Archive · 29 May 2025
Thirukkural to be Translated into Dravidian Languages
The Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text with wisdom, is being translated into four Dravidian languages: Kurukh, Gondi, Malto, and Brahui.
This is a big deal because these languages don't have much written literature, but are rich with oral tradition.
The project aims to make the Thirukkural's teachings available to more people.
There are challenges, such as finding translators and reviewers, also ensuring that the translated text reflects the original meaning, while the translation project is an attempt to preserve those languages, providing them with more literature.
The Thirukkural is being translated into Kurukh, Gondi, Malto, and Brahui.
The project is led by individuals with expertise in each language.
The languages have rich oral traditions but lack substantial written literature.
Challenges include finding translators and ensuring accurate translations.
The translations aim to make the Thirukkural accessible and promote language preservation.
- Who
- The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) commissioned the translations, with various individuals leading the work.
- What
- The translation of the Thirukkural into Kurukh, Gondi, Malto, and Brahui.
- When
- As of May 2025, the translations are in progress.
- Where
- Translations are happening in India and Pakistan, where these languages are spoken.
- Why
- To make the wisdom of the Thirukkural accessible to speakers of Kurukh, Gondi, Malto, and Brahui, and to help preserve the languages.
Challenges to Translation
Benefits of Translation
Challenges vs. Benefits
Challenges to Translation
Difficulty finding qualified translators and reviewers.
Benefits of Translation
Translation enriches the languages and helps preserve them.
Bias and Secular Values
Challenges to Translation
Translators may introduce their own religious or cultural biases.
Benefits of Translation
Translating Thirukkural promotes its universal values and its accessibility to more people.
Political Considerations
Challenges to Translation
Political sensitivities can pose challenges.
Benefits of Translation
Translation promotes cultural exchange.
- Commissioning Organization
- Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT)
- Target Languages
- Kurukh, Gondi, Malto, and Brahui
- Kurukh Translator
- Mahesh S. Meenz
- Gondi Translator
- Varaprasad Sidam
- Malto Translator
- Rev. George Edward
- Brahui Translator
- Professor Muhammad Afzal Brohi
- Location
- Dravidian languages of northern India, Pakistan, and others