The very old Tamil epics of Cilappathikaram and Manimekalai are dealt with in this lesson. Their structure and greatness are also explained with illustrations.

While individual poems were composed by several authors; the literary genre of epics - Kappiyankal - long poems having a theme-story and written by single authors appeared in Tamil as in other world languages. These works are classified as major and minor epics based on the theme. The major epics emphasise the four basic aspects of human society called Aram, Porul, Inbam and Veedu, Cilappathikaram and Manimekalai are the two famous examples of major epics. Even if one of these four aspects is not dealt with, the work was called a minor epic.

Cilappathikaram is said to be the first epic or Kappiyam available in Tamil. It was authored by Ilangovadikal. It is the story of Kannaki emphasising three basic facts of life, namely: those who committed political or administrative wrongs will face the death knell of Aram; Women of chastity will be praised all over the world; Fate does not err in effecting its result. This work was orally delivered by Ilangovadikal and heard by Seethalai Saathanaar.

Manimekalai is the second of the five great epics in Tamil. Authored by a tradesman called Seethalai Saathanaar this work has thirty sections called Kaathaikal. Like Cilappathikaram this has a prelude called Pathikam, summarising the events of the story. This epic is a sequence of the first epic telling the story of Manimekalai, daughter of Mathavi, the second heroine of Cilappathikaram.

Manimekalai is the first wholly religious Buddhist Epic in Tamil. The impermanence of human body, wealth, and youthfulness are taught through this work as stated in the section called Chakkaravalakottam Uraitha Kaathai. The three types of chaste women, social reforms of abstinence of meat, removal of hunger from society, cultural aspects like councils for redressal, and communities of artists and artisans are expressed in this work.

On learning this lesson you will appreciate the epic features in ancient Tamil literature, the religious and communal union of the Tamils and the thoughts of charity prevailed in the life of the Tamils.