The aim of this project is to bring out definitive editions of ancient Tamil Classics, with accuracy and authenticity. The classics selected for the project include both grammatical and literary texts which are original and which belong to the period between 300 B.C. and 600 A.D.
There are forty one such texts and they are:
Tolkappiyam
Pattuppattu (10)
Ettuttokai (8)
Patinenkilkkanakku (18)
Cilappatikaram
Manimekalai
Muttollairam
Iraiyanar kalaviyal
This project will be executed in two phases:
The first phase will involve the production of the most authentic original texts supported with meanings for difficult words, textual variations, and a rich appendix with several indexes.
(The nature and number of the indexes will vary from text to text.)
The format to be followed in the preparation of the critical edition of each of the forty one classical works is as follows:
- A comprehensive introduction to the work
- Theme
- Cultural and other significant aspects
- Background information (poet, period, prosody, rhetoric, etc.)
- Details about earlier editions in chronological order
- Significant features of the present edition
- Text
- Title
- Text in metrical form
- Tinai and Turai
- Textual variations if any
- Meanings of difficult words
- An appendix with a multipurpose index
The second phase will include a lucid and comprehensive modern commentary.