Astronomy in Sangam Literature

Abstract

Science has been one of the fields that has given rise to new forms of discoveries from ancient times to the present day. Astronomy is a component of humanity’s scientific endeavors. The advancement of astronomy has progressed to the point of potentially transforming humans into extraterrestrial beings. The impact of scientific development on individuals is increasing day by day. Modern science has realized the dreams envisioned by the ancient Tamils. It was the Tamils who, as scientific experts, named the days of the week after the nine planets. Even in times when information technology and science were not developed, the Tamils possessed the distinction of having excellent scientific thinking and sophisticated artistic knowledge. Although these pursuits belong to all living beings in the world, they have been systematized and improved by humans and are called science. The purpose of this article is to examine, through Sangam literature, the fact that the ancient Tamils keenly observed and described astronomical events and changes.