Indian Journal of Tamil

Healthcare Concepts in Sangam Literature: An Analytical Study

2026-07-21T10:13:30+00:00

The ancient Tamils of the Sangam period viewed health and medicine as inseparable from food and everyday life. They embraced the principle that "food itself is medicine, and medicine itself is food," integrating dietary practices with preventive healthcare. Sangam literary works such as the Pattinappālai, Puranānūru, and Sirupāṇāṟṟuppaṭai describe nutritious foods including honey, milk, fruits, bamboo rice, and millet as essential for maintaining physical well-being. Similarly, texts such as the Akanānūru and Malaipaṭukaṭām record the dual use of pepper, ginger, and turmeric as both food and medicinal substances. The Puranānūru further extols the medicinal value of the Indian gooseberry (nellikkani), describing it as nectar-like and possessing remarkable healing properties. Sangam literature also provides evidence of advanced healthcare practices, including communal food-sharing for well-being, physical exercise, wound dressing, surgical procedures, and the use of natural antiseptics such as mustard, turmeric, and neem for preventing infections. In addition to physical treatments, the literature reflects an understanding of mental health through practices such as fasting, meditation, emotional resilience, guidance and counselling, and music therapy, all of which were employed to promote psychological well-being. This article examines the medical knowledge preserved in Sangam literature, highlighting the preventive, curative, and holistic healthcare practices of the ancient Tamils. The study demonstrates that Sangam texts embody a comprehensive medical tradition that integrates nutrition, herbal medicine, surgery, hygiene, and psychological care, revealing the remarkable depth of early Tamil medical wisdom and its continuing relevance to contemporary health studies.

The Musical Heritage of the Tevaram: An Analysis of Traditional Tamil Instruments

2026-07-30T06:02:44+00:00

The Tevaram hymns occupy a prominent place in Tamil devotional literature, serving not only as expressions of profound Saivite devotion but also as valuable records of the cultural, artistic, musical, and social life of the Tamil people. Beyond their spiritual significance, these hymns preserve important evidence of the rich musical traditions that flourished in ancient Tamil society. In particular, the references to musical instruments found in the Tevaram provide significant insights into the development of temple music, ritual performances, and the evolution of Tamil musical culture. This study aims to examine the musical instruments mentioned in the Tevaram hymns composed by the three great Saivite saints Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar. The study identifies and analyzes references to traditional instruments such as the yazh (lute), muzhavu (drum), murasu (war and ceremonial drum), kuzhal (flute), and thslam (cymbals). It further explores their roles in temple worship, religious festivals, dance performances, and various ritual practices, demonstrating how music functioned as an integral component of devotional expression. The musical instruments described in the Tevaram not only illustrate the antiquity of Tamil musical traditions but also reveal the growth of a temple-centred musical culture that significantly influenced the evolution of South Indian devotional music. Through literary analysis, this article demonstrates that the Tevaram hymns constitute an invaluable source for reconstructing the history of Tamil music, preserving indigenous musical knowledge, and understanding the cultural heritage of the Tamil people.

Discovery and Restoration of an Obsolete Form of Mahidikkoothu in the Mullaitivu Region - A Study

2026-04-06T11:23:05+00:00

Mullaitivu is a region in the northern part of Sri Lanka with a long tradition and history in the development of Kooththu Art. Here, talented Annavimars, Performers of Kooththu, script writers, Pakkapattu artists, costume and makeup artist, etc., are found. The lifestyle of the people is revealed in this village in a special way through Kooththu. Thus, the Mahidikkooththu practiced here is a people-centred stage-based form, combining stories, societies, and events of the time and performing it in an open space with specific stage elements. This Kooththu has not changed with the passage of time, the arrival of modern theatre, and place names. However, this form of Kooththu is necessary to connect people with the contemporary theatre trend and to express their creative potential. In addition, it is a medium to pass on theatre techniques and its unique features to the younger generation. Thus, the social, economic and cultural factors that led to the obsolescence of the Mahidikkooththu, which was performed fifty years ago in the Mullaitivu region, are identified and re-examined, its performance system and its subsequent status are examined through the process. Since this study is a sociological study, the research methodology of Exploratory Method and Qualitative Research Design were followed. When the performance is performed through fieldwork, data is collected and analyzed. The purpose of the study is to revive an obsolete performance form. The research problem is the failure to revive Mahidikkooththu.

Folk Traditions and Cultural Elements in the Kamba Ramayanam

2026-07-30T07:10:32+00:00

Although Kambar composed the Kamba Ramayanam as a classical Tamil epic, he skillfully incorporated numerous elements of Tamil folklore that were deeply rooted in the everyday lives of the people. By integrating indigenous traditions into the epic narrative, Kambar successfully adapted the Ramayana to the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu, enriching it with the customs, beliefs, and artistic expressions of Tamil society. As a result, the Kamba Ramayanam stands not only as a literary masterpiece but also as a valuable repository of Tamil folk culture. Folklore embraces a wide range of cultural expressions, among which music occupies a prominent place. Musical traditions vary across regions and communities, reflecting the diversity of local customs and social practices. Folk songs, though often appreciated for their aesthetic and recreational value, also serve as important cultural expressions that communicate the shared emotions, beliefs, aspirations, and collective experiences of a community. They preserve traditional knowledge and strengthen cultural identity through oral transmission across generations. The Kamba Ramayanam contains numerous references to folkloric traditions, including popular beliefs, rituals, occupational practices, games, musical instruments, dances, and other aspects of rural life. These elements vividly portray the cultural values and social life of the Tamil people while demonstrating Kambar's deep understanding of indigenous traditions. By weaving these folk motifs into a classical epic, he created a work that resonates with both literary sophistication and cultural authenticity. This article examines the folkloric elements reflected in the Kamba Ramayanam, analyzing how Kambar incorporates Tamil folk traditions into the epic narrative. The study highlights the significance of these elements in preserving Tamil cultural heritage and illustrates how the Kamba Ramayanam serves as a bridge between classical literary tradition and the living folk culture of the Tamil people.