காப்பியம் காட்டும் ஓவிய நாகரிகம்

The Civilization of Painting as Portrayed in Epics

Abstract

The epics written in Tamil—namely Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Kundalakesi, Valayapathi, and Seevaka Chinthamani—are collectively known as the Aimperum Kaappiyangal (The Five Great Epics). Among these, Silappathikaram and Manimekalai emerged during the Post-Sangam period, while the rest originated during the Chola period. Among the epics that have appeared in Tamil, only Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, and Periyapuranam were composed with the stories and landscapes of Tamil Nadu as their core themes. The others are adaptations or Tamil translations of works from Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.

These books are named after specific pieces of jewelry. Silappathikaram derives from Silambu, an ornament worn on the feet by women; it is the history born out of Kannagi's anklet. Manimekalai refers to a waist ornament worn by women to keep their attire intact, and thus narrates the story of the woman who wore it. Kundalakesi derives from Kundalam, a type of earring worn by women; Kundalakesi refers to a woman with beautiful hair who wore these earrings, and the book recounts her history. Valayapathi refers to a woman adorned with bangles (Valayal), and the book tells her story. In Seevaka Chinthamani, Chinthamani denotes a precious gem embedded in a king's crown; this book narrates a history written by elevating Seevakan as the crowning jewel. The epics that emerged and gained fame in this manner constitute the Five Great Epics.

This research has been undertaken with the objective of analyzing the cultural traditions of the art of painting among the various cultural heritages featured in these works. Art inherently manifests as an expression of emotion, bringing pleasure and happiness. In that regard, this study illuminates how closely connected the epics are with the fine arts.