Aimperum Kappiyangal – The Five Great Tamil Epics Explained in Detail
The literary history of the Tamil goes back two millennia, filled with poems, drama, and epics that reflect the culture and values of the Tamils. Among its most precious treasures are the “Aim-perum Kappiyangal” (ஐம்பெரும் காப்பியங்கள்), the Five Great Epics of the Tamil Literature.
These epics were composed during the early Sangam period to the medieval ages, and they are a blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist philosophies. Each epic is a unique tale of love, virtue, renunciation, or justice, thereby making them ageless masterpieces.
Let us discuss each of the five epics in detail.
1. Silappathikaram – The Tale of the Anklet
Author: Ilango Adigal (Jain monk, purported to be the brother of Chera king Senguttuvan)
Period: 5th–6th century CE
Storyline
Silappathikaram narrates the story of Kannagi and Kovalan. Kovalan abandons his wife for Madhavi, a courtesan, and wastes all his wealth. Later, he returns to Kannagi, and they move to Madurai.
When Kovalan tries to sell Kannagi’s anklet, he is falsely accused of theft and executed by the Pandya king. Kannagi proves his innocence and, in her fury, curses Madurai, burning the city.
Themes
Justice and morality
Power of chastity
Love and betrayal
Fate and destiny
Significance
Silappathikaram is generally considered the greatest Tamil epic, symbolizing the honor of women and the demand for justice in society.
2. Manimekalai – The Bowl of Compassion
Author: Seethalai Saathanar
Period: 6th century CE
Storyline
A sequel to Silappathikaram, the epic is the story of Manimekalai, the daughter of Madhavi and Kovalan. She abjures worldly life and converts to Buddhism. With her enchantment by a magical bowl (Amudhasurabhi) that produces limitless food, she commits her life to feeding the poor and spreading mercy.
Themes
Material renunciation
Buddhist principles
Non-violence and alms-giving
Women’s spiritual path
Significance
Manimekalai shows us the emergence of Buddhism in Tamil Nadu and shows the triumph of mercy over lust.
3. Civaka Cintamani – The Jeweled Garland of Jivaka
Author: Tirutakkathevar (Jain ascetic)
Period: Around 10th century CE
Plot
The epic tells the story of Jivaka, a handsome, successful prince. He enjoys worldly luxuries, defeats enemies, weds many women, and lives in luxury. In the end, he realizes the truth of life and takes to Jain asceticism, giving up all.
Themes
Heroism and bravery
Love and luxury
The struggle between desire and renunciation
Jain virtues
Significance
While it is a part of Jain literature, it is replete with poetic descriptions of beauty, love, and wealth, reflecting the cultural diversity of Tamil epics.
4. Valayapathi – The Lost Epic
Author: Unknown (presumed Jain poet)
Period: 9th–10th century CE
Plot
All that survives of Valayapathi now are bits and pieces, but from the verses that are left behind, scholars are certain that it dealt with family life, marriage issues, and renunciation of the world. The story would have dealt with moral conduct and the fleeting nature of worldly life.
Themes
Marriage duties and fidelity
Domestic conflict
The impermanence of life
Jain philosophy
Importance
Valayapathi, incomplete as it is, is important in showing the influence of Jainism on Tamil poetry.
5. Kundalakesi – The Path of Repentance
Author: Nagaguttanar (a Buddhist monk)
Period: Around 10th century CE
Plot
Kundalakesi, a merchant’s daughter, marries a bandit out of love. Later, when he tries to murder her for money, she slays him in self-defense. Horrified by the callousness of life, she turns to Buddhism, takes orders as a nun, and strives for liberation.
Themes
Forgiveness and repentance
Buddhist compassion
Human lust’s impermanence
Spiritual freedom
Significance
Kundalakesi demonstrates the redemptive strength of Buddhism and illustrates a woman’s journey from sensual delights to spiritual salvation.
Cultural and Literary Importance of Aim-perum Kappiyangal
- Religious Pluralism: Hinduism (Silappathikaram), Buddhism (Manimekalai, Kundalakesi), and Jainism (Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi) coexist harmoniously.
- Women-Based Epics: In contrast to most world epics, Tamil epics revolve around women—Kannagi, Manimekalai, and Kundalakesi.
- Moral Values: Each epic has strong messages of justice, compassion, and renunciation.
- Cultural Insight: They provide an insight into ancient Tamil society, politics, economy, religion, and art.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the Five Great Tamil Epics?
They are Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi.
2. Which is the oldest Tamil epic?
Silappathikaram is the oldest and most famous of the five epics.
3. Which Tamil epic is Buddhist in nature?
Manimekalai and Kundalakesi are the Buddhist epics.
4. Which Tamil epic is Jain in nature?
Civaka Cintamani and Valayapathi are founded upon Jain philosophy.
5. Why are these epics notable?
They are notable in that they preserve Tamil history, culture, religion, and literature, and serve as guides of spirituality and morality to this day.
Conclusion
The Aim-perum Kappiyangal are not only ancient but also immortal masterpieces speaking of the grandeur of Tamil civilization. They remain relevant today on the themes of justice, pity, renunciation, and morality. They remind us of how human values stand the test of time and how rich Tamil literary heritage is.
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