Sir,

This refers to the book talk, Modern South India: Past and Modern Story of South India and of Southern Culture (SOM dated Mar. 17).

The reviewer Dr. C.D. Sreenivasa Murthy, in para 6, has mixed-up the title of the book (not mentioned) and the name of its author (Tamil poet Thirukkaral).

A  book of sacred verses (couplets) was written by Valluvar.  As an honorific, the name was prefixed by “Thiru”, corresponding to our “Sri”.  Thus, the author came to be known as “Thiru  Valluvar.” 

Initially, the book was known by the title “Muppal.”  In the course of time, it acquired the title “Thirukkural.” It was written during the third Sangam period, say, 500 CE.  It deals with ethics and morality. Thus, factually, the title is “Thirukkural” and its author is Thiru Valluvar.

– K. N. Krishna Prasad, Lakshmipuram, 18.3.2019

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