In this lesson, you will study about the three major epics, in Tamil namely, Cilappathikaaram, Civaka Cinthaamani and Valayapathi and the five minor epics namely Choolamani UthayanaKumaara Kaaviyam, Yasotharaa Kaaviyam, Naaka Kumaara Kaaviyam and Nilakeci . What appeared as episodic poems during the Sangam era, took the form of an epic in later ages. These set the trend in more ways than one and served as a model for the writers who followed.

Cilappathikaaram, is considered to be the first and oldest of the five great epics. It is credited with the honour of having a new genre of composition. Though it contains several major Jain concepts, it sets an example of religious tolerance. Civaka Cintaamani adheres faithfully to all the characteristics and traditions of an epic. It is full of literary excellence and speaks in detail the tenets of Jainism. Civaka Cinthaamani set the trend for an epic and a religious literature. All the later literature, whether an epic or a religions work, was modelled on the Civaka Cintaamani.

Valaiyaapathi is a fragmentary epic. Nevertheless, the verses that are available to us are simple and sweet, They reveal the principles of the religion of Jainism. The importance of penance and the righteousness are extolled in this epic.

Perunkathai is one of the ancient works. Although some of the verses in it are missing, we can understand all about the lifestyle and the political situation of those times, from what is available to us. The author of this work, Kongkuvelir, has the distinction of having taken his story from the Sanskrit Brihad Katha and presented it in the form of a Tamil classic. Without being explicitly didactic or religious, he has given us a great epic, dealing with the important principles of Janinism.

Choolamani by Thola moozhi Thevar, Yasothara Kaaviyam, Uthayanakumaara Kaaviyam, and Naakakumaara Kaaviyam are the three works which come under Aiynciru Kaappiyam, They explain the tenets of Janinism.

Had there been no Jain or Buddhist classics in Tamil, a great void would have been created in Tamil literature after the Sangam era. Thanks to the Jain saints and writers, religious epics which were full of

literary value not only prevented the creation of a void, but served to enhance the greatness of Tamil. Through their works, they proved that even religious doctrines could be presented in the form of interesting stories that had great literary value and at the same time could keep the readers enthralled.