The Kural
The Kural by Tiruvaḷḷuvar, published by Penguin Books in 1991, is a celebrated work of classical Tamil literature. This edition features a translation by Arshia Sattar, who effectively makes this ancient classic accessible to contemporary English readers. The Kural consists of 1,330 couplets divided into three sections—Virtue, Wealth, and Love—reflecting the foundational aims of Hindu tradition.
Readers will find that The Kural informs, critiques, and teaches through its brilliantly styled verses, addressing themes of life, love, and the complexities of the human experience. Sattar’s introduction offers valuable insights and background information, enriching the reading experience for both general readers and scholars. This edition spans 168 pages and is presented in English, making it a significant addition to the study of poetry and religion, particularly within the context of Hinduism.
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A celebrated work by the greatest poet of classical Tamil literature
In her translation Arshia Sattar has successfully bridged both time and space to make this ancient classic accessible to the present-day English reader. An added attraction is her superb introduction which provides new insights and background information for both the general reader and scholar alike. Tiruvalluvar probably lived and wrote between the second century BC and the eighth century AD though his dates have not been conclusively established. The work by which he is known, the Kural, comprises 1,330 couplets and is divided into three sectionsýVirtue, Wealth and Loveýand is based on the first three of the four supreme aims prescribed by Hindu tradition: dharma (virtue), artha (wealth), kama (love) and moksha (salvation). Taken together, the three books of the Kural inform, criticize and teach the reader, in brilliantly styled and pithy verse, about life, love and the ways of the world.
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