EPISODE · Mar 9, 2026 · 1 MIN
POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE KILLI: THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEEN.
from BEYOND THE OBVIOUS · host Purushothaman C
ABOUT THE POEM: The poem KILLI : THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEEN praises the contrasting yet admirable qualities of the hero and the heroine. The hero lives simply and eats modest food, yet he possesses great physical strength and broad shoulders. The heroine, though she moves about in the outside world and suffers the pale glow of love-longing, still retains a radiant golden beauty.In battle, however, the hero transforms into a terrifying and unconquerable force. To the proud warriors who boast of victory before entering the battlefield, he is like a dreadful mountain pass that salt traders must avoid in fear. Just as such harsh terrain cannot easily be crossed, the hero Killi is impossible for his enemies to overcome.Overall, the poem highlights the hero’s simplicity in life, the heroine’s graceful beauty, and above all the hero’s unmatched power and invincibility in war.THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEENMy lord—even if he eats the humble foodthat springs from grass and field,stands broad-shouldered,firm with strength.And I—though I wander the outer world,carry a body pale with longing,yet glowingwith the sheen of gold.But when my lordsteps into the battlefield,he becomes like that dreaded hill-passwhere traders who carry saltmust cast their loads aside in fear.For the warriors—the mallar,who return to their townsafter boasting in festival pride,crying, “We shall conquer!”—to themKilli standslike a passage they cannot cross,a harsh and hateful ridgeno brave step can master.PURANANURU - 84POET: NAKKANNAIYAR, DAUGHTER OF PERUNGOZHI NAYKAN.PATRON: THE CHOLA KING PORVAIK KOPPERUNARKILLI.NOTE:Mallar - In the poem, the word “Mallar” refers to warriors or valiant fighters often identified with the Maravar, a martial community known in ancient Tamil society for their courage and prowess in battle. In the context of Sangam poetry, mallar usually denotes strong, boastful combatants who take pride in their physical strength and martial skill.
What this episode covers
ABOUT THE POEM: The poem KILLI : THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEEN praises the contrasting yet admirable qualities of the hero and the heroine. The hero lives simply and eats modest food, yet he possesses great physical strength and broad shoulders. The heroine, though she moves about in the outside world and suffers the pale glow of love-longing, still retains a radiant golden beauty.In battle, however, the hero transforms into a terrifying and unconquerable force. To the proud warriors who boast of victory before entering the battlefield, he is like a dreadful mountain pass that salt traders must avoid in fear. Just as such harsh terrain cannot easily be crossed, the hero Killi is impossible for his enemies to overcome.Overall, the poem highlights the hero’s simplicity in life, the heroine’s graceful beauty, and above all the hero’s unmatched power and invincibility in war.THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEENMy lord—even if he eats the humble foodthat springs from grass and field,stands broad-shouldered,firm with strength.And I—though I wander the outer world,carry a body pale with longing,yet glowingwith the sheen of gold.But when my lordsteps into the battlefield,he becomes like that dreaded hill-passwhere traders who carry saltmust cast their loads aside in fear.For the warriors—the mallar,who return to their townsafter boasting in festival pride,crying, “We shall conquer!”—to themKilli standslike a passage they cannot cross,a harsh and hateful ridgeno brave step can master.PURANANURU - 84POET: NAKKANNAIYAR, DAUGHTER OF PERUNGOZHI NAYKAN.PATRON: THE CHOLA KING PORVAIK KOPPERUNARKILLI.NOTE:Mallar - In the poem, the word “Mallar” refers to warriors or valiant fighters often identified with the Maravar, a martial community known in ancient Tamil society for their courage and prowess in battle. In the context of Sangam poetry, mallar usually denotes strong, boastful combatants who take pride in their physical strength and martial skill.
NOW PLAYING
POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE KILLI: THE INVINCIBLE WARRIOR AND THE IMPECCABLE QUEEN.
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m