கலததகயல எழதணகள / Seven Thinais in Kalithokai

In Tamil literature, there are various literary genres. Among them, the earliest literature is the Sangam literature. Tholkappiyar mentions that the appropriate poetic forms for singing about love themes in the Sangam literature are Kalippa and Paripadal. The book "Kalithokai" is renowned for its rhythmic composition and lyrical beauty. "Kalithokai" stands out among Sangam literature works as a complete book in terms of its love themes that align with the poetic truths and norms of the Tamil grammar text "Tholkappiam." In the Sangam collection, "Kalithokai" serves as the foundation for organising the themes in correct order. The theory of love themes related to the Tamil land can also be considered a Tamil literary theory. There is no detailed information about the themes of love as extensively found in "Kalithokai." "Kalithokai" explores love themes and can also be referred to as a collection of love stories. Tholkappiyar identifies seven land-based themes in his work. By discussing and explaining the Thinais, such as Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, Paalai, Kaikkilai, and Perunthinai from "Kalithokai," one can gain a clear understanding of the themes. Hence, this paper investigates the register of seven thinais in "Kalithokai."