புறப்பொருள் வெண்பாமாலையில் தமிழரின் மண்ணுறு தொழில்களும் நவீன காலச் சூழலியல் சவால்களும்

Purapporul Venba Maalai: Traditional Soil-Based Occupations of Tamils and Modern Ecological Challenges

Abstract

Ancient Tamil society was a sublime civilization intricately intertwined with the elements of nature. Specifically, the grammatical traditions of Purapporul did not merely celebrate heroism and philanthropy; they identified land-based occupations and arts as symbols of 'Victory' (Vaagai).

The medieval grammatical text Purapporul Venba Maalai lists eighteen types of victories under the 'Vaagai Thinai' (the theme of victory). These include agriculture, trade, wrestling, music, and various soil-based traditional occupations. Sangam literature and archaeological evidence prove that all these occupations maintained a sustainable economic cycle that did not harm nature.

However, contemporary research indicates that as a result of the industrial revolution, Tamil Nadu's soil fertility has become toxic due to heavy metals and industrial waste. This study provides a detailed analysis of the soil-based occupational concepts found in Purapporul Venba Maalai, compares them with modern ecological degradation based on data, and emphasizes the necessity of returning to a nature-oriented lifestyle.