Akam and Puram

Akam and Puram are traditional Tamil literary classifications that categorize poetry and narratives. Akam refers to love-themed poetry that explores inner emotions, personal relationships, and personal experiences. Puram encompasses overtly heroic, social, and moral themes, focusing on external events, valor, and societal issues. Think of Akam as introspective, intimate storytelling about personal feelings, while Puram is more about public achievements, collective identity, and heroic deeds. Both forms are integral to Tamil literature, offering a balanced view of individual emotions and societal values.