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In this episode, we perceive the fierceness of a king’s army, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 81, penned about the Chozha King Poravai Kopperunarkilli by the poet Saathanthaiyaar. Set in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘King’s victory’, the verse talks about the king’s generosity and courage.
ஆர்ப்பு எழு கடலினும் பெரிது; அவன் களிறே
கார்ப் பெயல் உருமின் முழங்கல் ஆனாவே;
யார்கொல் அளியர்தாமே ஆர் நார்ச்
செறியத் தொடுத்த கண்ணிக்
கவி கை மள்ளன் கைப்பட்டோரே?
A rather short song to sing the praises of this king in the battlefield. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“The clamour that rises is louder than that of the soaring sea; As for his elephants, they trumpet for longer than thunder during monsoon rains. Whoever it may be, aren’t they to be pitied, if they get caught in the generous hands of this warrior, who wears a head garland of well-woven bauhinia blooms?”
Let’s delve into the essence of what the poet says. He starts by talking about the loud noises made by this king’s advancing army and declares it’s definitely louder than that of the ocean leaping high. Next, he turns to the elephants in the army and declares they trumpet for longer than the roaring thunder during monsoon rains. Those who have heard the thunder during the monsoon season in Tamilnadu will know what a deafening and prolonged sound that is. Considering these impressive sounds and sights, the poet feels pity for anyone who has the misfortune of being caught in the hands of this king, who wears bauhinia flowers, the mark of the Chozha dynasty.
The sound and fury of battle is captured in these few lines as well as the reiteration of the fact that trees and flowers were important to different dynasties of rulers. A pointer to how trees were held in high regard, so esteemed they were, to be considered as the proud marker of different clans in ancient Tamil land.
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