Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies

Purananuru, which serves as a treasury of ancient Tamil life, is not merely a piece of war literature celebrating bravery; it stands as a noble document defining the ethical principles of society. This article extensively analyzes the ethical concepts embedded within Purananuru. The Tamils did not view Aram (righteousness/ethics) as a mere policy or religious dogma; instead, they revered it as an inseparable code of their daily lives. Fulfilling one's duties without fail was considered the essence of Aram.

This paper explains various dimensions such as social ethics, ethics of war, royal justice, the virtue of philanthropy, gratitude, and universal humanism with evidence from Sangam literature. It deeply discusses how the philosophical thoughts expressed through the songs of poets like Kaniyan Pungundranar, Kadulul Mayindha Ilamperuvazhuthi, and Nakkeerar serve as guides even for the modern era. Furthermore, this article provides a detailed exploration of the comparison between the Tamil concept of valor (Maram) and the Greek value of Arête, alongside the humanitarian norms strictly observed even on the battlefield.