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In this episode, we perceive a tribute paid to a Chera king, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 48, penned about the Chera king Kokothai Maarban by the poet Poikaiyaar. The verse is situated in the category of ‘Paadaan Thinai’ or ‘king’s praise’ and aims to direct another poet to the court of this king.
கோதை மார்பின் கோதையானும்,
கோதையைப் புணர்ந்தோர் கோதையானும்,
மாக் கழி மலர்ந்த நெய்தலானும்,
கள் நாறும்மே, கானலம் தொண்டி;
அஃது எம் ஊரே; அவன் எம் இறைவன்;
அன்னோற் படர்தியாயின், நீயும்
எம்மும் உள்ளுமோ முது வாய் இரவல!
‘அமர் மேம்படூஉம் காலை, நின்
புகழ் மேம்படுநனைக் கண்டனம்’ எனவே.
After a long list of tributes to Chozha kings, it’s now the time of the kings to the east, the Chera. Here, the poet Poikaiyaar is seen in conversation with another poet, who is heading in the direction of this Chera king’s town. Poikaiyaar’s words can be translated as follows:
“The garlands on Kothai’s chest, and the garlands of those who embrace Kothai, as well as the blooming blue lotus flowers in the dark backwaters make the city of Thondi waft with the fragrance of nectar. That is my town and he is my ruler; If you are to go thither, O honest, old supplicant, think of me and say these words, ‘I met the one who upholds your fame whenever you are victorious in war!’”
Time to delve into these words about a Chera king. The poet begins with a burst of fragrance, talking about the scent of the garlands on this king’s chest, whose name ‘Kothai’ translates to ‘a flower garland’ incidentally. He also mentions the garlands of the king’s companions as well as the alluring blue lotus flowers blossoming in the backwaters of this king’s country. Every word seems like a perfume in this description of the ancient and famous port of ‘Thondi’. This is the Sangam era city referred to as ‘Tyndis’ in Graeco-Roman literature from that era. The exact location of this port is yet to be determined but is thought to be somewhere on the Malabar coast by the Arabian Sea.
Returning to the verse, the poet has referred to this town to say that’s where he comes from and declares that the Chera king is his leader. And now, he turns to another older poet and says if he plans to go to the court of this king, then he should remember to tell him that he had met Poikaiyaar, the one who extols the king’s fame in all his battle conquests. The poet believes that if the supplicant where to say these words about knowing him to the king, that would ensure this new supplicant receives gifts many. Words that seem to echo the poet’s complete trust in the high regard the Chera king has for him. Curious to see a modern note of recommendation, in these ancient words that can be summarised as ‘tell my name and find favour’!
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