Purananooru

Lesson -1
D01141 Purananooru-1

This lesson talks about the poems in “Purananooru” an important part of Sangam Literature. Sangam Literature which is 2000 years old is classified into “Akam” and “Puram” literature. While love is the predominant theme of Akam literature, the poems under Puram speak of war, politics, courage, charity and codes of conduct.

The Purananooru is a compendium of 400 poems sung by several poets belonging to various parts of the ancient Tamilnadu. The Purananooru is rich in social and cultural connotations. It is therefore deemed as an important historical document offering insights into ancient Tamil life.

This lesson analyses verses 2, 9, 10, 30 47, 50 and 74. Poem 2 written by Muranchiyur Mudinaagarayar celebrates the greatness of king Udhiyanjcheralaathan. A very interesting detail that emerges from this poem is that this king is supposed to have fed the soldiers who fought in the great battle of Kurukshetra. Poem nine is by a woman poet called Nettimaiyar. Rendered on king Palyaagasaalai Mudhukudumi Peruvazhuthi, this poem reveals the ethics that governed warfare in ancient times. In poem 30 Uraiyur Mudhukannan Saathanaar hails the greatness of the Chozha king, Nalangkilli. Even scholars who have chartered the movements of the sun and the stars cannot measure the might of this king says the poet. Poem 47 was written by Kovur Kizhar. Through this poem the poet saved the life of another innocent poet Ilanthathan who had come to the court of the Chozha king Nalangkilli seeking rewards. The king mistook Ilanthathan for a spy. The poem describes the harmless lives led by these wandering minstrels. Poem 50 written by Mosikeeranar reveals the love and respect with which poets were treated by kings. Overcome by fatigue, Mosikeeranar, who had travelled a long way to meet the Chera king Peruncheral Irumborai, fell asleep on the cot on which the royal drum was usually kept. Instead of killing the poet for such an offense, the benevolent king fanned him so that he could sleep comfortably. Poem 74 written by the Chera king Kanaikkal Irumporai on the verge of his death testifies to the greatness of this king. Captured by the enemy, Kanaikkal Irumporai was treated with scant respect by the enemy soldiers when he asked for water. Enraged by such a treatment the king refused water and fasted to death.

Thus we find in this lesson a few glimpses of the life of the poets, the rule of justice of the kings and also the values cherished by the rulers.