This lesson introduces to you the poems from sangam literature composed under Mullai Thinai. The three types of subject called mutharporul, karupporul, uripporul related to Mullai Thinai are explained. Lifestyles and characteristics of people belonging to Mullai Nilam are described. Imagery, analogy and word-usage in these poems are also highlighted.

    The first of the five central units deals with the distinction between internal and external behaviour of humans called Agathinai and Purathinai. Living in forests and their anvirours called Mullai Nilam. The second unit brings out the place and time as Mutharporul, the living beings and their lifestyles as Karupporul and the wait for the return of the lover from war or work as uripporul. The third unit illustrates the three types of the subjects of Mullai Thinai paadalkal from works like Kurunthokai, Mullaippaattu, Nattinai, Ayinkirunooru, Kalithogai and Aganaanooru. The fourth unit describes the heroic deeds like taming the bull, the worship of horns of female buffalo, the rearing of cattle like buffalo, cow and sheep, the asking for good words by praying to God and the participation of women in royal camps. The fifth unit illustrates imagery from Aganaanooru, Word-usage from Nattinai and Kalithogai, similes from Mullaipattu and Aganaanooru, and metaphors from Nattinai.

    On learning this lesson you will appreciate the Tamil people's behaviour pertaining to forests and their environs. You will also enjoy the literary aspects of sangam poems. Tamil Poetiss analyse the themes of poems and their basis for the choice of forms, and function of literature.