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In this episode, we perceive the characteristics of a king, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 315, penned about the Velir King Athiyamaan Nedumaan Anji by the poet Avvaiyaar. Set in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘Victory’, the verse highlights and contrasts the elements of this ruler’s nature.
உடையன்ஆயின் உண்ணவும் வல்லன்;
கடவர் மீதும் இரப்போர்க்கு ஈயும்;
மடவர் மகிழ் துணை; நெடு மான் அஞ்சி
இல் இறைச் செரீஇய ஞெலிகோல் போல,
தோன்றாது இருக்கவும் வல்லன்; மற்றதன்
கான்று படு கனை எரி போல,
தோன்றவும் வல்லன் தான் தோன்றுங்காலே.
Another ode to her friend and king by this prolific female poet! The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“If he has plenty, he would render unto others and then eat what was left; Even more than whom he’s duty bound to give, he would render unto those who come seeking to him; He would be a pleasant companion even to the foolish, the great Nedumaan Anji! Akin to a fire kindling stick stowed in the eaves of a home, he has the ability to not display his strength; In contrast, akin to the fire that bursts out of this stick, he can show his strength when he looms in the battlefield!”
Let’s delve into the details here. The poet talks about the king’s generosity first, saying how whenever he has something to give, he would make sure to give to those around him and then partake what was left of that. A classic instance of sharing and caring that Sangam kings were often praised for! Next, the poet stresses the king’s compassion by saying he cares more about giving to needy supplicants than rendering unto the affluent, such as leaders and soldiers, to whom he’s duty bound to give because of the service they have rendered to him. I’m not sure this would be considered praise in the current era but it seems to be so then! Moving on, the spotlight falls on the king’s equal treatment of the wise and the foolish, which the poet expresses as his ability to be a joyful companion even to the ‘not-so-bright’! To shine among the bright stars in his court is no feat but to treat even the foolish with courtesy and delight them is a nobler virtue, the poet seems to imply.
Mentioning these are the attributes of King Nedumaan Anji, the poet brings forth a brilliant simile of a fire kindling stick resting unassumingly in the corner of a home to place it in parallel to how understated the king’s courage can be. Then, she concludes by mentioning the fire that bursts out of this stick and placing it in parallel to the intensity with which the king faces his enemies when he wants to! With these words, the poet paints a vivid sketch of this striking king from the Sangam era, in varying shades, subtle as a kindling stick and stunning as a blazing fire!
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