‘Being Virtuous’ as indicated by Tolkappiyam in Thinaimaalai Nootriaimpathu

Abstract

Tamil is the most widely spoken language since thousands of years ago. Many pieces of literature have emerged and developed. From Sangam literature to contemporary literature, all Tamil literature appears to be advising people about one or the other idea. It is the virtue of the majority that is said to be the subject matter of this literature. Virtue is regarded as referring to morality. Though discipline was taught in various tracks from the Sangam period onwards, the Pathinen Kilkanakku books emerged during the dark period of the Kalappirar, emphasizing morality for the people. The ancient Tamils divided life into four stages namely, virtue, wealth, happiness, and home. Virtue plays a major role in human life as it plays a major role in the three stages of materialization, enjoyment, and attainment of salvation. It was in order to emphasize such morality that medieval literature, from the Kilkanakku books to the Aathichudi, the religious literature, the philosophical books, and the teaching books, all emerged. All this highlights the disciplines to be followed in the lives of people. Many pieces of literature bear testimony to how morality works in people's happy lives. Nevertheless, the discipline that serves as a bridge between the illicit love and chastity of the man and woman is being virtuous. Although the Sangam literature deals with the importance of ethics, there are six Akam texts in the Kilkanakku books which teach morality. This study illustrates in a comparative way the meaning of being virtuous, which the Tolkappiyam refers to in the Thinaimaalai Nootriaimpathu written by one of them, Kanimethaviyar.