நற்றிணையில் பெண்கள்: சங்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகத்தில் பெண்ணின் நிலை, சமூகப் பங்களிப்பு மற்றும் உளவியல் - ஓர் விரிவான ஆய்வு: Women in Natrinai: Woman’s Status, Social Contribution, and Psychology in Sangam Tamil Society – A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Natrinai, the foremost among the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) texts, is a rare literary treasure that delicately and realistically portrays the inner life (Akam) of Sangam Tamils. This study aims to examine the status of women in Sangam Tamil society, the social constraints they faced, their contributions to family and society, and their psychological struggles.

Against the backdrop of feminist theories, the characterizations of female figures depicted in Natrinai—such as the Heroine (Thalaivi), the Companion (Thozhi), the Biological Mother (Natray), the Foster Mother (Sevilithay), and the Courtesan (Parathai)—are analyzed in detail.

Specifically, this paper explores moments of elopement (Udanpokku) marking the transition from childhood to married life (Song 179), elements of ecofeminism (Song 172), and the differing perspectives between male and female poets in depicting bodily aesthetics. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that Sangam women were not merely family members, but personalities endowed with autonomy and mental resilience.

Keywords

• Sangam Literature
• Natrinai
• Akathinai
• Feminism
• Udanpokku (Elopement)
• Ecofeminism
• Tholkappiyam
• Social Morality