SCHIZOPHRENIA IN SANGAM ERA – A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
A title in the South pole page of the Times of India, dated April 17th attracted my interest. It was fascinating to note that mental illness was found, recognized even during ancient times. I was immensely pleased to read about the contributions of Late Dr. Ottilingam Somasundaram (1926-2024), a distinguished psychiatrist from Chennai. He published original articles and made significant contributions to the understanding of mental health in the context of Tamil culture and literature. Dr. Somasundaram's dedication to psychiatry and his scholarly work have left a lasting impact on the field. Hope his efforts in bridging the gap between ancient Tamizh medical practices and modern psychiatric understanding continue to inspire researchers and practitioners alike.
Historical perspective
According to ancient texts, the Sangam period stands as a pinnacle of Tamizh literature and culture. This era, marked by the patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai, saw the assembly of poets and scholars in the Sangam academies, leading to the creation of timeless literary works. These texts not only offer insights into the socio-political landscape of ancient Tamizh society but also provide glimpses into the understanding of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia in Ancient Texts
While the term "schizophrenia" is modern, ancient Tamil literature reflects descriptions that align with what we recognize today as schizophrenia. In classical Tamil texts, individuals showing symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking were often depicted as experiencing profound emotional and psychological disturbances. These portrayals suggest an early recognition of mental health issues, even if not classified in the way contemporary psychiatry does.
Cultural Interpretations and Responses
The responses to individuals showing signs of schizophrenia during the Sangam era were deeply intertwined with cultural and religious beliefs. Such individuals were sometimes viewed through a spiritual lens, with interpretations ranging from divine possession to punishment for past misdeeds. I recall attending a paper presentation by Neuropsychiatrist Dr. E S Krishnamoorthy several years ago, where he posed a question if Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Late Jiddu Krishnamurthy’s “out of the world experiences” can be within the scope of schizophrenia?
Conclusion
The exploration of schizophrenia in the Sangam era reveals that ancient Tamil society had its own ways of understanding and responding to mental health conditions. While the terminology and medical knowledge have evolved, the core human experiences of empathy, care, and community support remain timeless. By examining these historical perspectives, we can gain valuable insights into the enduring nature of mental health and the importance of compassionate care across ages.
Reference: Schizophrenia in Sangam Era, published in South pole April 17th 2025. Times of India.
For a comprehensive exploration of this topic, the following references are recommended:
- Somasundaram O, Murthy AG. "Manimekalai: The ancient Buddhist Tamil epic, its relevance to psychiatry." Indian J Psychiatry. 2016;58(2):229–232.
- Somasundaram O. "Psychiatric Thoughts in the Tamil Culture." Indian J Psychiatry. 2002;44(2):165–169.
- Raghavan DV, Murthy AG, Somasundaram O. "Treatment of the mentally ill in the Chola Empire in 11th–12th centuries AD: A study of epigraphs." Indian J Psychiatry. 2014;56(2):202–204.
- K. Swathi, J. Sriram. "A Comparative Between Evidenced Psychiatric Disorder in Manimegalai Literature and Contemporary Psychiatry." Journal of Tamil Peraivu. volume 8. No 2 (2019).
– Dr. Saras Bhaskar
