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In this episode, we take in the infinite courage of a warrior in the battlefield, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 308, penned by the poet Kovoor Kizhaar. The verse is situated in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘Victory’ and echoes a wife’s pride.
பொன் வார்ந்தன்ன புரி அடங்கு நரம்பின்,
மின் நேர் பச்சை, மிஞிற்றுக் குரல் சீறியாழ்
நன்மை நிறைந்த நய வரு பாண!
சீறூர் மன்னன் சிறியிலை எஃகம்
வேந்து ஊர் யானை ஏந்து முகத்ததுவே;
வேந்து உடன்று எறிந்த வேலே, என்னை
சாந்து ஆர் அகலம் உளம் கழிந்தன்றே;
உளம் கழி சுடர்ப் படை ஏந்தி, நம் பெருவிறல்
ஓச்சினன் துரந்த காலை, மற்றவன்
புன் தலை மடப் பிடி நாண,
குஞ்சரம் எல்லாம் புறக்கொடுத்தனவே.
Another verse which visually demonstrates bravery in the battlefield. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“With thin and tightly twisted strings that look as if gold has been poured, having a leather covering that shines like lightning, resounding in the low, humming tone of bees, the small lute you carry brings great joy, O skilled bard! The leaf-tipped spear of the king of a small town rests on the upraised face of the emperor’s elephant; And the spear, which the emperor threw furiously in response, tears the sandal-coated chest of my lord; Taking out the shining weapon that tore his chest, the moment our strong leader lifted it, making their soft-headed, naive mates ashamed, the enemies’ male elephants retreated from the field without honour!”
Let’s explore the nuances. The poet speaks in the voice of a wife addressing a bard, who comes to her home holding a small lute, whose strings appear as if they are made of gold and whose leather shines like a streak of lightning. Further, the music that arises from this lute is described as the low-pitched buzzing sound of the bees, possibly trance-like in effect. After showering importance on the listener, the wife then proceeds to the core theme, bringing before our eyes the scenes of the battle. She says the sharp spear held in the hands of a king ruling over a minor region, who happens to be her husband, has found its target in the forehead of the very elephant the emperor was riding on. Enraged, the emperor threw his spear towards this king and tearing his chest, it stood there quivering. That was not all, this king in turn, roaring furiously, seized that spear, yanked it out and stood there brandishing it, about to wield it on his enemies. At that moment, understanding his furious intention, the battle elephants belonging to the emperor made their mates bow their heads in shame and retreated from that battlefield, the poet in the voice of the king’s wife concludes.
Minding not the injury inflicted on oneself and bouncing back to attack is a portrait of remarkable resilience indeed! While that is relatable, what is not is the mention of female elephants bowing their heads in shame. It’s quite certain no animal is going to feel this very human emotion, and that too, for surviving and not fighting in the battlefield. It’s a case of poetic projection wherein human emotions are thrust upon animals. What shines through in this verse though is the obvious pride of a woman at the glorious and honourable actions of her husband!
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