Indian Journal of Tamil

A Feminist Reading of S. Ramakrishnan's Uru Pasi

Vijayalakshmi T — 2026-08-05

Feminism is a socio-political and intellectual movement concerned with achieving liberation, equality, dignity, and equal rights for women. Applying feminist political concepts directly to fictional literature, however, can be complex. A feminist approach to literature therefore examines the factors through which freedom and equality are denied to female characters, as well as the ways in which women are represented by the author within the fictional world. Feminist literary criticism analyzes female characters, events, dialogues, relationships, and the thoughts and experiences presented in a literary work. Through these textual elements, it is possible to interpret the author's attitudes toward women and to identify the gender ideologies embedded within the narrative. Feminist criticism not only questions the author and the social structures represented through the literary work but also examines how women are constructed in literary and artistic texts—as subordinate members of society, as objects of consumption, or as autonomous individuals with agency and identity. Such an approach can contribute to feminist awareness and the pursuit of gender equality while also providing a foundation for the further development of feminist literary theory. It enables readers to identify implicit gender hierarchies and examine the social, cultural, and ideological forces that shape representations of women in fiction. This study critically examines Uru Pasi, a novel by S. Ramakrishnan (S. Ra.), a prominent contemporary Tamil writer and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, from a feminist perspective. Through an analysis of its female characters, narrative events, dialogues, relationships, and representations of women's thoughts and experiences, the article seeks to identify the author's ideological position concerning women and gender relations. The study further explores the extent to which the novel challenges or reproduces patriarchal structures and evaluates its significance within the broader framework of contemporary Tamil feminist literary criticism.

Rational Thought and Social Reform in the Poetry of Pampatti Siddhar

Chandrasekar V — 2026-08-07

Tamil Siddha literature represents not only spiritual experiences and philosophical insights but also a critical engagement with social inequalities, caste divisions, religious differences, superstitions, ritualistic practices, and institutional religious authority prevalent in society. In this context, the songs of Pampatti Siddhar constitute a significant body of thought concerning social reform, rationalism, equality, religious criticism, opposition to caste discrimination, and inner enlightenment. The voice raised against caste divisions promotes the principle of social equality, while the criticism of religious distinctions emphasizes human unity and fraternity. The songs that question the unquestioned authority of the Vedas, Sastras, and Agamas advocate intellectual freedom and rational inquiry. Similarly, the verses that question the perceived power or consciousness attributed to stone idols prioritize human awareness and understanding over external ritual practices. His criticism of false religious practices and pseudo-spiritual teachers further emphasizes that genuine religion should be founded upon ethical conduct and moral values rather than empty ritualism or exploitation. Thus, the thought of Pampatti Siddhar brings together opposition to caste discrimination, rejection of religious divisions, criticism of ritualism, rational inquiry, intellectual freedom, and ethical living as interconnected principles of social reform. His songs challenge established social and religious hierarchies while encouraging individuals to cultivate independent thought, moral awareness, and human dignity. This article examines the rationalist and social reformist ideas expressed in the songs of Pampatti Siddhar. It analyzes his perspectives on caste, religion, ritual practices, superstition, intellectual freedom, and ethical values, demonstrating how his poetry advances a human-centred vision of social equality and reform. The study highlights the continuing relevance of his ideas in discussions of rationalism, social justice, equality, and progressive thought.

Emotional Intelligence and Life Ethics of the Hero in the Akam Tradition

Gayathri A — 2026-08-10

Sangam literature, regarded as a cultural repository of Tamil life and thought, broadly classifies human experience into the two domains of akam (inner life) and puram (public life). Within the tradition of akam poetry, the hero (thalaivan) is portrayed not merely as a lover or head of a household, but as an ideal individual who harmoniously balances the three fundamental objectives of life—virtue (aram), material prosperity (porul), and love/pleasure (inbam). One of the distinctive characteristics attributed to the hero is his profound capacity for love and his emotional sensitivity toward separation from the heroine (thalaivi). At the same time, he is expected to fulfill his responsibilities toward his family and society. While earning wealth, protecting his community or kingdom, and performing his social duties, he is also required to participate actively in domestic life with the heroine. Hospitality, caring for relatives, supporting dependants, and giving generously to those experiencing poverty are presented as important dimensions of his domestic ethical responsibilities. The hero's ability to understand, regulate, and balance his emotions while fulfilling social and familial responsibilities can be interpreted through the modern concept of emotional intelligence. His conduct demonstrates emotional awareness, self-control, empathy, responsibility, and the ability to maintain harmonious relationships. Rather than abandoning love for duty or duty for love, he seeks to integrate both dimensions of life within an ethical framework. This article examines the emotional intelligence and life ethics of the hero in the akam tradition, focusing on his emotional responses, interpersonal relationships, sense of duty, domestic responsibilities, hospitality, generosity, and social obligations. The study argues that the balanced character of the Sangam hero represents an important dimension of ancient Tamil ethical thought, in which emotional maturity, love, responsibility, and social welfare are integrated into an ideal model of human life.

Human Values in Erode Tamilanban's Vanakkam Valluva!: A Study

Karthikeyan R — 2026-08-12

In the tradition of Tamil literature, the Thirukkural stands as a distinguished work that guides human life through the principles of virtue and ethical conduct. Transcending the boundaries of time, it has been widely accepted across cultures and provides ethical guidance for virtually every dimension of human existence. The thoughts of Thiruvalluvar transcend the boundaries of caste, religion, language, ethnicity, and nation, elevating the Thirukkural into a universal ethical text for humanity. Consequently, it occupies a distinctive position among the world's great humanistic literary works. Erode Tamilanban's Vanakkam Valluva! is a modern reinterpretation of Thiruvalluvar's humanistic ideas from the perspective of contemporary society. Rather than portraying Valluvar merely as an author of moral teachings, Tamilanban presents him as a champion of human liberation, a voice for social justice, a pioneer of egalitarian thought, and a symbol of universal humanity. Through poetic reinterpretation, Valluvar is transformed from a historical literary figure into a living thinker whose ideas engage directly with the social problems and challenges of the contemporary world. The poems in Vanakkam Valluva! foreground values such as human dignity, equality, social justice, freedom, compassion, and universal brotherhood. By placing Valluvar's ethical vision in dialogue with modern social realities, Tamilanban demonstrates the continuing relevance of the Thirukkural to contemporary human life. His poetry therefore functions as both a tribute to Valluvar and a critical re-reading of classical Tamil ethical thought. This article examines the humanistic values expressed in Erode Tamilanban's Vanakkam Valluva! and analyzes how the poet reinterprets Valluvar's ethical and social philosophy through a modern human-centred perspective. The study highlights the work's emphasis on equality, social responsibility, justice, and human dignity, demonstrating that humanism forms the central ideological foundation of Tamilanban's poetic engagement with Thiruvalluvar.

Humanistic Thought in the Songs of Agathiyar

Murugan N — 2026-08-13

Siddha literature occupies a distinctive position in the history of Tamil literature, characterized by its unique philosophical, spiritual, and socially conscious perspectives. The Siddhars expressed their life experiences, spiritual quests, philosophical realizations, and social concerns through poems composed in simple and accessible Tamil. Their works do not merely emphasize devotion or faith in the divine; they also explore diverse dimensions of human existence, including the nature of life, the relationship between the body and the soul, ethical conduct, social relationships, equality, rational thought, and opposition to superstition. Agathiyar, one of the prominent figures associated with the Siddha literary tradition, presents profound reflections on human life and social values through his songs. His poetic expressions emphasize compassion, moral responsibility, self-awareness, equality, and the importance of righteous conduct. At the same time, his works question social discrimination, irrational beliefs, and practices that undermine human dignity. The humanistic dimension of Agathiyar's songs can therefore be understood through their emphasis on the dignity of human life, ethical consciousness, social harmony, and intellectual awareness. His teachings encourage individuals to transcend external distinctions and recognize the essential value of humanity. In this sense, Siddha poetry becomes not merely a form of spiritual literature but also a vehicle for social criticism and ethical transformation. This article examines the humanistic ideas expressed in the songs of Agathiyar, focusing on themes such as compassion, equality, ethical living, social relationships, rationality, and the rejection of superstition. The study highlights how Agathiyar's Siddha poetry combines spiritual insight with social consciousness and demonstrates its continuing relevance to humanistic thought and the pursuit of a more equitable society.