திருக்குறளில் எண்ணியல் சிந்தனைகளின் தத்துவப் பரிமாணம் – ஒரு ஆய்வு

The Philosophical Dimension of Numerical Thought in Thirukkural – A Research Study

Authors

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/tm10sp022026.01

Keywords:

Thirukkural, Numerical Thought, Philosophy of Seven, Tripartite Structure (Muppal), Thiruvalluvar, Number Symbolism

Abstract

The Thirukkural serves not only as an ancient ethical treatise of the Tamils but also as a work built upon a profound philosophical foundation of numerical structure. This research paper explores the use of numbers within the Thirukkural, their symbolic meanings, and their philosophical dimensions.

Specifically, the study examines the sequential arrangement of numbers such as seven (7), three (3), and ten (10), and how they are deeply embedded within the internal framework of the text. The 1,330 couplets, 133 chapters, the 7 metrical feet (seers) in each couplet, and the tripartite structure (Muppal) are viewed not merely as grammatical constraints but as markers of an integrated philosophical system.

This study synthesizes the numerical concepts that existed in the Tamil grammatical tradition prior to Valluvar’s time, compares them with the numerical organization of the Thirukkural, and explains their underlying philosophical significance. Furthermore, the correlation between these numerical structures and contemporary scientific thought is also explored.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr J.Sudha

    Dr J.Sudha, Associate Professor and Head in PG and Research Department of Mathematics, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode-52.

    *Correspondence: sudhadeepak1212@gmail.com

  • 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.  

References

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8. Gracy, T. (2025). திருக்குறளிலும் நீதிநூல்களிலும் அறிவுடைமை பெறும் இடம். Kalanjiyam – International Journal of Tamil Studies, 4(3). https://ngmtamil.in/kalanjiyam-tamil/index.php/kalanjiyam/article/view/171

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12. Rajendran, M. (2023). Thiruvalluvar and Thirukkural: A Historical Perspective. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Historical Society.

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Published

24.02.2026

How to Cite

திருக்குறளில் எண்ணியல் சிந்தனைகளின் தத்துவப் பரிமாணம் – ஒரு ஆய்வு: The Philosophical Dimension of Numerical Thought in Thirukkural – A Research Study. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 10(02), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm10sp022026.01

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