Agriculture as Illustrated by Thiruvalluvar

வள்ளுவர் காட்டும் வேளாண்மை

Abstract

In Tamil Nadu, the Sangam period produced eighteen works collectively known as the Pathinen Kaanakku (Eighteen Minor Works). These texts are categorized into three divisions: Aram (virtue), Agam (inner life), and Puram (external life). Among them, eleven texts belong to Aram, six to Agam, and one to Puram. Thirukkural is classified under the Aram category, and its author is Thiruvalluvar. The purpose of this article is to explore and understand the agricultural knowledge and references found in Thirukkural. Thiruvalluvar’s observations on farming practices, labor, and the ethics of agriculture provide valuable insight into the agrarian life of ancient Tamil society.