This question relates to the rich literary heritage of the Sangam period in ancient Tamil history. It asks to identify a specific text that holds a place of supreme ethical and moral authority.
Understanding the Question, Key Concepts, and Approach
The question asks to name the Sangam text revered as the "Bible of the Tamil Land." This title suggests a work of universal ethical teachings. The approach is to identify the nature and content of the texts listed in the options.
Detailed Solution
Step 1: Analyze the title "Bible of the Tamil Land". This honorific title implies that the text is not just a literary work but a guide to a righteous life, containing profound wisdom and moral principles that are held in the highest esteem.
Step 2: Evaluate the Tirukkural. The Tirukkural, authored by the poet-sage Thiruvalluvar, is a classic work consisting of 1,330 couplets (kurals) on ethics, morality, and life. It is divided into three sections: Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth/Polity), and Inbam (Love). Its teachings are secular and universal, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, which has earned it immense respect and the title "Bible of the Tamil Land."
Step 3: Eliminate other options.
Tolkappiyam is the oldest extant work of Tamil literature, but it is a foundational text on grammar and poetics.
Silappadikaram is one of the great Tamil epics, a narrative story.
Manimekalai is another epic, which serves as a sequel to Silappadikaram and has strong Buddhist themes.
Step 4: Conclusion. Due to its profound and universal ethical teachings, the Tirukkural is revered as the "Bible of the Tamil Land."