Moral Principles in the Politics of Kings in Puranaanooru

Abstract

A man should always act with good intentions. It is good thoughts and virtuous actions that ultimately bring good to a person. Realizing this, the scholars guided the kings with the help of the tool of knowledge. Apart from that, they paved the way for the blossoming of virtuous thoughts in the minds of the kings and the establishment of good governance. And the Purananooru suggests that the poets imparted to the rulers the moral principles that a king should protect his subjects like a mother who protects her child with little self-interest. Poets highlighted many morals to make society in good order during the Sangam period. When the king failed to perform his duty in political rule and deviated from the principles to be followed in war, even if he had forgotten charity, the Sangam poets are credited with advising the kings in a proper manner and changing their rule in a righteous way, even if they had not shown mercy to the enemy. Even the kings who listened to the pious thoughts of the poets are worthy of admiration even today. Many of the works that propose the superiority of Tamil are among the works that guide the norms that are followed even today. Even though it is a book that talks about Purananooru war stories and bad news, it takes all the principles of human life. The rule of the kings led to the happiness of the people. The ancient Tamil kings were not only brave but full of courage, and the purpose of this article is to investigate the political principles and practises followed by the kings during their reign.