பொருள்வயின் பிரிதல்

Despite its simplicity, this song evokes strong emotions about the Tamil way of life. Tamil men going away in search of wealth (பொருள்வயின் பிரிதல்) is a huge part of Tamil lives as far back as recorded history can tell. There are two reasons for this. As a result of their proximity to the Indian Ocean, the Tamils have a long seafaring history. Over 20 Tamil communities are said to have worked in sea trade because seafaring was such a thriving industry. The second reason is that most of the Tamil homeland is dry geographically. Due to this, many men left their hometowns to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Even today, it is said that at least half of the Tamil population is separated from their loved ones in search of wealth.

There are numerous references to this livelihood in ancient Tamil literature.

அருளும் அன்பும் நீக்கி, துணை துறந்து,
பொருள்வயிற் பிரிவோர் உரவோர் ஆயின்,
உரவோர் உரவோர் ஆக!
மடவம் ஆக, மடந்தை, நாமே!

– குறுந்தொகை

Translation- 

If those who leave their loved ones,
forsaking love and affection
in search of wealth, are wise,
let them be wise!
We’ll be idiots, my friend!

–  Kuruntokai

நின்னே போலும் மஞ்ஞை ஆல, நின்
நல் நுதல் நாறும் முல்லை மலர,
நின்னே போல மா மருண்டு நோக்க,
நின்னே உள்ளி வந்தனென்
நல் நுதல் அரிவை! காரினும் விரைந்தே.

- ஐங்குறுநூறு

Translation -

As a peacock dances like you,
As jasmines bloom fragrant
like the scent of your forehead,
As a doe gazes timidly like you,
I rush home thinking of you,
My girl, swifter than a monsoon cloud.

- Ainkurunuru