Generosity of the Ancient Tamils and Human Development

பண்டைத் தமிழர் கொடைப் பண்பும் மானுட மேம்பாடும்

  • E Pachaiyappan Associate Professor, Tamil Department, Vels Higher Institute of Science and Technology (Autonomous University), Chennai
Keywords: Tamil Values and Ethics, Generosity and Benevolence, Human Society, Classical Tamil Literature, Equality and Humanity

Abstract

The Tamils, with their profound understanding of human life, recognized the greatness and truth of human existence, aspiring for a world where all people are united under one roof, and where no one is deprived of necessities. Their values of generosity, love, and social responsibility have been celebrated through literature across ages. Tamil, the language that has set a framework for life itself, carries the ethos of equality and humanity: “All lands belong to all people,” and “Every living being is of the same kin, one God governs all.” These expressions reflect the uniqueness, dignity, and pride of the Tamil people. This study highlights how the generosity and benevolent practices of the ancient Tamils contributed to the flourishing of human society and how these cultural ideals are transmitted and celebrated through classical Tamil literature.

References

Zvelebil, K. V. (1973). The Smile of Murugan: On Tamil Literature of South India. Leiden: E. J. Brill.
Hart, G. L. (1975). Poems of Ancient Tamil: Their Milieu and Their Sanskrit Counterparts. University of California Press.
Pillai, S. (1990). Social and Cultural Values in Sangam Literature. Chennai: Nool Pathippagam.
Subramanian, T. S. (1989). Ethics and Generosity in Ancient Tamil Society: A Literary Study. Chennai: Tamil University Publications.
Mahalingam, T. V. (1975). South Indian Society and Culture: Early Times to AD 1300. Madras: University of Madras Press.
Published
2019-07-01
Section
Articles