கறஞச வழ உயரனஙகளன பதகபபம மககயததவமம / Conservation and Importance of the Living Beings in Kurinji Land

Literature reflects the culture, customs and civilization of a society’s past. In Sangam literature, “Etuthogai” and “Patthupatuu” reveal the life of the ancient Tamils along with the natural environment. The first place in the Sangam times is the mountainous areas (Kurinji land). The Sangam literary songs convey information about the natural resources of the Kurinji land, the culture of the people and the living beings. The people of Kurinji land worship the Tamil God Seyon (Murugan). The life of the living creatures and their food habits are formed according to the characteristics of the respective landscape. Nature is the source of life for humans and also for all living creatures on earth. The role of birds and animals in human life is essential. The living creatures living on earth are interdependent and related to each other. Due to scientific and technological advancement, the number of species has decreased to the point of extinction. The people of Kurinji hunted and consumed the animals of that land. Over time, they hunted animals also for business and used their skin and flesh for sale. Humans must protect the creatures found in the mountains and forests and preserve nature by not hunting them. The role of water is minor for the survival of the creatures. The role of mountains and mountain creatures is essential for protecting and enriching the water resources of the world. The hunting of the creatures living in the Kurinji forest for their needs and the dangerous situations will lead to the extinction of the creatures. Therefore, it is necessary to stop this situation and protect the creatures. Otherwise, a great calamity could happen in the mainstream of biodiversity and this condition will lead to a deeper ecological crisis. As man has made the natural setup turbulent, it is man’s responsibility to reorder it. This research article highlights the Sangam literary songs about the living beings in the Kurinji forest such as the tiger, bear, elephant, monkey, pig, peacock, parrot, etc., and highlights the reasons for the extinction of the creatures, their role in human life, and the importance of protecting them in the present times.