Men's love during Thiruvalluvar period (3rd century AD)

Thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar, the celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher, wrote extensively on various aspects of life, including love. One of his most famous works is the "Thirukkural," a collection of 1,330 couplets that cover a wide range of topics, including love and relationships.

Here are some of Thiruvalluvar's most beautiful verses on love:

"Love is the only wealth that can never be spent." (Kural 109)

"True love is never a burden, but a joy that lightens the heart." (Kural 995)

"Love that is pure and selfless is the highest form of love." (Kural 203)

"The love that is given without any expectation of return is the purest form of love." (Kural 107)

"True love is like a tree that grows stronger with time and withstands all storms." (Kural 959)

"Love that is based on physical attraction alone is like a flower that withers quickly." (Kural 973)

"The greatest gift one can give to another is the gift of love." (Kural 1072)

"Love is not just an emotion, but a powerful force that can conquer all obstacles." (Kural 974)

"True love is never selfish or possessive, but always giving and forgiving." (Kural 968)

"The true measure of love is not how much we receive, but how much we give." (Kural 962)

Conclusion

Thiruvalluvar's verses on love emphasize the importance of selflessness, purity, and devotion in love. They teach us that true love is not just a fleeting emotion, but a force that can bring lasting joy and fulfillment to our lives.

Whats the sangam Period?

The Sangam period in Tamil Nadu, which lasted from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, was a time of great cultural and literary development in the region. The Sangam literature, consisting of poems and texts, provides insight into the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the time, including the status and roles of women.

On Leterature women

In the Sangam literature, women are depicted as having agency and independence in matters of love and romance. They are portrayed as active participants in romantic relationships, expressing their desires and pursuing their interests. Love is often depicted as a mutual and consensual relationship between two individuals.

Women in the Sangam period were also portrayed as having a high degree of emotional intelligence and awareness. They were seen as perceptive and sensitive to the emotions and desires of their partners, and were capable of expressing their own emotions through poetry and other forms of creative expression.

However, it is important to note that the Sangam literature reflects the views and experiences of a specific segment of Tamil society at the time, namely the upper classes and elites. It is likely that the experiences of women from lower classes and castes were different and not as well documented.

Overall, the Sangam period provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and experiences of women in ancient Tamil Nadu, and their agency and autonomy in matters of love and relationships.

Women and relationships in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, like many other cultures, women often place a significant emphasis on relationships in their lives. Family and community connections are highly valued and are considered essential for a woman's social, emotional, and economic well-being.

For example, in traditional Tamil Nadu society, arranged marriages were prevalent, and the family played a central role in selecting a suitable partner for their daughter. Even today, many families still consider arranged marriages as the preferred way to find a spouse for their daughters.

In Tamil Nadu, it's also common for women to live with their parents until marriage or until they move to their husband's home. Family support is crucial, especially during difficult times, such as during illness, childbirth, or other life events.

Moreover, in Tamil Nadu, women often rely on their relationships with their husband, in-laws, and extended family for emotional and social support. A woman's role in the family is often defined by her relationships, and maintaining harmonious relationships with family members is considered essential.

In conclusion, relationships play a critical role in the lives of women in Tamil Nadu, both within the family and the broader community. Women's emotional, social, and economic well-being is closely linked to their relationships, and maintaining strong connections with family members is often highly valued.