The Sangam literary works, despite being much older than the subject of modern meteorology, have dwelt upon the subject, according to veteran meteorologist K.V. Balasubramanian.

Dr. Balasubramanian, who has put in 38 years of service at the Meteorological Department, says that even though literary works in many other languages have treated the subject like any set of abstract ideas, the Sangam works appear to have better scientific basis.

Relying on a study undertaken by him, the meteorologist explains how the literature has talked about wind, rain, thunder, clouds and climate, by quoting from the works such as Nattrinai, Kurunthogai, and Agananuru. The findings of his study form part of a publication, Sanga Kala Vaanilai, (Sangam Era Weather), which was launched at an event at the Meteorological office in Nungambakkam on Sunday evening. A recipient of the Central government’s award four years ago for his article on tornado in Hindi, Dr. Balasubramanian has come out with another Tamil work which deals with six big-sized animals, which are herbivores.