Iniyavai Narpathu, also known as Iniyavai Narpattu, is an ethical poetic work of didactic character in Tamil that which belongs to the Patinenkilkkanakku anthology series of Ethical Tamil Literature. Patinenkilkkanakku (Pathinenkilkanakku) is a collection of 18 poetic works in Tamil which were composed in the period after the Sangam age. Iniyavai Narpathu was composed in the post Sangam age equivalent to between 100 CE - 500 CE. The poetic work comprises of forty poems, each containing 4 lines in Venpa metre. The ethical work is written by the well known Tamil poet Putham Sernthanar. The poetic work of Tamil literature is much admired for its way of composition and writing and its articulacy, elegance and simple presentation. The literary work of Iniyavai Narpathu consists of numerous ethical and moral messages which were the most vital characteristics of that epoch.
Composition of Iniyavai Narpathu
Iniyavai Narpathu (Iniyavai Narpattu) is a collection of ethical Tamil verses which was constructed by the respected Tamil author and poet Putham Sernthanar. This post Sangam work is amongst the 18 minor literary works in Tamil that are included in the Patinenkilkkanakku anthology series. The venpa in its variation forms comprises as the metre of the Tamil poetic work of Iniyavai Narpathu. Putham Sernthanar composed the verses in the compilation elaborately describe of the most pleasing, desirable and attractive materials and things in life that any individual would long for and strive their best to attain. This collection of verses in very similar to the work of Inna Narpathu that mentions about the forty things which an individual should stay away from and avoid at all costs.
The various hymns and poems which are incorporated in the Tamil poetic anthology series of Iniyavai Narpathu or Iniyavai Narpattu each comprises of four distinct categories or ideas which portrays the broad theme of the poetic work. It contains four different categories of desirable and much wanted things that any person would want to seek and acquire in their lifetime. These include learning and acquiring knowledge even at the cost of begging, the guidance and advice of learned and educated individuals, strength to remain faithful with own wife and not desire someone else`s spouse and healthy and beautiful children.
The Tamil poetic work of Iniyavai Narpathu, along with Inna Narpathu, describes in a simple and brief way, the different ethical and moral codes that are compulsory for daily life of any individual and for the society as well. Iniyavai Narpathu adequately emphasises the importance of education and the responsibility of an individual in society.
