சங்க இலக்கியங்களில் ஐந்திணை நிலங்களின் சமூகப் பொருளாதார வாழ்வியல்: ஓர் விரிவான ஆய்வு

Abstract

Living a worthy life on earth is a lifestyle inherently aligned with nature. The Tamils of the Sangam era wove their lives closely with the landscapes surrounding them and the prevailing seasonal changes. This way of life is explained in Tolkappiyam through the concept of "Thinai." Based on the noble vision that "one who lives worthily on earth will be placed among the gods dwelling in heaven," the Sangam people adopted a lifestyle that did not deviate from virtue (Aram), caused no harm to others, and revered nature.

They categorized the land into five types—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai—based on the regions where food was produced, adhering to the specific occupations, food habits, deities, and codes of conduct (Ozhukkam) unique to each terrain. This research paper meticulously analyzes the four-land division shown in Sangam literature, the nature of the Palai (wasteland) formed by seasonal changes, and the socio-economic and cultural values of the people who inhabited these regions. The research data is derived from Sangam literary works such as Ettuthogai and Pathuppattu, as well as the grammatical treatise Tolkappiyam, and is explained through comparisons with modern archaeological and anthropological studies.