Question

Who was the author of Manimekalai?
A. Tiruttakkadevara
B. Tiruvalluvar
C. Tholkappiar
D. Sattanar

Answer 1

Hint:
The Manimekalai has been variously dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century by Indian and non-Indian scholars, with early dates favored by Tamil scholars generally allied to the Tamil tradition.

Complete step by step solution:
 The title of Manimekalai is also the name of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. She followed in the footsteps of her mother and became a dancer and Buddhist nun (bhikkhuni). The epic tells her story. Her physical beauty and artistic achievements attracted Udhayakumara, Prince Chora.
He chased her. She is a nun persuaded by Mahayana Buddhism and feels determined to get rid of interpersonal relationships. She rejected his progress but found herself attracted to him.
She hid, prayed, and sought help from her mother, Buddhist teacher Aravana Adikal, and angels. The Buddhist scriptures they taught her freed herself from fear. When the prince tried to chase her, an angel helped her magically disappear on a small island, giving her the right to change her form and appear as someone else.
On the island, she received a magic bowl from the goddess Sarasvati, which was always full. Later, as the prince hunted her down, she took the form of married women's clothing nearby. The husband saw the prince making fun of her and went into hiding by killing the prince to protect "his wife" Manimekalai.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note:
Sattanar is a Tamil Buddhist poet who created an epic called Manimekalai. He lived in the period of Ilango Adigal. He is not only a first-class poet and outstanding literary critic but also a powerful representative of Buddhist teachings.