The Cilappatikaram: The Tale of an Anklet by R. Parthasarathy (Penguin Classics)

“The Cilappatikaram” is a classical Tamil epic poem written by Ilango Adigal, not R. Parthasarathy. The poem is one of the five great Tamil epics, and it is often considered one of the most significant works of Tamil literature. The epic consists of three books and tells the story of Kovalan and Kannagi, a married couple from the ancient city of Puhar (present-day Poompuhar) in Tamil Nadu, India.

Kovalan, the protagonist, leaves his wife Kannagi to pursue a courtesan named Madhavi. His life takes a tragic turn when he is accused of theft and executed by the king’s orders. Kannagi, upon learning of her husband’s unjust death, seeks justice and confronts the king, proving Kovalan’s innocence by presenting a piece of her anklet, which contains rubies identical to those on the queen’s anklet. The king, overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow, dies, and the city of Puhar is destroyed in the process.

R. Parthasarathy is a well-known Indian poet and translator, but he is not the author of “The Cilappatikaram.” Instead, he may have translated or written about this epic poem or other literary works. “The Cilappatikaram” remains a significant and revered piece of Tamil literature, celebrated for its portrayal of love, justice, and the moral values of ancient Tamil culture.