Social Life Depicted in Kalithokai

கலித்தொகை காட்டும் சமுதாய வாழ்வு

Abstract

Human beings live in integration with society. They evolve and adapt according to the respective time periods. The people living during the Sangam period are shown in Sangam literature to have lived by following certain customs and traditions. Literature preserves numerous social realities. Literary works contribute significantly to social change.

Among literature, the Akam genre (interior or love poetry) represents an ideal social framework. Based on this background, this article explains the social life as described in Kalithokai.

Kalithokai, part of the Sangam literature and one of the Eight Anthologies, vividly portrays social conduct, moral values, and the lifestyle of people. The poems highlight values such as altruism, love, loyalty, learning, and social honor. Kalithokai reflects people’s codes for a good life and their connection with the environment and cultural norms.