As of 2015, there were at least three Gujarati translations available of the Tirukkural.
Background
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing a Gujarati translation of the Kural in 2015
The Kural remained unknown to the people of Gujarat during the medieval period as none has made any reference to the work in their writings. The Kural became more known to Gujarati people during the period of the Indian Independence movement after Mahatma Gandhi frequently made reference to the work in his speeches,[1] after he was introduced to it by Leo Tolstoy.[2][3]
The first Gujarati translation of the Kural text was made by Najuklal Choksi in 1931 and was published by Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalaya under the title Updeshsaraamgrahs.[1][4] The work was suggested by Swami Akhandanand Sarwati, the founder of Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalaya.[1] The second translation appeared in 1971 by Kantilal L. Kalani, published by the University Grantha Nirman Board of Gujarat government.[1][4] Kantilal, however, translated only 852 couplets, which included only select couplets (of four to ten) from every chapter yet covering all chapters of the Tirukkural. This was republished in 1985 by Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat.[5]
^Rajaram, M. (2009). Thirukkural: Pearls of Inspiration. New Delhi: Rupa Publications. pp. xviii–xxi. ISBN978-81-291-1467-9.
^ abcPolilan; K. Gunathogai; Lena Kumar; Tagadur Sampath; Mutthamizh; G. Picchai Vallinayagam; D. Anbunidhi; K. V. Neduncheraladhan, eds. (2019). Tiruvalluvar 2050 (in Tamil) (1 ed.). Chennai: Periyar Enthusiasts Group. p. 682.
