Humanity in Purananooru

Abstract

The Purananooru Thokai is unrivaled among the Tamil treasures compiled and preserved by ancient Tamil scholars. It describes the system of rule of the kings of the Sangam age. It makes us aware of the history and culture of the ancient Tamils. The Purananuru helps us to realize the glories of public life. A closer look helps us to understand the position of the Tamils of the time in the fields of political education, ethics, science, literature, music, and fine arts. The Purananooru beautifully highlights the excellence of the Tamils of that time in qualities such as love, grace, friendship, valour, honour, and charitableness. This book highlights the greatness of Kadayezhu Vallals, poets, crowned kings, leaders of small lands, petty chiefs, poets, brave people, etc. Many songs refer to eighteen Chera kings, thirteen Chola kings, and twelve Pandya kings. The Purananooru mentions the good social life of the Tamils, political awakening, hospitality, high morality, firm principles, wearing mangal sutra, installing the middle stone, fasting during widowhood, the shortening of the meal, the burial of the dead in the thali (pot), and the climbing of the funeral pyre of the husband.