Which is the oldest surviving book in Tamil?

The correct answer is Tholkappiam.

Key Points

• Tholkappiam
  • Tholkappiam is considered the oldest surviving Tamil text, dating back to 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE.
  • It is a grammar and linguistic text that systematically defines Tamil language rules, poetry, and culture.
  • Attributed to Tholkappiyar, it consists of three sections: Ezhuthu (letters), Sol (words), and Porul (content/meaning).
  • Unlike literary works, it serves as a foundational text for Tamil literature, influencing later Sangam poetry.
  • Surviving manuscripts and commentaries confirm its antiquity compared to other Sangam texts.

Additional Information

• Tirukkural
  • Tirukkural, authored by Thiruvalluvar, is one of Tamil’s most revered ethical texts.
  • Composed in couplets (Kurals), it covers virtue, wealth, and love, with universal moral teachings.
  • Estimated to be written between 1st century BCE and 5th century CE, making it younger than Tholkappiam.
  • Though ancient, it is not the oldest surviving Tamil work, as Tholkappiam predates it.
  • Its structured poetic form and philosophical depth make it a timeless classic.
• Natrinai
  • Natrinai is a Sangam literature anthology, part of the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies).
  • It contains 400 love poems, reflecting early Tamil society, culture, and emotions.
  • Dates between 300 BCE to 300 CE, but exact chronology is debated among scholars.
  • While ancient, it is a literary collection rather than a foundational text like Tholkappiam.
  • Surviving palm-leaf manuscripts prove its age, but Tholkappiam’s grammatical authority predates it.
• Purananuru
  • Purananuru, another Sangam anthology, consists of 400 poems on war, politics, and heroism.
  • Composed between 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE, it reflects early Tamil kings and warriors.
  • Though historically significant, it is a poetic compilation, not a grammatical or linguistic text.
  • Like Natrinai, it is part of the Sangam corpus but does not hold the same foundational status as Tholkappiam.
  • Its survival is remarkable, but Tholkappiam remains the oldest due to its linguistic structure.