Astronomy in Life-Oriented Tamil Literature

வாழ்வியல் இலக்கியங்களில் வானவியல்

Abstract

Tamil literary works not only reflect the way of life of the Tamils but also serve as a remarkable medium for expressing scientific thought. From the atomic to the cosmic scale, Tamil poets documented observations and knowledge that contributed to the development of scientific and technological understanding. This article focuses on astronomical references found in two classical Tamil literary works: Purananuru and Paripaadal. These texts provide insights into how early Tamils conceptualized the cosmos, celestial phenomena, and their connection to human life, illustrating the integration of scientific awareness within literature. By analyzing these astronomical references, the study highlights how Tamil literature historically bridged the gap between life, natural phenomena, and scientific inquiry.