Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies

The objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the ecological food theory highlighted in Tolkappiyam Porulathikaram within the context of contemporary ecological, linguistic, and posthumanist theories. Treating land and time as primary elements (Muthalporul), Tolkappiyam gives paramount importance to food—which serves as the abode for human existence among the essential elements (Karuporul). This paper details the Thinai (landscape-based) foods suited to climatic conditions, the eight types of food mentioned in the section on genetics (Marabiyal), and the biodiversity food chain. Furthermore, this study discusses how the five-fold land (Ainthinai) food systems, culinary techniques, and ecologically oriented principles of nurturing biodiversity depicted in Sangam literature align with modern Ecolinguistics and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this, the research deeply highlights the ecological principles used by the ancient Tamils to preserve the balance of nature, alongside their ethical way of life.