Music in Aṟṟupadai Poems

ஆற்றுப்படை நூல்களில் இசை

Abstract

Music (isai) means to harmonize, to cultivate, and to dance. Before the formal emergence of music as a structured art form, sound itself in its refined form was considered music. Music has always been intertwined with our culture and civilization. In Sangam literature, particularly in the Aṟṟupadai poems, there are numerous references to music. Sangam-era kings patronized musicians generously. People composed songs, performed them, and spent their leisure time both enjoyably and meaningfully through music and performance. This article examines how music is integrated into human life as depicted in the Aṟṟupadai poems, highlighting its cultural, social, and aesthetic significance.