POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE KING’S SACRED OATH

ABOUT THE POEM:The King PANDIYAN NEDUNCHEZHIYAN makes a solemn vow about the responsibilities of leadership in this Epic poem titled THE KING’S SACRED OATH. He declares that if his citizens ever suffer from poor governance and begin accusing him of being a cruel or unjust ruler, he alone should bear the blame. He accepts full responsibility for any failure in providing good rule.He further says that if poets, especially those belonging to the prestigious court led by the famous poet Māṅkuṭi Marudan, decide not to praise him in their verses, he accepts that too as a deserved consequence of his failures.Most importantly, he vows that if people in distress come to him seeking help and he has nothing to offer them—if he is so poor or incapable that he cannot provide assistance—then he is willing to suffer in that helplessness. For him, the greatest shame is being unable to protect or support those who rely on him.Overall, the poem expresses the ideal nature of kingship. Good governance is the ruler’s primary obligation.Poets should praise only a worthy king.A ruler’s greatness lies in protecting and helping the needy. It is a noble oath of responsibility, compassion and accountability.THE KING’S SACRED OATHIf ever my people live without my care,and cry, “Our sovereign is cruel, devoid of grace,”then let such shame be mine alone to bear.Let every poet gathered in learned place—the court where Māṅkuṭi Marudan’s praises ring—fall silent, granting me no song, no trace.And should the helpless to my presence bringtheir pleas for aid while I, in poverty,lack means to give them even the smallest thing—then let me wither in that misery;for failing those who seek my guarding handIs in deeper ruin than any destiny.PURANANURU - 72POET: PANDIYAN NEDUNCHEZHIYAN, WHO CONQUERED TALAIYALANGAANAM