மருதத்திணைப் பாடல்களில் நாட்டுப்புறக் கூறுகள்

Abstract

The Tinai framework formulated by Tolkappiyar to analyze the Akam (inner/emotional) and Puram (outer/public) lifestyles of ancient Tamils remains timeless. Among the five landscape classifications, Marutham comprising agricultural fields and their surrounding areas stood out for its unique significance; endowed with fertile land and abundant water resources, it played a pivotal role in food production through agriculture. Based on practices followed by human society, rural occupations associated with the Marutham landscape such as farming, transplanting, and sowingare described in detail. The Marutham songs establish that by examining the rituals, beliefs, customs, festivals, Vallai songs, and Koothu performances of the people of the Marutham landscape, it is possible to reveal their folk culture and civilization as distinct identities.

Keywords

• Marutham landscape
• ploughing
• agriculture
• rituals
• beliefs
• folklore elements
• festivals
• deity
• fresh spring sands
• omens
• customs