Page:Status of Women in Tamilnadu during the Sangam age .pdf/14

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EDUCATION OF GIRLS The girls of the Sangam age were given a good training in literature, music and drama. The Sangam literature bears ample evidence to the fact that many women had distin- guished themselves in the art of music. The education received by women was different from that imparted to men. Young men were taught the art of warfare, the ambassodorial for assignments, town policing and various professions earning a living. On the other hand the girls were given a good training in domestic science, to use the modern term. Even the mother liked only her educated son. Puranāṇūru says that a king followed the path prescribed by men of wisdom.40 The education imparted to the young men of the Sangam age was well designed to promote their physical health, balanced growth, and to fit them to their married life to follow. The girls got their instructions on the maintenance of their house-hold from their foster-mothers and lady- companions (the daughters of foster-mothers).** The companion sits on the same side of the boat where the lady-love sits; and follows her during her sports in water.** The preliminary instruction, a girl receives from her lady-friend and foster-mother blossoms into a full fledged knowledge in lyal, Isai and Nāṭakam, even before she out- her grows a adolescence. called girl was "Mudukkutaivi." In Cilappatikāram, Kannaki is hailed as a "Mudukkuraivi."** Such More than fifty women have been ranked among the Sangam poets. Outstanding among the poetesses were: Añji Attai Maka! Nakaiyar, Allur Nan Mullaiyar, A di mandiyar, Utṭiyār, Unpittaiyar, Okkür Mäsättiyar, Avvaiyar, Nanṇākaiyar, Kakkaippāṭiniyar, Nachellaiyar, Kāvarpendu, Kuramaka! Ila veyiniyar Nakkaṇṇaiyār, Nettimaiyār,