Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Kurinji refers to the mountainous region and the areas surrounding the hills. This landscape is distinguished from other geographical regions by its cool climatic conditions, rich vegetation, and diverse wildlife. Mountains possess several distinct physical features. Sangam literature employs various terms such as Malai (mountain), Saaral (mountain slope), Ad ukkam (mountain range or elevated terrain), Muzhainju (cave), Kallagam (rocky terrain), and Varai (hill or mountain). Each of these terms conveys a different meaning and describes a particular feature of the mountainous landscape. Literary works explain how the people living in the Kurinji region utilized the mountains according to their lifestyle and needs. They made effective use of naturally available plants, various components of the mountains, and mountain slopes for their livelihood. In addition to utilizing resources obtained directly from nature, they learned to use waterfalls and practise shifting cultivation by clearing forests on the mountain slopes. In particular, the Kurinji landscape, which is traditionally considered the region where early humans first emerged, reflects several intricate aspects of human life, cultural practices, and ecological adaptation. Thus, Kurinji represents a distinctive geographical and cultural landscape in Sangam literature.
Authors: பெ. அடைக்காத்தாள், முனைவர் கதி. முருகேசன்
Institution: Bharathidasan University
Language: English
Subfield: Architecture
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225606385