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Question

Who is the author of Manimekalai?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2018 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (04-Feb-2018)
The correct answer is

Sathanar

Understanding the Author of the Epic Manimekalai

The question asks about the author of the famous Tamil epic, Manimekalai. This is a key piece of information regarding classical Tamil literature.

Let's examine the options provided:

  • Kovalan: Kovalan is a central character in the epic Silappatikaram, which is considered the prequel to Manimekalai. He is not the author of either epic.
  • Sathanar: Sathanar (also known as Chithalai Chathanar or Sithalai Sathanar) is traditionally credited as the author of the Manimekalai epic.
  • Ilango Adigal: Ilango Adigal is the author of Silappatikaram, the twin epic to Manimekalai.
  • Timtakkatevar: This name is not associated with the authorship of Manimekalai or other major Tamil epics.

Based on literary history, the author of the Manimekalai is Sathanar.

The Epic Poem Manimekalai

Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature. It is a Buddhist epic and serves as a sequel to the Silappatikaram. It tells the story of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan (from Silappatikaram) and the courtesan Madhavi.

Analyzing the Options and Correct Author

We are looking for the author of Manimekalai. Traditional Tamil literary history attributes the authorship of Manimekalai to Sathanar.

Comparatively, Ilango Adigal wrote Silappatikaram. Kovalan is a character within Silappatikaram. Timtakkatevar is not recognized as the author of this epic.

Therefore, the author of Manimekalai is Sathanar.

Key Tamil Epics and Authors
Epic Author Brief Description
Silappatikaram Ilango Adigal Story of Kovalan, Kannagi, and Madhavi. Jaina epic.
Manimekalai Sathanar Story of Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. Buddhist epic. Sequel to Silappatikaram.
Civaka Cintamani Tiruttakkatēvar Jaina epic about the life of Civakan.

Revision Table: Famous Tamil Authors

Authors of Major Tamil Works
Author Known Work(s) Era/Period
Sathanar (Chithalai Sathanar) Manimekalai Post-Sangam Period (often grouped with the Five Great Epics)
Ilango Adigal Silappatikaram Post-Sangam Period (often grouped with the Five Great Epics)
Tiruttakkatēvar Civaka Cintamani Post-Sangam Period (often grouped with the Five Great Epics)
Thiruvalluvar Thirukkural Sangam or Post-Sangam Period

Additional Information on Manimekalai and its Author

Manimekalai is highly regarded not only for its literary merit but also for its detailed exposition of Buddhist philosophy and practices prevalent at the time. Sathanar, its author, is believed to have been a Buddhist monk or scholar. The epic provides valuable insights into the social and religious conditions of that period in South India.

The connection between Silappatikaram and Manimekalai is significant. They are often referred to as the "Twin Epics" because Manimekalai continues the story focusing on a character from the first epic and shares thematic elements, though approaching them from different philosophical perspectives (Silappatikaram leans towards Jainism, while Manimekalai is Buddhist).

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