Tirukkuṛaḷ (Tamil: திருக்குறள் also known as the Kural), sometimes spelt 'Thirukkural, is a classic of couplets or Kurals (1330 rhyming Tamilcouplets) or aphorisms^[1].^[2] It was authored by Thiruvalluvar, a poet who is said to have lived anytime between 2nd century BC and 5th century AD^{[citation needed]}. Although the exact period of its composition is still disputed, scholars agree that it was produced in the late Tamil Sangam period. The Thirukkural expounds on various aspects of life and is one of the most important works in the Tamil language. This is reflected in some of the other names by which the text is known: Tamil marai (Tamil Vedas); poyyamozhi (words that never fail); and Daiva nool (divine text).^[3] The book is considered to precede Manimekalai and Silapathikaram since they both acknowledge the Kural text.^[4]

Thirukkural (or the Kural) is a collection of 1330 Tamil couplets organised into 133 chapters. Each chapter has a specific subject ranging from "ploughing a piece of land" to "ruling a country". It preaches simplicity and truth throughout its verses . According to the LIFCO Tamil-Tamil-English dictionary, theTamil word Kural literally means "short verse", and is typified by the Venpa metre that consists of two lines. In the aspect of metre & brevity, and the profoundity of expression,Thirukkural comes under one of the four categories of Venpas (Tamil verses) called Kural Venpa. The 1330 couplets are arranged into 3 main sections and 133 chapters. Each chapter contains 10 couplets. A couplet consists of seven cirs, with four cirs on the first line and three on the second. A cir is a single or a combination of more than one Tamil word. For example, Thirukkural is a cir formed by combining the two words Thiru and Kural, i.e. Thiru + Kural = Thirukkural. It has been translated to various other languages.^[5]

There are claims and counter claims as to the authorship of the book and to the exact number of couplets written by Thiruvalluvar. The first instance of the author's name mentioned as Thiruvalluvar is found to be several centuries later in a song of praise called Garland of Thiruvalluvar in Thiruvalluva Malai.^[6]

Most of the Researchers and great Tamil Scholars like George Uglow Pope or G.U. Pope who had spent many years in Tamil Nadu and translated many Tamil texts into English, which includes Thirukkural.

Some of the Famous Quotes:

Something may not be achievable even by God or through God's help. But the effort exerted to attain that non-achievable will yield its deserving result!

• Though the world goes round with many activities, it is dependent on agriculture. Hence, though laborious, farming is the foremost activity.

• As water changes its nature, from the nature of the soil in which it flows, so will the character of men resemble that of their associates.

• Friendship is not just a smile on the face; It is what is felt deep within a smiling heart.

• The stalks of water-flowers are proportionate to the depth of water; so is men's greatness proportionate to their minds (Knowledge).

• Avoid an act which you may repent later; If done by mistake, better not to repeat it.

• Whatever is thought to be done will be achieved as planned, if the planners possess firmness in execution.

• Excessive or deficient food or activity causes disorders in mobility, breathing and digestion.

• Agriculturists are the linchpin of the mankind since they support all others who cannot till the soil.

• The learned teacher makes you enjoy learning; On leaving, makes you to keep thinking of his teaching.

• Think and then undertake the work; to think after commencement will bring disgrace.

• Determined efforts result in prosperity; Idleness will bring nothing.

• Defer not virtue to another day; receive her now; and at the dying hour she will be your undying friend.

• Water will flow from a water well in proportion to the depth to which it is dug, and knowledge will flow from a man in proportion to his learning.

• That which God gives, nobody can ban. That which God bans, nobody can give.