தமிழின் ஐம்பெரும் காப்பிய மரபுகள்: இலக்கிய, சமூக மற்றும் சமயப் பரிமாணங்கள் குறித்த விரிவான ஆய்வு

A Comprehensive Study on the Traditions of the Five Great Epics of Tamil: Literary, Social, and Religious Dimensions

Abstract

In the history of Tamil literature, the period following the Post-Sangam era is celebrated as the Age of Epics. The Five Great Epics—Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Seevaka Chinthamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi—which emerged during this time, structured the values of Tamil life based on the four fundamental goals: Virtue (Aram), Wealth (Porul), Pleasure (Inbam), and Liberation (Veedu).

Among these, Silappathikaram and Manimekalai are known as the 'Twin Epics' due to their interconnected narratives and character arcs. While Silappathikaram discusses the greatness of domestic life and the power of destiny, Manimekalai puts forth the excellence of renunciation and Buddhist ethics that sprouted from it. Seevaka Chinthamani explains the spiritual quest following the pursuit of pleasure through a Jain lens. Although Valayapathi and Kundalakesi are not available in their entirety, the extant verses allow us to understand the religious debates and philosophies regarding impermanence prevalent in the society of that era.

This paper explores the literary merit, social structure, the tradition of courtesans, and religious doctrines of these five epics through a multi-faceted analysis.