தமிழ் அற இலக்கியங்களின் பன்முகத்தன்மை மற்றும் வாழ்வியல் விழுமியங்கள்: ஒரு வரலாற்று ரீதியான மற்றும் சமூகவியல் ஆய்வு

The Diversity of Tamil Didactic Literature and Life Values: A Historical and Sociological Study

Abstract

The dawn of life on Earth began with the emergence of the first living organisms, yet it is modern man—positioned at the biological pinnacle—who has sought to analytically decode the essence of existence. This scrutiny led to the categorization of life into three fundamental pillars: Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Pleasure). Central to this philosophy is the primacy of Aram, reflecting the belief that the true attainment of material well-being and emotional joy is only possible when built upon a foundation of righteousness. Within the Pathinen Kilkanakku, the eighteen didactic masterpieces of the post-Sangam era, eleven specific works serve as profound treatises on moral conduct: the Thirukkural, Naladiyar, Nanmanikkadigai, Inna Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu, Thirikadugam, Elathi, Mudumozhikkanchi, Acharakkovai, Pazhamozhi, and Sirupanchamoolam. By drawing upon this rich literary heritage, we can explore the timeless ethical principles that remain essential for navigating a meaningful and principled life.