Music and Its Connection with Living Beings in Sangam Literature

சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் இசையும் உயிரினத் தொடர்பும்

Abstract

Ancient Tamil music is one of the oldest traditional treasures of the Tamil people. Music is an organized, regulated form of beautiful sound. In classical Tamil, it is called nādam. The term music (isai) literally means “to place sound.” Music is a subtle art that connects humans and other living beings through sound. All living creatures are encompassed within music. Even today, science recognizes music as a therapeutic tool. It is said that music can help treat conditions ranging from high blood pressure to neurological disorders. The neurons in the brain respond to electrical impulses generated by music, which correspond to the electrical impulses within the body’s biofield. These interactions bring about physiological and psychological changes—this is what we call music. In contemporary times, when musical instruments are played, even decorated horses in wedding processions appear to move rhythmically, snakes that do not normally hear the music sway their heads, and humans cannot restrain their emotions and dance involuntarily (sāmiyāṭuthal). This article aims to explain the connection between music and living beings, using examples from several Sangam poems to illustrate these phenomena.