The Occupational Principles of the People of the Sangam Age

Abstract

Tamil is a language with an ancient literary tradition. Literature is a time mirror that captures the lives of people. In this way, the people who lived during the Sangam period took up various occupations to improve their standard of living. Food and water are essential to human life. Agriculture is the basis of food. The agriculture industry and the equipment (implements) related to it are explained. Clothing is essential for men. The textile industry, which produces garments, is explained. It is also explained by the carpentry industry, which produces the materials necessary for human life. Ornaments are used by man to beautify himself. This article examines the gold industry, the building industry, and the fishing industry through the Sangam literature. The significance of the weaving industry, the techniques used in weaving garments, and the barter system are examined and explained through the Sangam literature. The specialties of carpentry, iron, gold, and building industries and the methods of production of goods have been examined. It is established in the Sangam literary evidence that the people of the Sangam age developed their occupations in the best possible way by doing various occupations such as fishing, salt cultivation, etc., for their needs, for economic development, and for the betterment of life.