POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE-WHEN BANGLES SLIP AND KINGDOMS WAVER

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem WHEN BANGLES SLIP AND KINGDOMS WAVER portrays a town divided in political opinion. The people of Uraiyur are split into two factions—one group wants Porvaik Kopperunarkilli to rule, while the other prefers the current ruler, Tithan. Thus, the town itself is in a state of uncertainty and tension.Parallel to this political division runs the inner conflict of the heroine. She is deeply attracted to Killi. He is young and valiant, wearing heroic anklets, and just beginning to grow a dark beard. Thinking of him fills her with longing. Her love is so intense that her bangles slip from her wrists—a traditional sign of love-sickness in Sangam poetry. She fears that her mother might notice this and discover her secret feelings.She considers embracing him to stop the bangles from slipping, but her modesty prevents her from doing so in a public place. Her heart trembles and wavers, just like the divided town.Although the poem expresses the heroine’s inner love and emotional turmoil (an Akam theme), it is classified under Puram because its central focus is on political instability and the question of kingship. The poet cleverly mirrors personal hesitation with public uncertainty, blending love and politics into one powerful image of division.WHEN BANGLES SLIP AND KINGDOMS WAVERThe town lies torn in two, in restless air,In ancient Uraiyur, factions rise and cry—For Killi’s rule, or Tithan’s guarded care.Some call for Porvaik Kopperunarkilli high,While others cling to Tithan’s reigning hand;Thus splits the street, thus storms the sky.At Killi’s feet brave anklets proudly stand;His warrior bells proclaim a youthful might,Dark down now shadows jaw and chin so grand.For longing burns in me at such a sight;My bangles loosen, slipping from my wrist,As love outgrows their clasp in shy delight.Ah! Let not Mother see what I have missed—These sliding signs my secret heart betray;Perhaps I’d clasp his shoulders, love-possessed.Yet in the public hall I cannot stray;My modesty restrains my trembling art,And bids my eager arms in silence stay.So falters thus my fluttering, divided heart—Like this same town that wavers whom to crown:Let it, like me, in sweet confusion start.For news of rule unsettled shakes the town;Thus though my theme is love’s uncertain art,It stands with public song, not inward known.PURANANURU - 83POET: NAKKANNAIYAR, DAUGHTER OF PERUNGOZHI NAYKAN.PATRON: THE CHOLA KING PORVAIK KOPPERUNARKILLI.