Varagu in Sangam Literature

Abstract

The Sangam literature is the foundation for the early life of the Tamils. Food, shelter and clothing play a very important role in the building up of the culture of a race. Accordingly, paddy, samai, varagu and millet were the four most important food grains in the life of Tamils during the Sangam Age as can be seen from Sangam literature like Narrinai, Akananuru, Purananooru, Ainkurunuru, Perumpanaruppadai, Mullaipattu and Madurai Kanchi. At the same time, they discuss in detail the cultivation of varagu, the time of cultivation, the soil, the origin and nature of the plant, the method of roasting it and the manner in which it is presented to the guests. Accordingly, this article compiles and analyses the information about Varagu in the above Sangam literature.