குறிஞ்சி நிலவியல்

Abstract

Kurinji refers to the mountainous region and the areas surrounding the hills. This landscape is distinguished from other geographical regions by its cool climatic conditions, rich vegetation, and diverse wildlife. Mountains possess several distinct physical features. Sangam literature employs various terms such as Malai (mountain), Saaral (mountain slope), Ad ukkam (mountain range or elevated terrain), Muzhainju (cave), Kallagam (rocky terrain), and Varai (hill or mountain). Each of these terms conveys a different meaning and describes a particular feature of the mountainous landscape. Literary works explain how the people living in the Kurinji region utilized the mountains according to their lifestyle and needs. They made effective use of naturally available plants, various components of the mountains, and mountain slopes for their livelihood. In addition to utilizing resources obtained directly from nature, they learned to use waterfalls and practise shifting cultivation by clearing forests on the mountain slopes. In particular, the Kurinji landscape, which is traditionally considered the region where early humans first emerged, reflects several intricate aspects of human life, cultural practices, and ecological adaptation. Thus, Kurinji represents a distinctive geographical and cultural landscape in Sangam literature.

Keywords: Thinai, Malai, kurinji, Vavai, Muzhainju, Vazhkkai