Astronomical Knowledge of Sangam Tamils through Sangam Literature

Abstract

The ancient Tamils were the ones who closely observed the astronomical events and changes occurring in the sky every day and told the world the thoughts related to astronomy. Names like Kanyan Poongunranar, Kanimethaviyar, Pakkudukkai Nakkaniyar etc. are proof that there were many people who excelled in the field of astronomy in Tamil Nadu. Astronomer Sylator has said that Tamil's system of celestial arithmetic is the most moderate of all the mathematics involved. The history of the past reveals that the Tamil race has been deeply entrenched in scientific spirit and thought since ancient times. Based on scientific news, Tamil has the honour of creating literature two thousand years ago. The Tamilian who moved the wheel of life grounded on a scientific basis that day has recorded his scientific thoughts in Tamil. Even before the vernacular connection and its consequent mythological dependence were visible in Tamil, the idea of cosmic elements like the world, planets, constellations, etc., was prevalent in Classical Tamil literature. General science encompasses various disciplines like physics, chemistry, medicine, botany, zoology, astronomy, etc. Among these is the branch called astronomy, which helps to understand the various elements of space. Since astronomy is a growing discipline and has a guiding platform for many future studies, the messages related to astronomy seen in Sangam poems are examined in this article.