POST: 2019-04-21T12:47:08+05:30

General Introductionby Dr CN Annadurai,MA (MP) 1963 on Tholkaapiyam

STUPENDOUS is the word that arises spontaneously as one goes through this work – an achievement worthy of the erudite scholar, Dr.Illakuvanar.

This is the mere translation of Tholkappiyam –the greatest, grandest and the most ancient Tamil work. Doctor Ilakkuvanar has given us a faithful portrayal of Tamilakam itself.

Tholkappiyam is the bed-rock on which a grand edifice of literature stands – a literature about which, we Tamilians have got every right to be elated.

To translate such a work of fundamentals as Tholkappiyam, one needs a critical mind of high caliber and Doctor Ilakkuvanar has demonistrated this aspect in abundance.

Doctor Ilakkuvanar, is well-known already as a scholar of rare eminence, bold and unbiased. Behind this work that Doctor Ilakkuvanar has given us, is enshrined years of intense study, critical analysis and comparative thought.

Doctor Ilakkuvanar has done yeoman service by rendering Tholkappiyam in the English language and the English knowing world will now be in a position to realize and appreciate the genius of ancient Tamilnad.

Tamilians have got every right to feel proud of Tholkappiyam and Doctor Ilakkuvanar’s masterly work is bound to enable scholars of the English speaking world to evaluate correctly the heights attained by Tamilians, long long before many many nations attempted to perfect their languages.

Tamilians in particular and students of literature in general, owe a debt of gratitude to Doctor Ilakkuvanar for this work.

It is not for me to enumerate the various aspects to be found in this work, nor is it possible to express fully our feelings of appreciation in a cursory way—enough to state that Tamilians are entitled to feel proud of this magnificent work.

I am confident that those who appreciate the present-day spirit of renaissance in Tamil language, will make the fullest and most fruitful use of this masterpiece.

I pay my deep-felt thanks to Doctor Ilakkuvanar for having given us ‘Tholkappiyam’ in the English language.