Here's why:
* Vast Scope: The Thirukkural tackles themes like virtue, wealth, love, politics, and more. It's likely to contain a vast vocabulary covering these areas.
* Figurative Language: Thiruvalluvar is known for his skillful use of metaphors, similes, and other poetic devices. This means he could have alluded to concepts without using specific words.
* Cultural Context: The language of the Thirukkural reflects the Tamil language and culture of its time. Certain words might not be necessary because they were already understood within that context.
Instead of thinking about missing words, perhaps a better approach is to explore the Thirukkural and analyze:
* Word Choices: What words does Thiruvalluvar use to convey certain concepts? How do these choices reflect the values of the time?
* Figurative Language: How does the use of imagery, metaphor, and other poetic devices enrich the meaning of the work?
* Thematic Coverage: What are the core themes of the Thirukkural? How do these themes relate to contemporary issues?
Ultimately, the Thirukkural is a masterpiece of Tamil literature. It's a testament to the power of language and the richness of Tamil culture. Examining the words it does use can be a fascinating journey into the mind of a great poet and the wisdom of a civilization.