சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் அறக்கருத்துகள் / Thoughts of Virtue in Sangam Literature

Abstract

The ancient Tamils wanted virtue to flourish in their society. They considered virtue as the highest one in life. The Brahmins (Andanars) lived in praise of charity. The kings ruled with sceptre and protected virtue. Women regarded chastity as a virtue and praised it. Sangam literature extols the glory of chastity. Women believed that they too had a duty to protect virtue. They gave priority to knowledge over valour. Sangam literature considers virtue to be the first among virtue, materiality and pleasure. They have lived a good life by following the ideas given by the scriptures. They lived a life that by assuming that there is a connection between virtue and rain. Many of the Sangam poems respected other life as well as their own life and emphasized the position of seeking material things for the sake of virtue. When these virtues are not properly observed, literature becomes a mature way to carry them. This allows realizing endless meaning through the ancient style of life with moral ethics. Virtue events are observed from time to time and one can see through Sangam literature that Virtue has been praised in all words and deeds. Looking at the Sangam period from today's point of view, there has been a portrayal of excellent moral life in Sangam literature which was cultivated at various levels. Such instances are discussed in this article.

Keywords

• thoughts
• virtue
• sangam literature
• happiness.