First translated Thirukkural into Latin1730

Who first translated the Thirukkural into Latin in 1730?

(A) Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg                            (B) Constantius Joseph Beschi

(C) U. V. Swaminatha Iyer                                  (D) G.U. Pope

EXPLANATION

  • The Thirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, is one of the greatest works of Tamil literature.

  • It has been translated into many languages across the world.

First Translation into Latin:

  • Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, a German Lutheran missionary, was the first person to translate portions of the Thirukkural into Latin.

  • He did this in 1730.

  • His work was crucial in introducing Tamil literature to Europe.

What about the other options?

Option Name Contribution
(B) Constantius Joseph Beschi Italian Jesuit missionary Translated many Tamil literary works, but not the first to translate Thirukkural into Latin
(C) U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Tamil scholar Known for reviving ancient Tamil literature, not a translator of Thirukkural into Latin
(D) G.U. Pope English missionary Translated the Thirukkural into English, published in 1886

 Therefore,

✅ Correct Answer: (A) Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg

First translated Thirukkural into Latin1730