Kalithogai 147 – Raving and Recovering

In this episode, we listen to a lady’s pleas to the world around, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 147, penned by Nallanthuvanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal Landscape’ and narrates the torment of a lady and the resolution of her travails.

Kalithogai 138 – Palmyra horse to Paradise

In this episode, we listen to a man’s story of winning over his love, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 138, penned by Nallanthuvanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal Landscape’ and portrays a public ritual, undertaken as the last resort by young men in love.

Kalithogai 131 – Care of the shore

In this episode, we perceive stunning images from an ancient seashore, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 131, penned by Nallanthuvanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal Landscape’ and sketches the dynamics in the relationship between the man and the lady.

Kalithogai 129 – Withholding a cure

In this episode, we perceive the arrival of evening with striking similes, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 129, penned by Nallanthuvanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal Landscape’ and sketches heartrending conversations with elements in the environment.

Kalithogai 120 – Before and After

In this episode, we infer emotions from intricate similes about human nature, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 120, penned by Nallanthuvanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal Landscape’ and brings forth the transformation at the cusp of an event.

Kalithogai 115 – Angst and Assurance

In this episode, we perceive the fearful stance of the lady, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 115, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and sketches a domestic scene and its consequences in the life of the lady.

Kalithogai 108 – A war of words

In this episode, we see sparks fly in a couple’s conversation, as conveyed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 108, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and reveals interesting perspectives about work in ancient times.

Kalithogai 106 – Courage in the everyday

In this episode, we perceive the practical aspects of bull taming, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 106, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and reveals the value of courage in a man as seen from the eyes of their beloved maiden.

Kalithogai 104 – Soaring above slander

In this episode, we listen to a detailed account of bull taming events, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 104, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and echoes a lady’s pride in her beloved’s conquest in the arena.

Kalithogai 103 – A field of love and war

In this episode, we perceive dynamic scenes from a bull taming arena, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 103, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and relays the importance accorded to courage and determination in an ancient culture.

Kalithogai 102 – Fought and Won

In this episode, we listen to an account of a jubilant bull taming, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 102, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and sketches the determination of a young man to win the one he loves.

Kalithogai 101 – A fight for love

In this episode, we perceive the ancient Tamil custom of taming a bull, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 101, penned by Chozhan Nalluruthiran. The verse is situated in the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and conveys the connection of this ancient custom to the lady’s life.

Kalithogai 98 – A river bathing ritual fight

In this episode, we perceive the practice of bathing in the fresh waters of a river, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 98, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and portrays an element of the land in a new light.

Kalithogai 96 – On riding a horse

In this episode, we listen to an imaginative response to a dishonest explanation, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 96, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and renders a comparative study of women and horses.

Kalithogai 91 – Sarcasm and Surrender

In this episode, we listen to a conflict-ridden conversation, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 91, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and traces how the lady’s words turn from scoffing to submission.

Kalithogai 88 – Fearing the swearing

In this episode, we observe the inferences of a lady’s perceptive eyes, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 88, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and etches the quarrelling and conflict in a household.

Kalithogai 87 – Sulk and Soothe

In this episode, we encounter an animated exchange between the lady and the man, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 87, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and sketches a situation of domestic conflict.

Kalithogai 86 – To be and not be

In this episode, we listen to advice offered by a mother to her young son, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 86, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and contrasts the positive and negative qualities of a man.

Kalithogai 85 – Drink up the milk

In this episode, we listen to a mother’s words to her child, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 85, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and paints a portrait of the adornments on a child in an affluent household.

Kalithogai 84 – The one at fault

In this episode, we perceive the lady’s ire, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 84, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and sketches the inferences in the lady’s mind about the intentions of courtesans.

Kalithogai 81 – Storming and calming

In this episode, we listen to a striking interaction between the man and the lady, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 81, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and reveals the man’s attempts at allaying the lady’s ire.

Kalithogai 76 – Past acts and future hope

In this episode, we perceive elements of a different landscape appearing in the farmlands domain, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 76, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and sketches a lady’s way of revealing her relationship with the man to her friend.

Kalithogai 71 – Debunking false oaths

In this episode, we perceive a lady’s fury at her man, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 71, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and sketches the lady’s disappointment in the words of the man’s supporters.

Kalithogai 68 – Illusory relationship

In this episode, we perceive the anguished questions in the mind of the lady, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 68, penned by Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. The verse is situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and sketches the illusory nature of the man’s relationship.

Kalithogai 65 – A trap for a tiger

In this episode, we listen to a curious incident that unfolded one night, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 65, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and attempts to convey the gravity of the situation in an indirect manner.

Kalithogai 64 – The golden treasure

In this episode, we listen to a playful conversation between a man and lady in love, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 64, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and etches an attempt to reconcile a disgruntled person.

Kalithogai 63 – A hidden acceptance

In this episode, we perceive an exchange of words to unearth the truth, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 63, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and sketches the confidante’s attempts at bringing together the man and the lady.

Kalithogai 62 – Laying siege on love

In this episode, we perceive the transformation in a lady’s heart, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 62, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and sketches the manner in which the man wins over the lady’s reservations against him.

Kalithogai 60 – Pleading for the man

In this episode, we listen to an animated conversation between two women, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 60, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and presents a situation where the confidante pleads the man’s case in the court of the lady’s mind!

Kalithogai 59 – Penances in vain

In this episode, we listen to a man’s attempt to convince a maiden, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 59, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and informs us about certain customs of penances undertaken by Sangam women.

Kalithogai 52 – The future wished for

In this episode, we listen to an argument for seeking an alternative path, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 52, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and sketches the danger of discovery to a man intent on trysting by night.

Kalithogai 47 – Confidante’s dilemma

In this episode, we perceive the confusions in the mind of the confidante, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 47, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and presents the confidante’s attempts to resolve the man’s quandary.

Kalithogai 38 – The path to permanent joy

In this episode, we perceive intriguing similes that capture the lady’s changing state, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 38, penned by Kabilar. The verse is situated in the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountains landscape’ and relates the success of the confidante’s initiative.

Kalithogai 34 – Honour and dishonour

In this episode, we observe abstract traits projected on a person’s state of mind, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 34, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and hints about virtues considered right and wrong in the Sangam era.

Kalithogai 33 – A mocking world

In this episode, we perceive how the changes in the season affects the lady, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 33, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals an intricate truth about perception.

Kalithogai 32 – The season that cures

In this episode, we observe the changes that accompanies the season of spring, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 32, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and concludes with a message of joy.

Kalithogai 31 – The tormenting weather

In this episode, we perceive a poignant question and its resounding response, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 31, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and presents a dual portrait of anxiety and consolation.

Kalithogai 29 – Sweet words

In this episode, we perceive a message of good tidings, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 29, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and talks about the many elements that bring anxiety to the lady in the man’s absence.

Kalithogai 28 – Worry not

In this episode, we listen to a lady’s lament and a confidante’s consolation, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 28, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and narrates the seasonal changes in spring.

Kalithogai 27 – A return in time

In this episode, we perceive pertinent similes to describe a person’s state of mind, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 27, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals the thoughtfulness of the man.

Kalithogai 25 – Changing nature

In this episode, we perceive striking similes on human nature, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 25, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and talks about the state of the lady in the event of the man’s parting away.

Kalithogai 24 – Words in a dream

In this episode, we perceive the lady’s inferences about the man’s course of action, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 24, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and sketches a dream study.

Kalithogai 22 – Then and Now

In this episode, we observe a unique technique of persuasion, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 22, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and depicts the changing stance of the man.

Kalithogai 19 – Ask not about me

In this episode, we perceive the confidante’s disappointment in the man’s decision, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 19, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and depicts the consequences of the man’s parting.

Kalithogai 18 – On togetherness

In this episode, we listen to the confidante’s plea to the man, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 18, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and portrays the irreplaceable importance of togetherness.

Kalithogai 17 – The perfect cure

In this episode, we perceive picturesque similes employed to persuade a person, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 17, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and presents the power of the right words at the right time.

Kalithogai 16 – Seeking the grace of gods

In this episode, we perceive the deep love in the lady for the man who has parted away, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 16, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals nuanced perspectives about seeking the help of gods.

Kalithogai 15 – Purpose of parting away

In this episode, we listen to strong arguments against parting away, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 15, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and sketches a vivid portrait of the drylands’ denizens.

Kalithogai 14 – Seek not the other wealth

In this episode, we listen to the confidante’s admonition about parting away, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 14, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals the man’s stance then and now.

Kalithogai 13 – Behold the terrible drylands

In this episode, we perceive a detailed account on the drylands, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 13, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and presents a glimpse of the lady’s protected life.

Kalithogai 12 – Youth and Wealth

In this episode, we perceive the battle between seeking wealth and being with a beloved, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 12, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and stresses on the importance of love during youth.

Kalithogai 11 – In the shade of a beloved

In this episode, we perceive scenes of kindness in the wild, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 11, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and presents insights about the purpose of seeking wealth.

Kalithogai 8 – Desire not fading wealth

In this episode, we listen to reflections on the nature of wealth, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 8, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and ponders on the question of what is lasting wealth.

Kalithogai 7 – Wealth versus Life

In this episode, we listen to a piercing question put forth, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 7, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and narrates the consequences of the man’s preparations to part away.

Kalithogai 6 – Take me along

In this episode, we perceive the immense love in a lady, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 6, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals the determination in the mind of a young woman.

Kalithogai 5 – The mirror to the within

In this episode, we perceive an effort of persuasion, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 5, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and narrates the state of the lady if the man were to part away.

Kalithogai 4 – Exuberant Expressions

In this episode, we observe the intricate interactions between the man and the lady, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 4, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and depicts the dangers in a journey to seek wealth.

Kalithogai 3 – Seeing her in nature

In this episode, we listen to a conversation about the man’s parting, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 3, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and reveals the impact of nature on human emotions.

Kalithogai 2 – The notes of a lute

In this episode, we hear the jubilant voice of the lady’s confidante, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 2, penned by the Chera King Paalai Paadiya Perunkadunko. The verse is situated in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’ and ponders on the question of what is true wealth.

Kalithogai 1 – The Furious and the Serene

In this episode, we perceive the roles of a god and his consort, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kalithogai 1, penned by an anonymous poet. Kalithogai is a collection of musical verses in the ‘Aham’ or ‘Inner life’ classification of Sangam Literature. This first verse is a prayer song, believed to be added to this collection at a later period.

Ainkurunooru 1 to 10 – Wishes: Hers and Mine

In this episode, we start our exploration of a new Sangam Literary work, ‘Ainkurunooru’ or ‘Five Hundred Short Poems’. As the name clearly indicates, there are five hundred verses in this collection. However, it’s the organisation of these five hundred verses that is unique among the entire Sangam collection. These five hundred verses have a major classification of 5 different landscapes such as ‘Marutham’, ‘Neythal’, ‘Kurinji’, ‘Mullai’ and ‘Paalai’ with a perfect slicing of hundred songs each. And the entirety of these hundred songs within one landscape has been sung by a single poet. This is in contrast to the arrangement of verses we have seen this far in Natrinai, Kurunthogai and Puranaanooru, with a random sequencing of songs sung by various poets. Not only that, each of these hundred songs is further subdivided into ten sections of ten songs each, with one unifying theme. Without further ado, let’s jump into our first 10, ‘Wishes – Hers and Mine’ in Ainkurunooru, situated in the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’, penned by the poet Orambokiyar.

Copyright © 2019 Nandini Karky