Puranaanooru

Lesson - 2
01142 Purananooru-2

This lesson discusses poems 95, 107, 112, 163, 164, 182 and 183 from the Purananooru. The ancient Tamil poets enjoyed the patronage of great kings and were held in high esteem. Poem 95 was sung by Avvaiyar when she went to meet king Thondaiman on behalf of king Athiyamaan. Thondaiman had declared war on Athiyamaan. In this poem though Avvayar appears to praise the military might of Thondaimaan in order to placate him she subtly conveys the greatness of king Athiyamaan.

Poem 107 written by Kapilar celebrates the benevolence and charitable nature of king Paari. A true friend of Paari, Kapilar praises the king by comparing his generosity to the bounty of the rain bearing clouds. Poem 112 was written by Angavai and Sangavai, the two daughters of king Paari. After Paari’s death, his friend poet Kapilar took care of Angavai and Sangavai. Kapilar’s efforts to seek suitable grooms for these girls were in vain and he died broken hearted. In this poem, the two girls recall the happy days when their father was alive. They also subtly hint at the treachery of the Muventhar, viz the Chera, the Chozha and the Pandya kings, who killed king Paari unjustly.

Poem 163 testifies the greatness of king Kumana vallal. Written by Perum Chithiranaar, the poem recounts the story of how this king was banished from his kingdom by his own brother did not fail to be generous to poets even in his exile. The king offered his head which would fetch a reward to poet Perunthalai Chathanaar who visited him in the forest. Poem 164 is the one sung by Perunthalai Chathanaar when he visited king Kumana vallal in the forest.

Poem 182 written by the Pandya king Ilamperuvazhuthi outlines the virtues that make a man great. Poem 183 by another Pandya king Ariyapadai Kadantha Nedunjchezhian stresses the importance of learning. Though a mother shows equal love to all her children, she is always more proud of the child who is learned, says the poem.