The Tamil Perspective on Family Structure

Abstract

The ancient Tamils held very high ideals regarding family life. For them, virtue was not just a part of life; they considered the practice of virtue throughout life as their guiding principle. That is why they called family life 'Illaram' (the virtuous life of a householder). Although they respected asceticism, they considered family life to be superior. They believed that family life itself was virtuous. They conducted this virtuous life through the institution of the family, because the family unit serves as a great force that drives society. The family structure distinguishes humans from animals. It is considered the foundation of human civilization and the bedrock of culture. It is within the family structure that a person experiences the creation of relationships and the love that arises from them. The fact that Thiruvalluvar dedicated a separate chapter to family life in his work on domestic virtue reveals the principles of the Tamils regarding the family, which is the institution established by humans to attain contentment. The purpose of the family is for the individual to transcend the boundaries of their wife, children, and relatives, and attain a state of mind that shows compassion to all living beings. That is why the poets of Sangam literature, when expressing inner emotions, have done so in connection with nature. The objective of this research paper is to present the thoughts of the Tamils regarding such a family life.