Lesson - 6

A01126 PERUNKADHAI

     Perunkadhai is one of the great Tamil classics and ranked along with Cilappathikaaram, Manimekalai and Kamba Ramayanam. Its story is supposed to have taken place in North India. At the same time, its tenor is unmistakably that of a Tamil classic. It possesses some of the typical features of Cangam literature.

     Perunkadhai is unique in that it is the first classic in Tamil to be set in North India. Another important feature of this work is that it deals with various musical instruments, traditions, sports and architectural designs in detail. Perunkadhai tells the story of Udhayanan. The author of this work, Konguvelir, was a Jain. Hence it also contains some of the important principles of Jainism. Also called Konguvel Maakkadhai and Udhayanan Kadhai, it was first published by U.Ve.Swaminatha Iyyer in 1924.

     U.Ve. Swaminatha Iyer researched many of these works and concluded that the Sanskrit work, Pirukathkathai written by Durvineethan must have been the source of Perunkadhai.

     Konguvelir belonged to Kongu Nadu and was one of the minor kings. He collected many Tamil poets and established an academy to study ancient Tamil works. Perunkadhai consists of five cantos - Unjaikaandam, Ilavana Kaandam, Magatha Kaandam, Vaththava Kaandam and Naravana Kaandam. The greatness of a classic lies in its ability to motivate its readers to elevate themselves in life. Perunkadhai can be considered truly great in that it contains several important philosophical truths. In its poetic beauty, descriptive details, similes and emotional appeal, Perunkadhai ranks with the greatest classics in Tamil.