POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE TIDES OF WAR AND THE KING’S GLORY

POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE TIDES OF WAR AND THE KING’S GLORYABOUT THE POEM: The poem THE TIDES OF WAR AND THE KING’S GLORY glorifies the valor and triumph of King Nedunchezhiyan in battle. It compares his war elephants to mighty ships cleaving through the sea, as they clear the battlefield for his victory. The king defeats his enemies, seizing their war drums as trophies and spreading his fame.The poem vividly describes the destruction of his foes, using their crowns as a sacrificial fire, their blood as the offering, and their severed arms as stirring paddles in a symbolic war feast. It also highlights the king’s wisdom, righteousness, and the reverence he commands from scholars and rival kings.Finally, the poem asserts that even his enemies, though defeated, attain an honorable place in heaven simply for having faced such a formidable ruler in battle.THE TIDES OF WAR AND THE KING’S GLORY Like timbered ships that cleave the sea,By winds that drive them fierce and free,So charged your elephants, bold and grand,Clearing the field at your command.With gleaming spear and mighty hand,You crushed the kings who dared withstand.Their battle drums, once loud and proud,Now sing your name to every crowd.Their crowns became the altar’s fire,Their flowing blood, the flames aspire.Their severed arms, like paddles strong,Stewed in war’s feast, both deep and long.O king of sword and boundless fame,Whose foes now praise your dreaded name!Though war they lost, their fate is bright,For heaven still grants them noble light.Purananuru - 26Poet: Mankudi Kilavar also known as Mankudi Maruthanar.Patron: Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan, the victor of the battle at Thalaiyalanganam.