Purananuru: Legacy Thinking and Philosophical Thoughts

Abstract

Among the languages ​​of India, Tamil has a unique classical quality. From the period of naturalism to the modern period, the way of various literary genres highlights many high thoughts for human life. Thus, in the history of Tamil literature, the period of naturalism, referred to in general terms as the Sangam period, embodies love and war as social values. 18 books like Thokai Ettuthokai) books and Pattu books (Pathupattu) are naturalistic literature. It can be said that the life of the Tamil people through these literatures was based on the five types of land (Thinai) division found in Tamil Nadu. Chola country was mostly Marutham land, Chera country was mostly Kurinji land and Pandya country was Mullai land. Proprietary society and state formation originated in Mullai land. Trading cities were built on weaving. The lifestyle of the people was based on such geographical backgrounds. These were aimed at people's morals. The romantic and heroic emotions inherent in all people were emphasized in the literature of the naturalistic period. The literary tradition of that time was compiled in traditional Tamil grammars such as preface, theme, and epithet. The antecedent acts as the conditions and the theme as the background for the occurrence of the thematic morality. Ethical principles for life were constructed as natural ideals. Among these, religious ideas do not find place as institutionalized religious ideas such as Jainism, Buddhism, Saivism, and Vaishnavism. Tamils ​​who were very involved in natural life, admired the natural qualities of the people. Also, the deities of the five types of land (Murugan, Mayon, Indra, Varuna, Kotravai) and their worship can be found in the literature of the natural age. In this way, natural life can be seen in many places like worship, business practices, relationships etc. In this way, legacy (Kodai) traditional thoughts are found in Purananuru hundred which is one of the thokai texts which are the literature of the naturalistic period. The impermanence of life is highlighted and the gift of giving and helping others in that life and alleviating the poverty of others is highlighted. In this way, the gift of Tamil tradition can be understood from a philosophical point of view.