Prince Ilanko Adikal

Prince Ilanko Adikal was a Tamil author, believed to be a Jain prince, who lived during the time of the Pallavas (c. 300–900 CE). He is credited with writing the Silappathikaram (also spelled Chilappatikaram), considered the earliest epic poem in the Tamil language.12

The Silappathikaram tells the tragic story of Kovalan, a merchant who falls from grace after marrying the virtuous Kannaki and then falling for the courtesan Matavi. His downfall leads to his unjust execution in Madurai. Kannaki's quest to prove his innocence and her subsequent grief result in the destruction of the city. The epic is a significant work of Tamil literature, blending ancient Tamil poetic traditions with Sanskrit rhetoric, and offers insights into Tamil culture, religion, arts, and societal interactions.213