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D02115 Kalaviyal - II

    This lesson deals with ‘kilavi thogai’ 8 to 13 mentioned in ‘Kalavaiyal’, which is the second chapter of the text of ‘Nambiagaporul’. These are: ‘Paangimadhi Udanpaadu’, ‘Paangiyir Kootam’, ‘Pagarkkuri’, ‘Pagarkkuri Idaiyeedu’, ‘Iravukkuri’ and ‘Iravukkuri Idaiyeedu’.

    ‘Paangi’ or ‘Thozhi’ is the companion of the thalaivi. A loyal friend, the paangi plays a major role in kalavu - the clandestine meeting of the lovers. Once she finds out that the thalaivi has fallen in love, she does all she can to help her. She not only acts as a messenger between the lovers and arranges their meeting, but also counsels them on the right conduct in kalavu and karpu.

    Though the paangi is the constant companion of the thalaivi, it sometimes happens that the thalaivi falls in love without her knowledge. However, paangi, who is very clever and sharp, finds out that the thalaivi is in love by observing the subtle changes in her appearance and behaviour. This is termed ‘Paangimadhi Udanpaadu’. There are 3 stages in paangimadhi udanpaadu.

    After the paangi discovers the thalaivi’s love for the thalaivan, she assists their kalavu by carrying messages and helping them meet. From time to time, she also advises them on right behaviour in romantic love, thus ensuring that their kalavu ends in marriage. The thalaivan meeting the thalaivi with the help of the paangi is called ‘paangimadhi kootam’. This is of 6 types. ‘Kuriyidam’ is the term used to denote the place where the lovers meet. ‘Pagarkkuri’ signifies their rendezvous during the day while ‘Iravukkuri’ denotes their meeting place at night. The thalaivan and the thalaivi sometimes find it hard to keep their secret assignation. The obstacles encountered by the lovers in meeting each other during the day are called ‘Pagarkkuri Idayeedu’. These are of 3 types. The obstacles faced by the lovers in meeting each other at night are called ‘Iravukkuri Idayeedu’. These are of 9 types.