சங்ககால மகளிரின் வீர மரபுகள்

The Heroic Traditions of Women in the Sangam Period

Abstract

The social structure of the Sangam period is divided based on two emotions, ‘akam’ (inner life) and ‘puram’ (outer life), and the life associated with these emotions has been depicted in their literature. The separation and sorrow experienced in the inner life, which revolves around love and desire, are categorized as ‘akam’. Earning wealth, protecting wealth, and fighting among tribal groups for wealth are considered ‘puram’. This fighting evolved into warfare over time. As far as Tamil society is concerned, they were accustomed to celebrating wars for ages. This is confirmed by Tolkappiyam and Sangam literature. Here, the pride associated with war is primarily attributed to men. The role of women in war is limited to instilling a sense of heroism in their male children.