Tiruvalluvar

Dates are much debated; scholars' estimates range from the last centuries BCE to about the 5th–6th century CE.

Editorial overview

Historical context

Tiruvalluvar is the author of the Tirukkural, a classic of Tamil literature composed of 1,330 couplets on ethics, statecraft and love. Almost nothing reliable is known of his life; biographical stories are late and legendary. Jains, Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Buddhists have all claimed him, and his religious affiliation remains debated, partly because the work is largely non-sectarian. The Tirukkural remains among the most widely read and translated Tamil works.

Core ideas

Virtue (aram) as the foundation of a good life
Wise conduct in public life, statecraft, friendship and wealth (porul)
Love and its emotions treated as part of a full human life (inbam)
Non-harm, truthfulness, gratitude and self-restraint as central virtues
Ethics addressed to householders and rulers as well as renunciants

Major works

Textतिरुक्कुरल्TirukkuralA Tamil classic of 1330 two-line couplets on virtue, wealth and love, among the most admired works of ethical literature in India.

Concepts

Conceptधर्मDharmaWhat upholds — order, duty, right conduct, and the nature of things.ConceptअहिंसाAhimsa — non-harmNot harming living beings, in deed, word or thought.Conceptकर्मKarmaAction — and the way actions shape future experience.

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Traditions

Tamil ethical literature