The Culture of Ancient Tamils as Shown in ‘Etthuthogai’ (Eight Anthologies) and ‘Pathinenkeelkanakku’ (18 Short Classics)

Abstract

The development of human knowledge has undergone various evolutions according to the changes of time. From the day man began to think, his intellectual development began to function. A man went to different places in search of food and clothing, and when he stayed in one place, he came into contact with many people there and formed an ethnic group. Thus, human life became social. When man interacts with others and shares in their joys and sorrows and gives them comfort and relief, the mind-dependent behaviours emerge as traits. Traits regulate habits. If a man's actions embody the good qualities he has learned and the virtues taught by tradition become established, they are followed by others. Later, these practises are followed by many and blossom into culture. Culture refers to a person's unique characteristics, morals, behaviors, feelings based on beliefs, values, etc. found in life. Every culture has defined rules of conduct and plays a major role in determining the basic lifestyle of the people belonging to that culture. Culture is what the individual gives to society and what society conveys to the individual. There is no respectable life without character. Without such a culture, the movement of the world would not be better. Good manners are based on the virtues of love, purity, commonality, friendship, virtue, compassion, perspective, gratitude, altruism, tolerance, and neutrality. This article explores these qualities of ancient Tamils in ‘etthuthogai’ (Eight Anthologies) and ‘Pathinenkeelkanakku’ (18 short classics).