Tamil Epics (Silappatikāram and Maṇimēkalai) as Cultural and Political Texts: Law, Justice, Religion, and Urban Life in Early Tamil Society

Abstract

Purpose: The Tamil epics Silappatikaram and Maṇimēkalai are literary masterpieces. They also have an immense cultural and political significance. They achieved this status by giving considerable information about social and cultural life, legal systems, ethics, and pluralistic religious practices in urban Tamil societies of the time. They were written from the 2nd to the 6th century CE. In this paper, it is focussed on defining the epics from the perspectives of the social order and the urban civilization of Tamil society, the justice and governance systems, and the civil and moral systems.

Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper.

Analysis/ Results: Through the tragic story of Kannagi, the epic Silappatikaram and injustices done to women in society, the author, Ilango Adigal, also brings to the forefront the issues of justice, governance, and the moral responsibility of the king. Silappatikaram criticizes the exercise of arbitrary power. It also gives credence to the rule of law and justice as opposed to the king’s law. Maṇimēkalai, and the author Sīthalai Sāttanār, also brings in the Buddhist ethical doctrine of social compassion and the renunciation of the world, and the positive discourse of social harmony from non-violence and the welfare of all.

Originality/ Values: This study examines the intersection of law, religion, and urban institutions in these epics and their influence on the construction of civic imaginaries. Puhār, Madurai, and Kanchi emerge as dynamic cities/ polities of commerce, politics, religion, and social integration/ intermingling. The Tamil epics, the author suggests, serve as the first literary/ imaginative critiques of justice and civic morality. In the end, Silappatikāram and Maṇimēkalai are placed as pivotal works for the commencement of the political thinking and cultural identity of the Tamils.

Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.