பழந்தமிழ் இலக்கியங்களில் நடனம்

Dance in Ancient Tamil Literature

Abstract

Tamil literature possesses an ancient heritage and richness spanning over two thousand years. This article explores the various ways the fine art of dance has been practiced in ancient Tamil literature and the position dance holds as a central theme within these literary works. Specifically, it explains how dance—as a physical movement—is intertwined with music, rhythm, and the land-based conceptual framework of Uripporul (emotional theme), Karupporul (environmental elements), and Mudhal porul (time and landscape) in Sangam literature. During the Sangam era, group dances such as Kuravai, Thunangai, and Veriyadal held primary importance.

Supported by Sangam literary evidence, this article describes the Kuravai Koothu performed by people across the five types of landscapes, the Thunangai Koothu performed exclusively by women, and the Veriyattu performed to seek divine grace or celebrate victory in war. Furthermore, this research highlights the divine dances performed by Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva—such as Kudakoothu, Alliyam, Kodukotti, and Paandarangam—as well as the unique makeup and dance excellence of the Koothar (male dancers) and Viraliyar (female dancers). In short, this article confirms through literary evidence that dance was an inseparable part of entertainment, worship, and life rituals in ancient Tamil society.