The Thirukkural: With English Translation
"The Thirukkural: With English Translation" is a seminal work by G. U. Pope, published in 1886. It is a translation of the ancient Tamil literary masterpiece, Tirukkural, into English. The Tirukkural is a collection of 1,330 couplets (kurals) written by the Tamil poet and sage, Thiruvalluvar, born in 31 BC.
Pope's translation is considered a landmark work, as it introduced the Tirukkural to a global audience and made its wisdom and insights accessible to those unfamiliar with the Tamil language. The book contains the original Tamil text, accompanied by Pope's English translation and explanatory notes.
The Tirukkural is a treatise on ethics, morality, and governance, divided into three main sections:
- Aram (Virtue)
- Porul (Wealth)
- Inbam (Love)
Pope's translation preserves the original's poetic essence and conveys the timeless wisdom of Thiruvalluvar's verses, which cover topics such as:
- The importance of virtue and moral living
- The value of education and self-improvement
- The nature of love and relationships
- The duties of rulers and citizens
- The fleeting nature of life and wealth
"The Thirukkural: With English Translation" is a testament to Pope's scholarship and dedication to Tamil literature. It has inspired numerous subsequent translations and has played a significant role in popularizing the Tirukkural worldwide, making it a beloved and respected work across cultures and languages.
G. U. Pope
G. U. Pope (1820-1908) was a British Christian missionary and translator who served in India for over 40 years. Born as George Uglow Pope, he was a Church of England minister who arrived in India in 1839 and worked in the Tirunelveli district of Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).
Pope was a scholar of the Tamil language and translated several Christian texts into Tamil, including the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. He also wrote several books on Tamil grammar and literature, including "A Tamil Handbook" and "The Tirukkural: With English Translation".
Pope's translations and writings played a significant role in promoting Tamil literature and language, and he is still revered by Tamils around the world for his contributions to their cultural heritage. His work also helped to spread Christianity in southern India, particularly among the Tamil-speaking population.
Today, G. U. Pope is remembered as a pioneering missionary, scholar, and translator who bridged the gap between cultures and languages, leaving a lasting legacy in India and beyond.