சஙககலத தமழரன வழவயல வழமயககறகள / Life Values and Ideals of the Sangam Tamil People

There are many concepts and messages about the formation and development of the Ancient Sangam period. The Sangam songs are fine verses that portray Sangam life values, individual life, values of social life, family life, community life and political life of the Sangam Tamils. It has been considered as the golden age of the Tamils. The internal and external life of the Sangam Tamils serves as a mirror of that ancient time that clearly illustrates the domestic life and outer world life of the Tamil people. Among these, the “Agananooru" songs that mention ‘Secret Love’ (Kalavu Kathal) and Chaste Love (Karpu Kathal) and the “Purananooru” songs that mention war and heroism show us the importance of human dignity. They sing of the excellence of man, the harmony of human relations, the subtlety of sentiments and the firmness of morality in Tamil Society. The Sangam literature is the key text of Tamil classical literature that teaches the highest values in human life. The best morality and culture of the Tamil people who lived in the five types of lands of the Sangam period, the chastity of Tamil women, the undying love of men, hospitality, character, and professions they undertake are astounding in facts. This article examines the life values and ideals of the Sangam period.