Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands – Kurinji (hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal (coastal) and Palai (desert).

The people living in these five divisions had their respective chief occupations, as well as gods for worship.

• Kurinji – chief deity was Murugan – chief occupation, hunting and honey collection.

• Mullai – chief deity Mayon (Vishnu) – chief occupation, cattle-rearing and dealing with dairy products.

• Marudam – chief deity Indira – chief occupation, agriculture.

• Neydal – chief deity Varunan – chief occupation fishing and salt manufacturing.

• Palai – chief deity Korravai – chief occupation robbery.