Ethics in Tirukkuṟaḷ and Ācārakkōvai

The present study, comprising three essays, attempts to highlight the cultural aspects of ancient Tamils and Vedic codes and conducts illustrated respectively in Tirukkuraļ and Ācārakkōvai, the didactic works of post-Sangam period (c. 250-600 CE). The first essay titled, "Virtues in Tirukkural and Other Tamil Didactic Works - A Bird's Eye View" discusses in detail some major virtues and some evil deeds stated in Tirukkural, Nāladiyār, Palamoli Nānūru, Ācārakkōvai, Cirupañcamūlam, etc. The second essay titled, "Familiar Terms and Unfamiliar Connotations: Cultural Overtones in Tirukkuraļ" deliberates thoroughly on certain unique recurring Tamil terms of cultural significance such as cānrōn (noble man), nōkku (sight of love), natpu (love, i.e., the sexual friendship), virundu (novelty), nanri (good deed), and nārram (fragrance) as rendered in classical Sangam literary works and Tirukkural. The third essay titled, "Sleeping to Salvation: Vedic Codes and Practices" intensely discourses on the Brāhmaņic injunctions pronounced in the didactic text Ācārakkōvai. It poignantly deliberates on all codes and conducts-that one needs to follow sincerely in his/her inner (home) and outer (public) spheres - as prescribed by the poet Kayattūr Peruvāyin Muļļiyār.