LESSON - 6

D02126 Nambi Agaporul Porulamaippum, Vagaippaadum

This lesson summarizes the important grammatical theories expounded in ‘Nambi Agaporul’. It offers a brief overview of all the chapters and a glossary of important terminology found in the treatise. In short, this last lesson is a ready reference guide to ‘Nambi Agaporul’.

We learnt about ‘Agaporul Vilakkam’ through the 6 lessons in ‘Ilakkanam- 3 ie (D021) and the first five lessons in ‘Ilakkanam- ie 4(d031). This lesson recaptures some of the key ideas and theories discussed in the lessons. Some of the terms and concepts explained here may seem a repetition of those discussed in the lessons of D021 & d031. This is merely to reinforce the important aspects of ‘Nambi Agaporul’.

The lesson first offers a brief biography of Naarkavirasa Nambi and discusses his greatness as a writer. It then highlights the form and structure of the treatise, the chapter divisions and the ideas explored in each chapter. Thus we recall that ‘Nambi Agaporul’ comprises 5 chapters- ‘Agathinai Iyal, Kalaviyal, Varaiviyal, Karpiyal and Ozhibiyal.

The lesson stresses the uniqueness of ‘aga porul ilakkanam’. The ancient Tamil grammarians have the credit of writing treatises that codified the content or ‘paduporul’ of poetry. ‘Porul Ilakkanam’ or the grammar that codified the content of poetry is unique to Tamil language. Under ‘porul ilakkanam’, ‘aga porul ilakkanam’ is of special significance as much of Sangam poetry revolves around ‘agam’ or the theme of love and marriage.

The lesson highlights the significance of the terms used to denote the 7 tinais. It also recalls the meaning and relevance of ‘mudarporul’ and ‘karuporul’ in agam poetry.

The lesson then reinforces key concepts such as ‘iyarkai punarchi’ ie (natural union of the lovers), ‘thalaimakkal panbu’ ie (qualities of the thalaivan and the thalaivi), the 2 types of ‘kaikilai’ ie (unrequited love), ‘ulla punarchi’, ‘meyyuru punarchi’, the role played by the ‘thozhi’, and the different aspects of ‘pirivu’ (separation of the lovers). The lesson draws a list of some of the conventions associated with ‘aga porul’.

This lesson includes a long glossary of terms and jargon used in ‘aga porul ilakkanam.’ It also contains an exhaustive table of ‘vagaippadugal’ or classification found in ‘Nambi Agaporul’.

முன்