Silapathikaram is held in high regard by Tamilians as a notable literary work. The nature of the book is non-religious, narrative and has a moralistic undertone. It contains three chapters and a total of 5270 lines of poetry. The epic revolves around Kannagi, who having lost her husband to a miscarriage of justice at the court of the Pandyan Dynasty, wreaks her vengeance on his kingdom.

Regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Tamil literature, Silapathikaram is a poetic rendition with details on Tamil culture; its varied religions; its town plans and city types; the mingling of Greek, Arab, and Tamil people; and the fine arts like dance and music. Silapathikaram has been dated to the beginning of the Common Era, although the author might have built upon a pre-existing folklore to spin this tale.

The story involves the three Tamil kingdoms of the ancient era, which were ruled by the Chola, Pandya and Chera dynasties. Silapathikaram has many references to the historical events and personalities, although it has not been accepted as a reliable source of history by many historians due to the account of exaggerated events and achievements to the ancient Tamil kings.