Some commentators opine that Thirukkural is inspired by Vedic religious texts, hails the Dharmasastras and draws ideas from Bhagavad Gita. However, we find, after a study of Thirukkural, that it is antithetical to the Sastras.
This book studies Thirukkural systematically by exploring the interlinkages within the larger text and shows how the work is misinterpreted by some commentators in order to force-fit its ideas to those of the Sastras. Our study reveals the uniqueness of Thirukkural and the beauty and unity of its ideas across many dimensions. It is a work that towers above religious parochialism and rituals. Thirukkural encourages the reader to question claims made by those in authority, empathize with the downtrodden, practice charity, use the power of reason, and grow into a model citizen by building character.