குறுந்தொகையில் தலைமக்களின் இல்லற பண்பாடுகள்: Domestic Cultural Practices of the Hero and Heroine in Kuruntogai

Abstract

Kuruntogai, one of the seminal works in the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), elegantly delineates the intricacies of Agathinai (the theme of inner life). It profoundly captures the essence of the Kalavu (pre-marital love) and Karpu (post-marital/conjugal life) experiences of the hero and heroine. Domestic life (Illaravazhkkai) served as the very lifeblood of Sangam society. This research aims to explore the cultural ethos of that era, highlighting how husbands and wives lived in mutual harmony through sacrifice, the nurturing of children, and the practice of hospitality. Furthermore, this study examines how the text serves as a mirror to the societal values and ethical frameworks that governed the family unit, illustrating the enduring significance of marital devotion and social responsibility as depicted in ancient Tamil poetry.

Keywords

• Kuruntogai
• Sangam Literature
• Domestic life
• Agathinai
• Tamil culture