Palandamizhar food systems reflect from ancient Tamil literature of Purananuru

Abstract

Purananooru explains how mixed food systems are in the life of ancient Tamils, hospitality methods, dealing with guests, vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, uses of food grains, and Tolkappiyar's evidence of feasting. This article deals with iguana meat, wild fowl- aral fish and mutton as non-vegetarian food. The use of Varaku rice as a staple food as a small grain food is explained.