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In this episode, we perceive a portrait of a travelling musician, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kurunthogai 33, penned by Padumarathu Mosikeeranaar. Set in the farmlands of ‘Marutham’, the verse speaks in the voice of the lady to her confidante, conveying that the singer, who has been sent as a messenger by the man, finds favour in her eyes.
அன்னாய்! இவன் ஓர் இள மாணாக்கன்;
தன் ஊர் மன்றத்து என்னன்கொல்லோ?
இரந்தூண் நிரம்பா மேனியொடு
விருந்தின் ஊரும் பெருஞ் செம்மலனே.
Wonder about a person is the core of this verse! Seeing the opening word ‘அன்னாய்’, which is a reference to ‘a mother’, one might conclude that the listener is one. However, it was custom for the lady to address the confidante as ‘mother’ and vice versa. A continuation of this tradition can be found in contemporary language wherein ‘ma’, the shortened form of ‘amma’ or ‘mother’ is used as an endearment in conversation. Proceeding, we glimpse at the words ‘இள மாணாக்கன்’ or ‘young student’, highlighting the youthful, immature nature of the addressed. Further details about this person are rendered in ‘இரந்தூண் நிரம்பா மேனியொடு’ meaning ‘with a form, not filled out, as his food comes from supplicating to others’, and this talks about the nature of musicians to base their livelihood on the charity of others. The phrase ‘விருந்தின் ஊர்’ which means ‘a new town’ hints that the addressed person is a visitor in the town of the protagonists. Ending with the words ‘பெருஞ் செம்மலனே’ meaning ‘an esteemed member’, the verse invites us to know more!
A traveller who is highly regarded – what might be the reason for this? Talking a step back, we learn from the context that the man and lady had been leading a married life, when the man took to keeping the company of courtesans. The lady is angered by this action of the man. After a while, the man realises the error in his ways and intends to return to the lady. At this time, he sends the singer as his messenger to his lady’s house. After listening to the words of this singer-messenger, the lady turns to her confidante and says, “O mother-like maiden, he is but a young student. I wonder who he is, in his town’s assembly! For, although he appears with an unfilled form, owing to his life of finding food in the hands of charity, here in this new town he visits, he seems to be a highly esteemed person!” With these words, the lady is conveying that she is impressed with the words of the messenger and thereby, paves the way for the man’s return to her fold.
Who is this singer who is said to be so respected? The lady says in her words to her friend that this singer seemed like a young person, new to his trade. She further mentions about his lifestyle of earning his food by seeking the kindness of others, and mentions this as the reason for his not fully filled-out form. From this, we gather that this singer was a thin person, looking as if he’s not had enough food. Curious how what we regard as ‘lean and athletic’ now, was seen as ‘not fully developed’ then! The lady adds that here in this town, where he is a newcomer, he has been regarded with so much esteem, making her wonder how he would be seen in his own town! Why does the lady say this singer is regarded with so much esteem? It’s because he has gained the affection and trust of the man, who has sent the singer to plead his case to the lady! Conveying that, inspite of his appearance, she is impressed with the words of the singer, the lady tells her confidante that the singer would be granted entry to her house, and through that, she also conveys an acceptance for the man’s message of reconciliation.
What impresses me about this verse is the declaration of how outer appearances has nothing to do with one’s innate talent and the respect accorded to it! Although the singer was totally unimpressive to look at, in age and maturity, his words were powerful enough to change the lady’s heart. A verse that seems to echo across the eons the inspiring thought that however young one may be and however one may look, the only thing that matters is who they are, within!
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