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

Introduction / Context:
Manimekalai is one of the famous epics of ancient Tamil literature and is particularly important because it presents Buddhist themes within the Tamil cultural world. It is often discussed alongside the more widely known epic Silappadikaram. Knowing the relationship between these epics and their authors is a common requirement in South Indian history and literature questions. This question asks you to identify the author of Manimekalai.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The literary work mentioned is Manimekalai.
• It is a Tamil epic with strong Buddhist influence.
• The options list Kovalan, Sathanar, Ilango Adigal, and Tiruttakkatevar.
• You must select the name associated by tradition with the composition of Manimekalai.

Concept / Approach:
According to literary tradition, Silappadikaram was composed by Ilango Adigal, while Manimekalai, which can be seen as a kind of sequel focusing on the daughter of Kovalan and Kannagi, was composed by the poet Sathanar, often called Chithalai Sathanar. Kovalan is a character within Silappadikaram, not an author. Tiruttakkatevar is associated with another Tamil epic, Jivaka Chintamani. Therefore, the correct author of Manimekalai among the options is Sathanar.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Manimekalai is part of the group of Tamil epics which also includes Silappadikaram, Jivaka Chintamani, and others. Step 2: Recall that Ilango Adigal is credited with writing Silappadikaram, the story of Kannagi and Kovalan. Step 3: Understand that Manimekalai focuses on the life and spiritual journey of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan, and is distinct in its Buddhist orientation. Step 4: Tradition assigns the authorship of Manimekalai to the poet Sathanar, also known as Chithalai Sathanar. Step 5: Recognise that Tiruttakkatevar is credited with another epic, Jivaka Chintamani, and Kovalan is a character, not an author, so Sathanar is the only correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Books on Tamil literature routinely state that Silappadikaram was composed by Ilango Adigal and Manimekalai by Sathanar. They often discuss how these two works form a pair, with the second exploring Buddhist ideals. Tiruttakkatevar name appears in discussions of later Tamil Jain literature, especially Jivaka Chintamani. This clear division of authorship across the epics confirms that Sathanar is the correct answer for Manimekalai.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kovalan: He is a central character in Silappadikaram whose tragic fate triggers the story; he is not the author of any epic.

Ilango Adigal: He is traditionally credited with Silappadikaram, not with Manimekalai.
Tiruttakkatevar: He is associated with the Jain epic Jivaka Chintamani and not with the Buddhist themed Manimekalai.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse Ilango Adigal authorship of Silappadikaram with Manimekalai because the two works are often studied together. Another mistake is to assume that the main character must have written the text. To avoid this, remember the pair as Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal and Manimekalai by Sathanar, and separately recall Tiruttakkatevar for Jivaka Chintamani.

Final Answer:
The author of the Tamil Buddhist epic Manimekalai is Sathanar.