Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 141

"Bharatham" was a Tamil Version of Mahabharata Sung by

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of Tamil literature and the authors associated with it.

Correct Answer: A) Perundevanar

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question pertains to the authorship of "Bharatham," a Tamil version of the Mahabharata. In the context of Tamil literature, it is crucial to understand the contributions of various poets and their works. "Bharatham" is a significant adaptation of the epic Mahabharata into the Tamil language, and it is attributed to the poet Perundevanar.

Perundevanar is a well-known figure in Tamil literature, and his work "Bharatham" is an important part of the Tamil literary canon. The Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, has been adapted into various regional languages, and "Bharatham" is the Tamil version of this epic. Perundevanar's work is notable for its adaptation of the epic into the Tamil language, making it accessible to Tamil-speaking audiences.

It is essential to distinguish between different Tamil literary figures and their contributions. For instance, Tholkappiyar is known for the "Tholkapiyam," an ancient Tamil grammar text, and Ilango Adikal is the author of "Silappatikaram," another significant Tamil epic. These works and their authors are distinct from "Bharatham" and Perundevanar.

Understanding the context of Tamil literature and the contributions of various poets is crucial for comprehending the cultural and literary heritage of Tamil Nadu. "Bharatham" by Perundevanar is a testament to the rich tradition of adapting and translating Indian epics into regional languages, thereby enriching the cultural tapestry of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Perundevanar is the Tamil poet who composed "Bharatham," a Tamil version of the Mahabharata. His work is a significant contribution to Tamil literature and is well-known in the context of Indian cultural heritage.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Tholkapiyam is not a person but the name of an ancient Tamil grammar text. It is attributed to Tholkappiyar, who is considered the earliest known author of Tamil grammar.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Ilango Adikal is a Tamil poet and the author of "Silappatikaram," another significant Tamil epic, but not "Bharatham."
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. "None of these" is not the correct answer because Perundevanar is the correct author of "Bharatham."

Mnemonic: P for Perundevanar and P for Poet

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