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CDS 2016 (II)

Religion in Tamil Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The epic, Silappadikaram refers to the

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept While Silappadikaram is a story of human virtue, it is deeply embedded with the religious philosophies of its time, particularly Jainism and Buddhism, reflecting the heterodox leanings of early Tamil society.

Explanation Written by Ilango Adigal, who was a Jain monk, the epic incorporates Jaina teachings on 'Karma' and 'Ahimsa'. For example, the Jain nun Kavunthi Adigal accompanies the protagonists on their journey.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is correct. The narrative uses the tragedy of Kovalan as an illustration of the 'past karma' bearing fruit in the present.
Comparison: While its sequel *Manimekalai* is explicitly Buddhist, *Silappadikaram* is the premier Jain epic of the South.

Active Recall

Question

Who is the Jain nun in Silappadikaram?

Answer

Kavunthi Adigal, who guides Kovalan and Kannagi to Madurai and preaches Jain ethics to them.

Core Insight

The presence of Jaina elements proves that Jainism was a mainstream intellectual force in the Tamil country during the early centuries CE.

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