Characters in Silappatikaram have been created with natural human qualities that express the true Tamil culture in ancient times.

Silappatikaram is one of the five great epics of ancient Tamil Literature.

The story of the epic revolves around the legendary woman who set out to avenge the death of her husband at the hands of a Pandya king.

The Jain monk Ilango Adigal, who was a poet prince, has composed the epic.

He is considered as the brother of the Chera King Chenguttuvan.

Kannaki was the daughter of the merchant and ship captain Manayakan from Puhar.

She marries the son of Macattuvan, Kovalan, whose family were sea traders.

The story of Silappatikaram relates how Kannaki took revenge on the Pandya King of Madurai, who had wrongfully put her husband Kovalan to death.

The capital city of Pandyas was set ablaze resulting in huge losses.

But later he fell in love with Madhavi when he saw her at her dancing debut in the court of the Chola King Karikalan.

At last, penniless, Kovalan realised his mistake and returned to his wife Kannaki.

Kovalan hoped to recoup his fortunes by trade in Madurai, by selling the precious anklet of Kannaki.

When Kovalan tried to sell the anklet, it was mistaken for a stolen anklet of the queen.

Kovalan was accused of having stolen the anklet and was immediately beheaded by the king without trial.

Madhavi was born in a lineage of courtesans, and was an accomplished dancer.

Kovalan, who was married to Kannaki, fell in love with Madhavi and started living with her.

After 3 years, Kovalan learned the truth about the mothers crime.

After Kovalan left her, Madhavi came to know of her mothers theft and showed her moral worth by returning all the wealth of Kovalan to his father.

Upon learning the tragic turn of events, Madhavi shaved her hair and became a Buddhist nun.

The graceful and subtle presentation of contemporary society reflects the true essence of the cultural tradition and heritage of that period.

It is basically an anthology of variant poets covering themes of war, romance and laments of personal life.

Tamil Kamasutra Summary Pdf