In ancient Tamil literature, who is regarded as the author of the Buddhist epic Manimekalai?

Introduction / Context:
Manimekalai is one of the great epics of ancient Tamil literature. It is particularly important because it reflects Buddhist philosophical ideas in a classical Tamil setting. Exam questions often ask about the authorship of major Tamil epics, such as Silappadikaram, Manimekalai and others, as this helps students remember the cultural and religious diversity of early South Indian literature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The work mentioned is Manimekalai, a Tamil epic with strong Buddhist themes.
• The options list several famous names from Tamil literary history, including Ilango Adigal, Seethalai Sathanar, Thiruttakkadevar, Kovalan and Kamban.
• We must distinguish between authors, characters and poets known for other works.
• The question expects knowledge of which specific author is traditionally associated with Manimekalai.

Concept / Approach:
Silappadikaram, another famous Tamil epic, is attributed to Ilango Adigal. Manimekalai is seen as a kind of sequel, focusing on the story of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan and Kannagi. However, the author of Manimekalai is not Ilango Adigal; it is traditionally ascribed to the poet Seethalai Sathanar. Remembering that Silappadikaram and Manimekalai have different authors but linked story lines is the key to answering correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of Tamil literature and many exam preparation books provide a table of major epics and their authors. In such tables, Manimekalai is consistently listed under Seethalai Sathanar. Cross checking with these sources reinforces the association. In contrast, Kamban is famous for Kamba Ramayanam, and Thiruttakkadevar is known for the Jain epic Civa Jnana Siddhiyar in some traditions, not for Manimekalai.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ilango Adigal: Associated with Silappadikaram, not with Manimekalai, although the stories are related.
• Thiruttakkadevar: Known for different Jain works and not linked to this Buddhist epic.
• Kovalan: A central character in Silappadikaram and father of Manimekalai, but not the author.
• Kamban: The author of the Tamil Ramayana, far removed in theme and period from the Buddhist Manimekalai.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse authors with characters and may think that because Manimekalai is the daughter of Kovalan, he must be the author. Another confusion arises from linking Ilango Adigal with both epics. A good strategy is to memorise a simple mapping of major Tamil epics to their authors and to remember that Manimekalai, unlike Silappadikaram, is the work of Seethalai Sathanar and is notable for its Buddhist message.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Seethalai Sathanar.