The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature - Religious Treatise

Religious Treatise

The influence of Vedic religion was marked in the religious life of the people in the south. The followers of Veda often entered into dispute with rival religions like Buddhism and Jainism. Hinduism was prevalent during the 1st century CE followed by Buddhism in the next three centuries and finally Jainism taking prominence during the 5th-6th centuries CE. This is well illustrated in the non-religious work of Silappatikaram written during the 1st century CE followed by Buddhist work of Manimegalai and the Jain work of Civaka Cintamani. The joyous life portrayed in Sangam literature is replaced by sombre life depicted in Manimegalai. It also depcits punishments to the persons, who knowing the inevitability of death indulge in crimes and carnal pleasures.