சங்க கால மக்கள் வாழ்வியலில் வேம்பு

Neem in the life of Sangam period people

Abstract

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) occupied a significant place in the lifestyle and cultural practices of the Sangam people. The people of the Sangam age possessed extensive knowledge of the characteristics and benefits of the neem tree and integrated its various parts, including its fruits, leaves, flowers, and bark, into their daily lives. Sangam literary sources reveal that neem trees served multiple functions, such as providing shade, acting as protective or guardian trees, and contributing to the well-being of communities. The Sangam people recognized the medicinal and antimicrobial properties of neem and cultivated it around their homes and settlements to promote a healthy and disease-free environment. References found in Sangam literature demonstrate not only the indispensable role of the neem tree in their social and cultural life but also their advanced understanding of botanical knowledge and traditional healthcare practices. These literary evidences highlight that the principles of herbal medicine, widely appreciated in contemporary times, were already well understood and practiced by the ancient Tamils. Thus, the study of neem-related references in Sangam literature reflects the ecological awareness, indigenous scientific knowledge, and refined cultural values of early Tamil society.