பதினெண்கீழ்க்கணக்கு கூறும் வாழ்வியல் விழுமங்கள்
Life Values in the Patiṉeṇkīḻkkaṇakku Texts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63300/tm0402112501Keywords:
Thirukkural, NaladiyarAbstract
The Patiṉeṇkīḻkkaṇakku (The Eighteen Minor Works) form a significant corpus in Tamil literature, emerging during the post-Sangam era (c. 3rd to 5th century CE). While the earlier Sangam literature focused on Akam (Subjective life, mainly love) and Puṟam (Objective life, mainly war and heroism), these eighteen works, particularly the eleven didactic texts (Aṟanūlkaḷ), prioritize Aṟam (Virtue or Dharma) and establish a comprehensive moral framework for individual and social life.
This research paper examines the core life values promulgated by these texts, especially Tirukkuṟaḷ and Nālaṭiyār. Key ethical values include the supremacy of Domestic Virtue (Illaram) based on love and duty; the importance of Giving (Īkai) and Hospitality (Viruntōmpal) as fundamental social obligations; and the insistence on Integrity (Vāymai) and Humility (Aṭakkam) in personal conduct. Furthermore, the texts stress the significance of Education (Kalvi) as the true, imperishable beauty. A crucial underlying theme is the doctrine of Impermanence (Nilaiyāmai), which urges individuals to perform good deeds while life and wealth endure. The Patiṉeṇkīḻkkaṇakku texts thus serve as a timeless moral compass, shaping the ethical and cultural identity of the Tamil society.
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