நாலடியாரில் புல்லினங்கள்: Bird Species in Naladiyar

Abstract

Naladiyar, classified among the texts on ethics (Aranoolgal), stands as a timeless document. It is revered for its profound ethical insights, which are presented through a well-defined literary structure that aligns with scientific principles. The text exemplifies an intrinsic blend of ethics and science. Ancient Tamils lived in harmony with nature; in their literature, poets frequently employed the flora they observed as similes and metaphors to convey their ideas. These poetic techniques serve as compelling evidence of the ancient Tamils' botanical knowledge. Botanists classify plants based on their growth habits—categorizing them as grasses, shrubs, creepers, trees, or flowering plants. Naladiyar elucidates the characteristics and habitats of grass species—which hold a primary place among these growth forms—offering explanations grounded in scientific reasoning. Furthermore, this research paper examines the scientific names, classifications, and medicinal uses of these grass species as presented in Naladiyar.