Communication in Purananuru

Abstract

Communication through literature has been growing from time to time. Communication developed among people by sharing information. Communication is a flexible form of imparting or exchanging an information. It is the process of exchanging ideas between both sender and receiver. These kinds of exchanging or sharing an information is very famous in Purananuru. Through Purananuru we can notice that messages, thoughts, emotions and skills of a person can be known through symbols, speech, writings, images, numbers, maps, and messengers. Since prehistoric times, man has been living a communal life by exchanging messages through various types of communication tools. Before language appeared, man communicated through body movements and signs. Man expressed his views verbally. He learned the concepts through symbols. In particular, he conveyed the message through symbols such as trumpets, fire, smoke and arrows. Among the 10 musical organs, there was a musical instrument called drum in the Sangam period. Ancient Tamils used to convey good news through musical instruments such as in festivals, weddings and in battlefield invasions. The king announces the news to the people by using a musical instrumental called Drum. King exchanges the news from one country to another through messengers, spies and sages. Ottadal is the 59th chapter in Thirukkural and in this chapter Thiruvalluvar clearly shows up the excellence of Spies. Ancient Tamil people used nearby objects as communication devices to know various messages from kings and poets. They lived by receiving and giving opinions through various languages. Therefore, the communication ideas are specified, classified and explained in Purananuru.