Abstract
This article examines how the concept of Thinai in Tolkappiyam and Sangam literature integrates the three fundamental poetic elements: Muthalporul (space and time), Karupporul (environmental elements), and Uripporul (emotional states). It delineates the distinction between the Five-Thinai (Ainthinai) and Seven-Thinai (Ezthinai) frameworks formulated by Tolkappiyar. Special emphasis is placed on Marutham Thinai, analyzing its agricultural landscape, time divisions, regional deities, and core emotional motif. The study highlights that dawn (Vaikarai) and early morning (Vidiyal) serve as the specific minor time divisions (Sirupozhuthu) for Marutham, while the absence of a designated major season (Perumpozhuthu) implies that all seasons pertain to this region. Additionally, it explores the role of the monarch (Vendhan) and local chieftains, alongside the primary emotional state of marital feigning/sulkiness (Oodal). By comparing Tolkappiyam's grammatical rules with Sangam poetic practice, this paper clarifies the poetic architecture of Marutham Thinai.