In ancient Tamilakam, how did the community perceive those who hoarded wealth for themselves?

They were despised and looked down upon by the society.

Until now, our examination has focused on situations where people's status was determined based on their wealth or societal assignments. However, it is important to acknowledge that there were alternative scenarios where individuals were esteemed for their generosity, while those who hoarded wealth for themselves were looked down upon. An example of such values can be observed in ancient Tamilakam, where numerous chiefdoms existed around 2,000 years ago. In this context, chiefs acted as patrons to bards and poets who sang their praises. Poems included in the Tamil Sangam anthologies shed light on social and economic relationships, revealing that although disparities between the rich and poor existed, those in control of resources were also expected to share them.