Economic Condition and Hospitality Customs of the Cheroor Kings

சீறூர் மன்னர்களின் பொருளாதாரநிலையும் விருந்தோம்பல் பண்பும்

Abstract

Sangam literature serves as evidence of the civilization, culture, and customs that constituted the lifestyle of ancient Tamils. The Sangam period was marked by various social changes. Amidst these changes, the literature highlights the lives of people and those in leadership positions in the diverse societies. The clan society structure was disrupted and transformed into a ruling king society, as clearly understood through Sangam literature. Based on chronological analysis of Porunaanuru data, the Cheroor king period is defined roughly from 160 BCE to 200 CE. This period corresponds to the Sangam era of kingly rule and is noteworthy in this context. Based on this, it is seen that the Cheroor king society continued through the growth of kingship and local chieftains. Therefore, clan society and landholding society—that is Cheroor kings, local chieftains, and kings—existed simultaneously according to scholar P. Maathaiyan. This article investigates how the economic condition and hospitality customs of the Cheroor kings are described in Porunaanuru."