Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Chellappan, K.
2. Parthasarathy, R.
3. Pillai, R.S.
4. Daniélou, Alain

Description

1. xxxvii, 890 pages; 23 cm.

Summary

1. Cilappatikāram, the epic of the anklet is the first known epic of the Tamils, and the first of the five great epics is the quintessential work of the Tamil mind and culture representing the final phase of the classical age in Tamil poetry. Whereas Tolkāppiyam does not mention Kāppiyam, Taṇṭiyalaṅkāram is based on the Sanskrit Kavya tradition and even though T.P. Meenakshisundaran has called it the epic of the common man, he also tries to relate Cilappatikāram to the theory of Taṇṭiyalaṅkāram particularly the four Purushartas of the Kāvya tradition. We can see the marvel of the story of the common people becoming an epic only in Tamil. Eminent Jains and others have said that human beings can attain divinity through their own effort. Cilappatikāram only shows the possibility of even a woman evolving into such a sublime height as to make the entire world worship her. Whereas the Sanskrit epics speak of the descent of gods, Cilappatikāram speaks of the ascent of humanity and that too, a woman belonging to a merchant family.

Series statement

1. CICT Publication ; No. 35

Uniform title

1. CICT Publication ; No. 35.

Subject

1. Iḷaṅkōvaṭikaḷ
2. Cilappatikāram (Iḷaṅkōvaṭikaḷ)
3. Epic poetry, Tamil > Translations into English
4. Epic poetry, Tamil

Genre/Form

1. poetry.
2. Poetry
3. Translations
4. Poetry.
5. Poésie.

Owning institution

1. Princeton University Library

Bibliography (note)

1. Includes bibliographical references (pages xxxvi-xxxvii).