Ilango
Explanation
The Silappadikaram ("The Tale of an Anklet") is the earliest Tamil epic and is classified as one of the Five Great Epics (Aimperumkappiyam) of Tamil literature. It provides significant insights into Tamil society, polity, and culture during the early historic period.
Option Analysis
- Sattanar is incorrect: Sattanar (Seethalai Sattanar) is the author of Manimekalai, which is considered a sequel to Silappadikaram. It tells the story of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi.
- Ilango is correct: Ilango Adigal is credited with composing the Silappadikaram. According to tradition, he was the brother of the Chera King Senguttuvan. The epic centers on the characters Kovalan, Kannagi, and Madhavi.
- Kamban is incorrect: Kamban was a medieval Tamil poet (circa 12th century CE) who composed the Ramavataram, popularly known as Kambaramayanam.
- Tiruvalluvar is incorrect: Tiruvalluvar is the celebrated author of the Tirukkural, a classic text on ethics and morality, which is distinct from the narrative epic genre.
Key Takeaway
Silappadikaram, written by Ilango Adigal, is the first Tamil epic. It highlights the virtue of chastity (Karpu) through the protagonist Kannagi and describes the three major Tamil kingdoms: Chola, Pandya, and Chera.