POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE VOW OF THE CHOLA KING

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem THE VOW OF THE CHOLA KING voices the fierce resolve of King Cholan Nalangilli. He declares that anyone who truly loves his land and humbly seeks it will be granted not only his kingdom but even his life. However, those who mock his power, insult his inner strength or challenge his authority will face utter destruction. Such enemies will not escape; they will be crushed in battle as mercilessly as tender bamboo beneath an elephant’s feet. The king swears that if he fails to annihilate such arrogance, his own honor and manhood would become empty and disgraceful. The poem thus celebrates generosity toward the loyal and ruthless justice toward the insolent affirming the sacred duty of kingship.THE VOW OF THE CHOLA KINGThus speaks Cholan Nalangilli, crowned by fate:Whoever loves my land, if softly heShould crawl to me and clasp my feet to beg my state,My thundering rule, my life itself, I’d freeAnd grant as alms, if such his plea be made.But he who mocks my strength and scorns my will in me,That witless fool shall not slip past unafraid—Not like the blind who stumbles, yet escapes,After he trips on tiger-hide where beasts have laid.I’ll crush him as the tender bamboo breaksBeneath the feet of elephants that feedOn bamboo’s might—so shall he fall in war’s fierce wakes.And if I fail to grind him so indeedThen let my garland melt upon my chest,with tresses of women clasped unloved.PURANANURU - 73POET:CHOLAN NALANGILLIALSO KNOWN AS “NALLURUTHTHIRAN SONG.”