A Study of the Humanistic Cultures Among Kings, Peoples, and Saints Found in the Purananuru

Abstract

The Sangam period signifies the noblest way of life, showing love to all living beings in the world and relieving the suffering of all living beings. Sangam society considered the welfare of not only the individual but also the society as a whole. The ancient Tamils were the ones who lived by the ethics of adhering to the chief of all the virtues, which is the partaking of food that has been shared with others. Selfish rivalries and jealousies are responsible for the major problems today. Literature, which gives pleasure not only to the human senses but also to knowledge, is a mirror that highlights the problems of human life. Literature in all languages has evolved and changed from time to time according to the situation. In that order, the Sangam literature that appeared during the Sangam period speaks of the disciplines to be followed in the life of man. What distinguishes man from other beings is the quality of humanity. The Purananuru points out such a culture. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the humanistic culture between the kings, the people, and the saints of the Sangam age through Purananuru.