LESSON - 4

D01134 - Sirupaanaatrupadai-4

This lesson explains the key ideas in lines 114-202 of ‘Sirupaanatrupadai.’ The administrative skills and leadership qualities of king Nalliyakkodan; the greatness of his capital city, Maavilangai; the deplorable plight of the poor panan; the riches bestowed on the panan by the king; the hospitality shown by the people of Eyirpattinam, Velur and Aamur, towns that the panan passes through are portrayed in these lines.

The greatness and benevolence of king Nalliyakkodan are celebrated. The panan traces the ancestors of the king and reveals that they too were great patrons of art. He concludes that the king’s generosity, is even greater than that of the kadaiezhuvallalgal.

Maavilangai is one of the towns that come under the rule of King Nalliyakkodan. The panan offers vivid descriptions of the city, stressing on its grandeur and beauty. Of the several kings who ruled over Maavilangai, Nalliyakkodan is by far the greatest. Nalliyakkodan was also known for his extraordinary courage.

Lines 120-140 present a poignant picture of the poverty-stricken life of the panan. The lines offer a moving description of his humble dwellings. His house is dilapidated. There is no food and hence no smoke curls from the chimney. The panan’s wife looks thin and emaciated. Once in a while she gathers the common greens that grows in their backyard and cooks them.

The panan reveals how king Nalliyakkodan’s generous gifts saved him from grinding poverty. In lines 142 - 163 the panan advises a fellow minstrel to go to king Nalliyakkodan, and guides him accordingly. While directing him he describes Eyirpattinam, Velur and Aamur, the various towns on the way to king Nalliyakkodan’s capital city. Lines 164-195 contain these descriptions. He speaks highly of the warmth and hospitality displayed by the people of these towns. After crossing these towns, one reaches Kidangil, the capital city from where Nalliyakkodan rules. Lines 196- 202 describe the festive air of the capital city.


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