D02116 Kalaviyal - III

    This lesson deals with ‘kilavi thogai’ 14 to 17 mentioned in ‘Kalaviyal’, which is the second chapter of the text ‘Nambiagaporul’. These are: ‘Varaithal Vetkai’, ‘Varaivu Kadaathal’, ‘Oruvazhi Thanathal’ and ‘Varaividai Vaithu Porulvayin Pirithal’.

    Wishing to end their ‘kalavu’, the thalaivan and the thalaivi seek to sanctify their love through marriage. This is called ‘Varaithal Vetkai’. Varaithal Vetkai may happen due to 3 reasons: (i) ‘acham’ - the thalaivi’s fear that she may not be able to continue her secret assignations with the thalaivan; (ii) ‘uvartthal’- the paangi’s disapproval of the thalaivan’s visit; and (iii) ‘aattraamai’ - the thalaivi’s grief over the separation of the thalaivan who can no longer visit her.

    The thalaivi and paangi implore the thalaivan to bring the kalavu to its desirable end, which is marriage. This is called ‘Varaivu Kadaathal’. The thalaivi and paangi may express their wish directly or imply it. ‘Varaivu Kadaathal’ is of 4 types: ‘poitthal’- the paangi lies in order to convince the thalaivan; ‘maruthal’- the paangi refuses to assist the clandestine meetings of the lovers; ‘kazharal’- the paangi tells the thalaivan that it is unbecoming of him to continue his kalavu; ‘meitthal’- the paangi describes the real plight of the thalaivi.

    The paangi urges the thalaivan to marry the thalaivi and thereby put an end to the malicious gossips about the thalaivi’s conduct. The thalaivan assures that he would visit his native land and return soon. After this the thalaivan avoids meeting the thalaivi. This separation is called ‘Oruvazhi Thanathal’. There are 7 stages in ‘Oruvazhi Thanathal’.

    Sometimes the thalaivan sets out in pursuit of wealth required for marriage. The ensuing separation of the lovers is called ‘Varaividai Vaithu Porulvayin Pirithal’. This is characterized by 9 stages. The last 2 kilavi thogais deal largely with the agony and sorrow of separation. They also speak of the paangi’s efforts at consoling and reassuring the thalaivi.