The fish in Tamil culture

Abstract

The fish has played its own part in the history and culture of the Tamil country from very early times. We come across copious references to fish and fishermen in ancient Sangam classics. According to Tamil tradition the land is divided into five classes as Kurinji (mountaneous region), Mullai (forest region), Marudam (cultivable lands), Neidal (littoral region) and Palai (desert region). References to neidal in Sangam classics almost invariably contain descriptions of marine animals and the life of fishermen. According to " Tolkappiyam." Varuna is said to be the presiding deity of neidal