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In this episode, we perceive the trust in the king’s generosity, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 101, penned about the Velir King Athiyamaan Nedumaan Anji by the poet Avvaiyaar. Set in the category of ‘Paadan Thinai’ or ‘King’s praise’, the verse illustrates the feeling of assurance in the minds of those who sought the king’s patronage.
ஒரு நாள் செல்லலம்; இரு நாள் செல்லலம்;
பல நாள் பயின்று, பலரொடு செல்லினும்,
தலை நாள் போன்ற விருப்பினன்மாதோ
இழை அணி யானை இயல் தேர் அஞ்சி
அதியமான்; பரிசில் பெறூஉம் காலம்
நீட்டினும், நீட்டாதுஆயினும், களிறு தன்
கோட்டு இடை வைத்த கவளம் போலக்
கையகத்தது; அது பொய் ஆகாதே;
அருந்த ஏமாந்த நெஞ்சம்!
வருந்த வேண்டா; வாழ்க, அவன் தாளே!
One of those rare songs in Sangam literature that is accessible at first glance. The poet’s words about King Athiyamaan can be translated as follows:
“Not just for a day or two days, but even when we go there on many days, with many people, just like he showered affection on the first day, he remains the same – King Athiyaman Anji, the one, who wields well-built chariots and well-ornamented elephants. Whether the time he takes to grant his gifts is long or short, akin to the ball of food that an elephant has saved on its tusks, it will come to your arms; It shall not become a lie; O heart that yearns to relish his gift, worry not! Long may his feet live!”
Let’s explore the thoughts herein. The poet starts by mentioning how King Athiyamaan receives those who come seeking gifts at his court. She’s amazed how when the seekers arrive at his gates not just for a day or two but for days together repeatedly, he would welcome them with affection as he did on the very first day. She glorifies the king as one having sturdy chariots and strong elephants. Then, she mentions how whether the time he takes to grant what the supplicants seek is short or long, one thing is sure, and that is, those supplicants will not return home disappointed. For this, she brings in the simile of an elephant holding a ball of food on its tusk. The animal has not yet relished the food but it surely will, for the food is not going anywhere now, and likewise the gifts from the king’s hands are sure to come to the hands of the seekers, the poet implies. Now, she turns to her heart and says, ‘Don’t be disappointed because you did not receive the gift you sought just now, it will find its way to you’. With a blessing unto the feet of the king, the poet concludes her words.
The thing we can infer from this song is that the poet felt a minor disappointment because the king did not grant the gift she sought promptly. Perhaps this was because the king wanted to extend having the company of the poet. If he had promptly granted that gift, wouldn’t she have parted away from his court? It could be at this time that the poet is consoling her own heart and healing it from its momentary disappointment. The simile with an elephant holding a ball of rice and this conversation with the heart reminded me of ‘Aham’ poems and their focus on nuanced feelings. Always refreshing to find that slice of inner life and emotions, amidst the depictions of outer life and motions of war and conflict, in these Puranaanooru verses!
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