பதினெண் கீழ்க்கணக்கு அக நூல்களில் தமிழர் கலாச்சாரம் / Tamil Culture in the Pathinen Keelkanakku Agam Books

India is the only country in the world that continues to uphold its cultural heritage and traditions from the past to this day. This is why the world admires India due to its rich cultural roots. Among the Indian states, the people of the Tamil region have excelled in preserving and practising their cultural traditions. A major factor contributing to this cultural continuity is Tamil literature. Sangam Tamil poets created literary works that introduced the world to Tamil culture and values. Sangam texts provide a vivid portrayal of the lives, customs and traditions of the ancient Tamil people. Sangam literature is categorized into “Ettuthokai” and “Pathuppattu”, with the “Pathinen Keelkanakku” (Eighteen Minor Literary Works) playing a significant role in preserving Tamil cultural heritage. Besides, Sangam literature is broadly classified into Aga Thinai (love-related life) and Purathinai (external/social life). The Aga Thinai literature, which includes “Natrinai”, “Kurunthogai”, “Agananooru”, “Ainkurunooru”, and “Kalithogai”, is rich in cultural references to family life, social customs, beliefs and traditions. Very similar to “Pathuppattu” and “Ettuthokai”, the Pathinen Keelkanakku Aganoolgal provide a valuable appreciation of Tamil culture. These works capture the gradual evolution of Tamil civilization and help to understand the ancient Tamil life. These works provide knowledge about moral values, social structures, marriage customs, religious worship, festivals like Karthigai Deepam, ritualistic dances like Velan Veriyaadal, Madal Eruthal (love expressions through public declaration), governance, traditions, and beliefs of ancient Tamils. This research paper aims to analyze the cultural aspects found in the Pathinen Keelkanakku Aganoolgal and focuses on works such as “Kar Narpathu”, “Ainthinai Aimbathu”, “Thinaimozhi Aimbathu”, “Ainthinai Ezhubathu”, “Thinaimaalai Nootraimbathu”, and “Kainnilai” along with related scholarly works.