POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - A WARRIOR-KING’S VOW BEFORE BATTLE

ABOUT THE POEM:In the poem titled A WARRIOR-KING’S VOW BEFORE BATTLE the king says that many strong and fierce kings with powerful armies are joining together to fight him. He declares that if he fails in this battle and cannot defeat them—if he cannot make them retreat from the battlefield—then several serious consequences should fall upon him.He says that if he loses, he does not deserve to stay with his loving wife, who has beautiful, gentle eyes. He also says that an unworthy and unjust person may sit on his throne and rule in his place.He adds that he should lose all the happiness he enjoys in the rich towns around the Vaigai river especially the pleasures he shares with his close friends Mavan, the chief of the region called Maiyal; Andhai who possesses well-fortified strongholds; the renowned Anthuvanch Satthan; Adhan Alisi and the fierce Iyakan who are as dear to him as his own eyes.Finally, he says that if he fails in this duty, he does not deserve to be born again in the great Pandya royal family which protects people. Instead, he should be born in a poor, barren land with no honour.In short, the king swears a strong oath: If he does not win the battle, he is ready to give up his family, friends, kingship, honour and even his royal lineage in his rebirth.A WARRIOR-KING’S VOW BEFORE BATTLELike lions fierce in wrath and firm in will,With armies mighty, kings unite as oneAnd vow to meet me boldly on the hill.If in that war I fail, though vowed and sworn,To break their ranks and make their forces yield,But falter, letting foes depart unshorn—Then from my queen, whose eyes like lotus yieldA tender grace, I shall depart in shame;And in my hall, where love and justice shield,Let one unworthy rise to rule and claimA tyrant’s seat, his hand devoid of right—Such a curse be mine, if I should fail in fame.In towns enriched by Vaigai’s waters bright,Where Maiyal’s lands, new-gifted, proudly stand,Let my owl-strong fortress-lords, my friends of might—Mavan, Anthuvan of noble band,Alisi strong and fierce Iyakan too—Those dear as eyes who revel hand in hand—Let all such joys be lost, their friendship through,If I retreat from battle’s righteous call.And may I in a barren lineage rue,And may no Pandya honour with me abide—That lineage famed for guarding humankind;Let barren birth upon my name reside.PURANANURU - 71POET: OLLAIYUR THANTHA BOOTHA PANDIYAN