Thoughts on Cereals in Ancient Literature

Abstract

Rice is one of the cereal foods eaten by the people of Palantamil. Ancient Tamil land was divided into land areas based on natural structure. The people who lived in their respective lands lived on the food available in those areas. Food is important in human life. Palandamizhar rice was cooked and eaten by turning it into wormy rice. Paddy is pounded and rice is cooked in a plunger made of diamond-cut wood. Samai, varakarisi> pullarisi etc. are also cooked in ovens. More than one hundred and fifty varieties of rice existed in Tamil land during the Sangam period. Food is very important in Tamil culture. They ate too much rice. Tamils have food not only for hunger but also for health. This review article highlights the benefits of rice.