This lesson talks about the history of Narkavirasa Nambi and gives an introduction to the book “Agaporul Vilakkam” written by him. “Agaporul Vilakkam” is also known as “Nambiagapporul”. Narkaviraasa Nambi was well vesed in Tamil as well as other languages. He lived around 14th century AD. “Agaporul” refers to either the mind or heart. The relationship between a husband and a wife or between lovers cannot be expressed to the world hence it is known as “Agaporul”. “Agaporul” is something of the mind.

Courtship is the relationship and life between a man and a woman before marriage. “Kalavu” is also the term given to stealing for example taking something that belongs to others without their knowledge. In the same way man steals the heart of a woman without the knowledge of her parents. “Kaikilai” is the name given to unreciprocated love. This is a stage where lovers are, before they begin courting each other. This “Kaikilai” is of four different types - Kaatchi, Ayyam, Thunivu and Kuriparithal.

“Iyarkai Punarchi” is an emotion. This feeling occurs when a man and a woman, who are strangers, see each other unexpectedly and gain a certain kind of happiness. “Vanpurai” is a feeling felt by a woman, that the man might desert her and the way in which the man convinces her that he will not. The man after courting the woman, gains a sense of happiness and fulfilment. “Pirivuli Kalangal” is the feeling where the man is sad because the woman has left him.

“Kuriyidam” is the place where the lovers meet when courting each other. “Pagarkuri” is the place where the lovers court during the daytime. There are also certain disturbances that occur when lovers meet and this is known as “Idaiyeedu”. “Iravukuri” is the place where lovers court during the night. “Varaivu Kadaathal” is when the woman expresses her desire to get married after courting for some time. “Oruvali Thanathal” is where the man separates from the woman for some time, as their courtship becomes known to all.

From this lesson we have learnt about the work “Agaporul Vilakkam” composed by Narkaviraasa Nambi. We get an insight into different types of courtship practices of those days. Different terms are used to define various stages during courtship. This lesson has given us some insight into the various courting habits.