POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE PROSPEROUS FIELDS AND THE VICTORIOUS KING

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem THE PROSPEROUS FIELDS AND THE VICTORIOUS KING paints a vivid picture of rural life in a fertile land. Women weed the fields, pulling up lilies and lotuses along with the grass, while farmers catch fish from the ponds and cook them with freshly harvested rice to make a feast. Carrying heavy bundles of paddy, they walk unsteadily, while their children play joyfully, climbing straw heaps, breaking coconuts, and eating palm fruits. This abundance of food, joy, and prosperity shows the richness of the land. The poet then turns to the king, declaring that such a flourishing country belongs to him, won through his valor in battle. None who dared to fight him ever survived, for his strength was unmatched and his victories absolute. In short,the poem celebrates the prosperity of the land, the simple joys of its people and the invincible valor of the king who rules it. THE PROSPEROUS FIELDS AND THE VICTORIOUS KING Upon the fields, the women bend and toil,With baskets slung, they pluck the weeds away,And flowers entwine with leaves in fragrant spoil.The lily torn, the lotus cast astray,While laborers snare the silver fish that glide,And cut them fine for steaming rice that day.With new rice pongal set in bowls beside,They stagger on with paddy-sheaves in hand,Their children climb the straw heaps, full of pride.They break the cocoanuts, a feast so grand,And when their tongues grow weary of its sweet,They seek the palm-fruit offered by the land.O king, who rides with spear and thundering feet,This wealth is yours, by battle made secure;Who dares your chest shall find their end complete.PURANANURU - 61POET: KONATTU ERIRCHILUR MATALAN MADURAI KUMARANARPATRON: CHOLAN NALANKILLI SETCHENNI, WHO RESTED AT ILAVANTIKAIPALLI.