சங்க காலத்தில் மன்னர்களின் கடமைகளும் செங்கோல் ஆட்சியும்: ஓர் விரிவான இலக்கிய-வரலாற்று ஆய்வு

Kings' Duties and Righteous Governance in the Sangam Age: A Comprehensive Literary-Historical Study

Abstract

Kings played an important role in the political, social, and economic life of Sangam-age Tamil Nadu. A king was not only a ruler but also a protector of the people and a promoter of their welfare. Sangam literature provides valuable information about the duties and good governance practices of the kings. The main duty of a king was to protect the country and its people from enemies, theft, violence, and natural disasters. Forts such as wall forts, land forts, water forts, forest forts, and hill forts were used for the safety of the kingdom. Kings also took steps to improve the livelihood of the people by developing water resources, constructing ponds and wells, and encouraging agriculture. Kings collected taxes and customs duties in a reasonable manner and used the revenue for the welfare of the people. They followed a moderate taxation system without causing hardship to the public. Thus, Sangam-age kings focused on justice, protection, public welfare, agriculture, and economic development. This system of fair and just administration was known as “Sengol Rule” (Just Rule). Sangam literature clearly reflects the kings’ responsibility towards their people and their principles of good governance.