on Modern Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

Authors

Prof. Dr. M. A. Aleem Neurologist Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Siruvachur and ABC Hospital, Trichy. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/tm07032026.02

Keywords:

Thirukkural, allaamai (Illiteracy), K, Neuroscience, Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia, Cognitive Reserve, Oxytocin, Sixth Sense, Tholkappiyam

Abstract

This research paper comprehensively examines the concept of 'Kallaamai' (Illiteracy - Chapter 41), articulated by Thiruvalluvar over two thousand years ago, through the lens of modern Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, and Global Health Policies. Instead of viewing illiteracy merely as a social or economic deficiency, this article elucidates its intricate connections with human Neural Plasticity, Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) functions, and age-related Cognitive Decline.

Specifically, drawing upon data from the Lancet Commission 2024 report, this paper establishes how education builds a 'Cognitive Reserve' that safeguards individuals against neurological conditions such as Dementia. By juxtaposing the metaphors present in Kurals (couplets) 401, 402, 403, and 410 with findings from modern Neurochemistry, hormonal functions (Oxytocin), and Evolutionary Biology, this study offers a scientific rereading of Valluvar's profound insight.

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Author Biography

Prof. Dr. M. A. Aleem, Neurologist Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Siruvachur and ABC Hospital, Trichy.

பேரா.மரு.எம். ஏ. அலீம், மூளை நரம்பியல் நிபுணர், தனலட்சுமி ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் மருத்துவக்கல்லூரி, சிறுவாச்சூர், மற்றும் ABC மருத்துவமனை, திருச்சி

Prof. Dr. M. A. Aleem, Neurologist Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Siruvachur and ABC Hospital, Trichy..

*Correspondence: drmaaleem@hotmail.com,

References

[1]. Livingston, Gill, et al. "Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care: 2024 Report of the Lancet Standing Commission." The Lancet, vol. 404, no. 10452, 2024, pp. 572-628..

[2]. Tan, T., et al. "Oxytocin Receptors are Expressed by Glutamatergic Prefrontal Cortical Neurons That Selectively Modulate Social Recognition." Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 39, no. 17, 2019, pp. 3249-3263..

[3]. Kamijo, K., and O. Narita. "Female Pseudohermaphroditism and Hormonal Profiles." Shinshu University Medical Journal, vol. 55, no. 11, 1997, pp. 2025-2029..

[4]. Thiruvalluvar. Thirukkural. Translated by K. M. Balasubramaniam, Tamil University, 1962..

[5]. Brandt, Thomas, et al. "Human Senses and Sensors from Aristotle to the Present." Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 15, 2024, pp. 1-11.

[6]. Tolkappiyar. Tolkappiyam: Porulathikaram (Marabiyal). Commentary by S. Kamaraj, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, vol. 12, no. 10, 2025, pp. 61-62

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Published

03/01/2026

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 03 (2026): Tamilmanam March 2026

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

திருக்குறளில் கல்லாமை: நவீன மூளை நரம்பியல் மற்றும் அறிவாற்றல் அறிவியலின் அடிப்படையில் ஒரு விரிவான ஆய்வு: "Kallaamai" (Illiteracy) in Thirukkural: A Comprehensive Study Based on Modern Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 7(03), 582-590. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm07032026.02