The Virtue of Hospitality in "Perumpanatrupatai"

Abstract

The civilization and lifestyle of the Sangam period created the trait of hospitality. People of that time prepared food for the newcomers who came to their town when there was no facility or opportunity to buy and eat food. The people of five types of land, namely Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neythal, and Palai, showed hospitality according to their land structure, economic status, and customs. They welcomed the guests with pleasant words and fed them with joy. Since time immemorial, people have been seen as caring for the well-being of others. They had the best quality of entertaining guests. The people of ancient Tamil consider it a misfortune to see others hungry, even if they do not have food, and the idea of giving them their food and living is special. The women served the guests with what appeared to be rice food, curry food, and liquid food. Such lofty qualities are the ideals found among the people of ancient Tamil.