Thiruvalluvar says who are called Antanars

Thiruvalluvar says who are called Antanars:

A.One who is wise,                                          B. One who is learned,

C. One who is virtuous,                             D. One who is devoted

EXPLANATION

In the Thirukkural, the Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar refers to “Antanars” (ஆந்தணர்) — a term that denotes people of high spiritual and moral standing, not by birth, but by virtue and conduct.

Relevant Kural:

அந்தணர் என்போர் அறன்ஆற்றித் தம்மை
  நிந்திக்கப் பட்டார் தொழில்.
— Thirukkural – Kural 30

Translation:
The true “Antanars” are those who live by virtue (அறம்); even if blamed by others, they stick to righteous conduct.

Key idea:

  • Thiruvalluvar does not define Antanars by caste, learning, or rituals, but by their virtuous living (அறம்/virtue).

  • Thus, according to him, Antanars = those who are virtuous.

Other Options:

Option Explanation
A) One who is wise Not the main criteria mentioned in the Kural
B) One who is learned Learning alone isn’t enough
✅ C) One who is virtuous ✔️ Correct, as per Kural 30
D) One who is devoted Devotion is good, but virtue (அறம்) is emphasized

✅ Therefore,

Correct Answer: C) One who is virtuous.

Thiruvalluvar says who are called Antanars