Is the Hero’s Quest for Meaning in Translated Themes a Lost Page of Ancient Tamil History? – An Overview Based on Akananuru Verses

தலைவன் பொருள் தேடிச்செல்லும் மொழிபெயர் தேயம் பண்டைத் தமிழர் வரலாற்றின் மறுபக்கமா? : அகநானூற்றுப் பாடல்களை முன்வைத்து ஒரு பார்வை

Abstract

The history of ancient Tamils has been explored by many scholars from various perspectives. Generally, historical studies are conducted based on literary evidence along with inscriptions and archaeological findings. Historians often argue that inscriptions are more reliable sources than literature when writing history.

Their stance is based on the idea that “what is inscribed on stone cannot be altered.” But apart from this statement, can any other reason be shown as proof of its reliability? This remains questionable. Furthermore, what evidence do we have to confirm that those who inscribed these records always wrote the truth? This raises another critical question.

Such questioning becomes significant when we consider the information provided by the Thiruvellarai inscription, which was recorded during the reign of Sundara Pandiyan. This inscription plays an important role in opening up a new dimension to this debate.