Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | iHeartRadio | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
In this episode, we perceive an action which prevents a momentous event, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 305, penned by the poet Madurai Velaasaan. Set in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘Victory’, the verse talks about the triumph of a messenger.
வயலைக் கொடியின் வாடிய மருங்குல்,
உயவல் ஊர்தி, பயலைப் பார்ப்பான்
எல்லி வந்து நில்லாது புக்கு,
சொல்லிய சொல்லோ சிலவே; அதற்கே
ஏணியும் சீப்பும் மாற்றி,
மாண் வினை யானையும் மணி களைந்தனவே.
A tiny verse that gives a glimpse of a different dimension of those times. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“With a frail waist like that of a ‘vayalai’ vine, and a slow gait, arrived a young scholar. Even though it was night, waiting not, he entered and spoke but a few words; Even so, the ladders and latches were set aside and bells on well-decorated elephants were removed as well!”
Let’s explore the nuances. The poet starts with a portrait of young man, said to have a thin waist, like that of a vine, and as can be expected, with that slender physique, the man is said to have a slow walk. This young man is mentioned as a ‘Paarpaan’, a term which could imply that he was a priest or scholar from that era. The poet continues saying it was late at night, when he arrived and minding not the late hour, the young scholar marched into the palace of the king and supposedly spoke only a few words. But that was enough for the king to issue the orders to set aside the ladders and latches in place and to remove the bells on their fine war-elephants, the poet concludes.
These actions by the king and his army imply that previously they were preparing for defence and now they were putting it aside because there was no need for the same. All this goes to say that this scholar had spoken to the enemy king previously and dissuaded him from fighting and when that news was conveyed to this king, the war efforts were set aside. A few poems back, I had wondered if there were any voices that spoke against war and I’m glad to have received an answer so soon for that question. Heartening to know that efforts were taken to avoid battles and keep the peace even in those times when courage in the battlefield was extolled as a glorious quality to possess. A moment to pay tribute all the peacemakers of the world, then and now!
Share your thoughts...