Narrinai : Text and Translation

Translated by N. Kandasamy Pillai; presented by V. Arasu, Kannan M., 2008, xxxii, 284 p. (IFP - Publications Hors série n° 7)
Language: Tamil, English. 520 Rs (19 €) ISBN: 978-81-8470-165-4

This English translation of a classical Tamil Cankam text by a Tamil scholar who worked at the Indology Department of the French Institute of Pondicherry from 1962 to 1967 is a rare example of a “linguistic” translation meant for beginners and foreign students. A true Tamil scholar, the author does not conceal the actual obscurities in the text, but puts forward new readings and original suggestions. A few notes underline his musical fervour and his empathy for the region of Tanjavur where he situates certain poems.

This publication gives occasion, moreover, forever, for the publishers to pay homage not only to N.Kandasamy Pillai himself but also to a generation of Tamil scholars, who were not professional Tamil Pulavars and had other occupations but who nevertheless shared a genuine passion for the language and its literary monuments, amongst whom N.Kandasamy Pillai was one of the most versatile.

Keywords : classical Tamil, Cankam, Narrinai, English translation