சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் மகளிர் விளையாட்டுகள்

Abstract

Sangam literature provides invaluable insight into the social structures, cultural ethos, and recreational practices of ancient Tamil society. Within this corpus, poetry frequently documents the varied games and pastimes pursued by women. This study examines these activities and analyzes their socio-cultural significance.

The research highlights key pastimes, including ball games (Pandu), doll play (Pavaikkuthu), aquatic games, maritime activities, crab-chasing (Alavanattam), and building sandcastles (Cirril). Far from being mere entertainment, these pursuits fostered female camaraderie, social interaction, and emotional expression across age groups. Ball and doll games reflect peer bonding among adolescent girls, while water sports-frequently set in agrarian Marutham settings-mirror emotional nuances tied to romantic narratives. Similarly, seaside games in the littoral Neithal landscape highlight creative expression through sand sculptures adorned with floral garlands. Moreover, Cirril and Alavanattam illustrate youthful spontaneity and connection with coastal biodiversity. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that recreational games were not marginal activities, but an essential dimension of women’s everyday lives, emotional well-being, and social agency in classical Tamil culture.

Keywords

• Sangam Literature
• Women’s Games
• Recreation
• Tamil Culture
• Social Life
• Ancient Tamil Society