Traditional Food and Agriculture of the People of Kurinji Land

The best of world literature is our Sangam literature. Sangam literature has portrayed the lifestyle of the Tamil people who lived two thousand years ago. Apart from that, they also beautifully describe the culture, customs and basic needs of the people. Man first lived a nomadic life by eating natural food. Food was the first thing in man's search. As a result, fruits, vegetables, leaves, tubers, honey, and meat are eaten as natural food. Then, he developed the state of knowledge of living in a place. On the basis of location, the Tamil kings and poets have divided the land into Kurinchi, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal and Palai. The lifestyle of the people of the five lands has different needs like food, clothing and accommodation. Among the five lands, Kurinji Nilam is a hilly place. The deity of this land is the Tamil God Murugan (Seyon). Although the people of Kurinji land used to eat naturally available food, the demand for food increased and they decided to produce food. They discovered agriculture. They raised many crops to overcome food scarcity. Kurinji people have harvested various types of crops like millet, sorghum, gram, and through ploughing. The people of Kurinji land cultivated food crops by weeding the hilly terrain. Hence, this article studies the agricultural methods and food of Kurinji people.