Thirukkural has taken the place of a gospel among the educated Tamil intelligensia, but without any intensive religious leanings. This may make Tirukural seem dogmatic but it is seldom thought of so. It is mandatory for school children in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to study Thirukkural right from their inception into the curriculum. This fact underlines the surmise of many scholars that Tamil has undergone very little corruption, over the years and also gives an insight into the long standing heritage of the Tamils. Though the Tirukural was written nearly two millennia ago, it is easily comprehended by the modern speakers of this ancient language. Inbathuppal (or the division of love) teaches love.Porutpal (or material division) contains teachings on man's duties and the right way of leading one's material life.Arathuppal (or justice division) contains lessons on dharma and morals.Essentially, the 'Kural' is really a vast assortment of interlinking 'kurals.' By most, it is understood that the 1330 couplets conform well to subdivisions of ten kural adhikarams or 'chapters,' each on specific themes ranging anywhere from righteous living to proper governance of a kingdom. 'Tirukural' is thus a honorific reference to the collection of couplets. Roughly translated, it means a pithy couplet (compare sutra). Curiously, the word ' Kural' too has a generic meaning.
