Concept notes: Thirukkural is a classic Tamil text written by Thiruvalluvar, consisting of 1330 couplets or kurals. It covers a wide range of topics including ethics, politics, and love. The text's emphasis on moral and ethical living, particularly its teachings on non-violence and truth, influenced Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance.
Explanation: Thirukkural, a Tamil literary masterpiece, is a collection of 1330 couplets or kurals written by Thiruvalluvar. This text is renowned for its ethical and moral teachings, which have had a profound impact on Tamil culture and beyond. The work is divided into three sections: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love). Each section contains 380 kurals, with the final 10 kurals serving as a conclusion.
Thirukkural's teachings on non-violence and truth are particularly significant. The text emphasizes the importance of ethical living and the pursuit of dharma (righteousness). It advocates for non-violence as a means to achieve peace and harmony, which resonated deeply with Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by the teachings of Thirukkural, adopted the principles of non-violence and truth as the cornerstone of his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force).
Satyagraha is a form of non-violent resistance that Gandhi used in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule. The principles of non-violence and truth, as espoused in Thirukkural, provided Gandhi with a moral and ethical framework to guide his actions and inspire others to join the movement for independence.
In contrast, the other options listed do not have the same direct influence on Gandhi's philosophy. Tolkappiyam, while a significant work in Tamil literature, is primarily a grammar text and does not contain the ethical teachings that influenced Gandhi. Kamba Ramayanam, an epic poem based on the Ramayana, and Silappadikaram, an epic narrative about Kannagi, are both important literary works but do not contain the specific teachings on non-violence and truth that resonated with Gandhi.
Therefore, Thirukkural stands out as the correct answer, as it is the Tamil literary masterpiece that inspired Mahatma Gandhi to adopt the path of non-violence in India's freedom struggle.