POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE : ECHOES OF WAR AMID WHISPERS OF LOVE

POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE : ECHOES OF WAR AMID WHISPERS OF LOVEABOUT THE POEM:The poem ECHOES OF WAR AMID WHISPERS OF LOVE composed in praise of Chola King Nalankilli, vividly portrays the social and cultural life of the time. It describes a thriving agrarian society where farmers, hunters, and herdsmen engage in barter, exchanging their produce and game for rice. The poem also highlights a significant historical moment—Nalangilli's conquest of a fortified city, where he engraved his tiger emblem on its gates as a mark of his victory.Amidst the grandeur of war and conquest, the poem shifts to scenes of the royal war camp, where victorious soldiers celebrate, bards sing of triumphs, and the king generously rewards poets with lavish feasts. However, the poem also captures a contrasting, intimate moment—a secret lovers' dance in the moonlit sands, away from the eyes of the bustling kingdom. The imagery of royal feasts, battle glories, and clandestine romance weaves a rich tapestry of life in the Chola era.ECHOES OF WAR AMID WHISPERS OF LOVEThe folk of this fair land are farmers true, Their noble maidens store the golden grain, And barter wealth for gifts of value new. The hunter roams with hounds upon the plain,His deer’s fresh meat he trades for rice in store, The herdsmaid gives her curd for equal gain. A fortress stood with gates both strong and sure,Once seized by Chola’s king, the mighty lord, Who carved his tiger crest upon its door. Its jaws were wide, a fearsome sight it roared, The bards sang praises loud of battles won, As soldiers lined the streets in bright accord. The king bestowed, beneath the war-torn sun, His meat, like garlands green with tender leaf, To minstrels skilled, till all the feast was done. Not in the royal halls of joy or grief, But on the silent sands at midnight deep, Love danced in secret, hidden yet not brief.Where palace doors their sacred customs keep, And lamb was served in honor of the crown,The festival endured in revels steep. PURANANURU 33Poet: Kovur KizharPatron: Chola Nalankilli