INTRODUCTION

Madurai is located on the banks of River Vaigai in Tamil Nadu. It is

one of the oldest cities in India. It has a long history beginning from the pre-

historic period. Historians claimed that the history of Madurai extended into

the first millennium B.C. in history and into the very dawn of time in myth

and legend. Throughout its long existence, it has been associated with Tamil

language and learning, and with the Pandyas. The present city is the product

of the Telegu-speaking Nayaks, the viceroys of the Vijayanagar Empire.

They ruled over Madurai from the 16th to the 18th centuries. 1 They had

contributed a lot for the development of Madurai. The city is filled with the

works of the Nayaks. One such example is Meenakshi Sundareswarar

Temple. Primarily, it was constructed by the Pandyas. Later on, it was

extended and glorified by the Nayaks.

The city is known for its culture, tradition etc. It is one of the cities in

India which gives priority to preserve the age old customs. Madurai is

popularly known as “Temple City” due to the availability of temples

constructed by the rulers. They are the standing examples of the socio,

economic and cultural lives of the ancient people lived over here. The city is

also known for the monuments. It is surrounded by mounds and hills viz.,

1
Bardwell Smith and Holly Baker Reynolds, The City as a Sacred Center, Essays on Six Asian Contexts,
New York: E.J. Brill, 1987, p. 12.

-1-
Anamalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai etc. These are filled with Jain Beds and

Brahmi scripts.

Location

Madurai is about 345 miles to the south of Chennai. It is bounded by

Dindigul district and Thiruchirapalli district on the north, Sivagangai district

on the east, Theni district on the west and Virudhunagar district on the south.

Geographically Madurai district lies on the North Latitude between 9°30.00

and 10°30.00 and on the east latitude between 77°00.00 and 78°30.00.2

The present Madurai city is only a smaller part of the ancient Pandyan

kingdom. The boundaries of the kingdom were the river Vellaru on North,

the Bay of Bengal on East, Cape Comorin and the Indian Ocean on South

and Western Ghats on the West. The most important river system of this

district is Vaigai and its tributaries. This river Vaigai flows south-eastwards

of Madurai; enters into the Ramnad District and then joints in the Bay of

Bengal.3

Different names of Madurai

Many more references and explanations are given for the derivation of

the term „Madurai‟. The word is supposed to be the Tamil form of the name
2
Chandra Mohan, A Statistical Handbook, Madurai: The District Collector, Department of Economics and
Statistics, 2004. p. 19.
3
Devakunjari, D. and Nagaswamy, R., Madurai through the ages from the Earliest Times to 1801
A.D.,Madras : Plates at Kalashetra Publication press, 1979, p. 26.

-2-
“Mathura”, the holy city on the Jumna in North India. The word “Madurai”

is derived from the Tamil word “Madhuram” which means “sweetness”.

Tenmadurai was a city in the southern part of the Pandya kingdom which

acted as the capital of the Pandyas. This city was swallowed by the sea.

Later on the capital was shifted to the north part of the place which was

known as Vadamadurai. Madurai was once covered with Kadamba forests

which were cleared by Kulasekhara Pandya. Hence the city was also known

as Kadambavanaksetra. Goddess Meenakshi as the Pandya Princess

Tatatakai had ruled over Madurai when she was a maiden. So, the city came

to be known as Kannipuram or Kanyakapuram. The city is also known as

Samastividyanagari, Sivanagaram, Dvadasantastalam, Jivanmuktipuram and

Bhalakasivalukam.

Madurai was famous as a seat of learning in early times. Madurai was

the centre for three different Tamil Sangams. The first of these was at the

old capital of Tenmadurai which was submerged into sea, the second at

Kavatapuramwhich was also swept under the sea, and the third at the present

town of Madurai called Vadamadurai. The extent Sangamworks consist

mostly of schematic anthologies such as the Ettuttogai which includes

Narrinai, Kuruntogai, Aingurunuru, Padirruppattu, Paripadal, Kalittogai,

-3-
Agananuru, Purananuru, and the “Ten Idylls” or Pathupattu as well as the

Tolkappiyam a comprehensive grammatical treatise.4

Maduraikkanchi

Maduraikkanchi is one of the Ten Idylls in the Sangamliterature. It

was written by Mankudi Maruthanar. He was acclaimed by Pandya kings

for his works. He was otherwise called as “Madurai Kanchipulavan”,

“Kanchipulavan” and “MankudiKilar”. The word “Kilar” denotes

agriculturist. His other works were Kurunthogai, Narrinai, Agananuru,

Purananuru, and Thiruvaluvamalai.

Maduraikkanchi is the sixth song of Pathupattu. It is one of the

cultural mine. It describes about the Talaiyalanganathu Seruvendra

Nedunjeliyan. It is the longest of the Ten Idylls containing 782 lines. Out of

which 370 lines describes about Madurai. According to it, Madurai was a

large and beautiful city with a palace, a number of temples, two large-

crowded bazaars and many well-laid streets, with lofty mansions. The Vaigai

river skirted the city walls and formed a natural defiance on one side. The

houses on either side were well-planned. The reminiscence of the old streets

is still in vogue. Of all the other factors, it is true that Madurai is always busy

4
Ibid., p. 28.

-4-
both in the daytime and at night from the very ancient period. People used to

say that Madurai never sleeps.5

Simply says this literature helps to know about the history of Madurai,

lifestyle of people, relationship between king and people, culture and

tradition, occupation, food, social, economic and religious condition. The

poem describes about the king Talaiyalanganathu Seruvendra Pandyan

Nedunjeliyan, the ruler of Madurai. The greater part of the poem deals with

the character and achievements of the king, and contains description of the

Pandyan kingdom. Nedunjeliyan II was the greatest Pandyan king of his

age.6

Aim

The research aims to bring out the history of Madurai from the

reference of Maduraikkanchi.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the research are to know the depiction of

geographical condition of Madurai, its political, social and religious

condition from Maduraikkanchi and to analyse the historical importance of

the Madurai city.

5
Nagarajan, V., Paththupattu(MulamumUraiyum) Book.1,Chennai: New Century Book House Pvt.,Ltd.,
2004, p. 3.
6
Chellaiah,J.V., Paththupattu (Ten Tamil Idyll), Thanjavur: Tamil University Reprint, 1985, p. 221.

-5-
Area of Study

Madurai is taken as the area of study of the research. In detail, the area

which is described in Maduraikkanchi is the area of study.

Methodology

Different research methods have been adopted in this research. They

are analytical, interpretative and descriptive method. The source materials

have been critically analysed and investigated. The descriptive method is

used in the presentation of the research.

Review of Literature

Different source materials have been used in this research. The source

materials have been classified into primary and secondary sources. Primary

source materials are the first hand information. They furnish most of the

information for this study. The primary sources are supplemented by

secondary sources.

Sources for the Study

The source materials for the research were collected mainly from the

Sangam literature particularly. The research depends on Maduraikkanchi. It

is in Tamil. It is supplemented by following works.

-6-
  Nagaswamy, R., Madurai through the Ages from the Earliest Times to

A.D. 1801, Madurai: Society for Archaeological, Historical and

Epigraphical Research, 1979.

 Pillay,K.K., Historical Heritage of the Tamils, Chennai: MJP

Publishers, 1979.

Limitation

The research is mainly based on Sangam literature – Maduraikkanchi.

It is in Tamil. Due to time constraints, the researcher could not able to

analyse the source with relevant inscriptional and other sources.

Scope

The research attempts to trace the history of Madurai revealed from

Maduraikkanchiin limited accepts. There is further scope to do research in

different aspect using this literary work.

Hypothesis

 Maduraikkanchi explains the history of Madurai in a poetic way.

 It is a literary work hence it may be sided with the rulers to get their

patronage.

 It provides details about the geographical, political, social, economic

and cultural lives of the people during that period.

-7-
Chapterisation

The research has four chapters along with introduction and conclusion. The

chapters are

1. Geographical Condition of Madurai

2. Political Condition of Madurai

3. Social Condition of Madurai

4. Religious Condition of Madurai

-8-
 GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITION OF MADURAI

Madurai is a land of cultural heritage. It is famous for its diverse

geographical conditions. According to Maduraikkanchi, Madurai has the five

divisions of land– Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham,Neithal and Palai.

“ப௃ந்஢ீர்஬஧ம்தாக …………… ஥லன஢ாநி஦

஬ி஦ன்ஞானம்”

Geographical ideas, such as the world system, the wind zone, the

movement of the stars are explained in Maduraikkanchi. The king‟s decree

is fraught with the nature of the nature and the use of it.

“ந஢ாய் இகந்து ந஢ாக்கு ஬ிபங்க;

ந஥ ஡க, ஥ிகப் பதானிந்஡ …

தல் ப஬ள்பம் ஥ீ க்கூந,

உனகம் ஆண்ட உ஦ர்ந்ந஡ார் ஥ய௃க!”7

There is a myth that the elephants endure the world. It describes about

the highlight of the streets of both the streets and the highlights of the

disciplinary towns were noted. The antiquities and political violence of the

7
Maduraikkanchi 13 – 23,Subbramaniyan, S.V., SangaIlakkiyam – Paththupattu, Chennai:
Mannickavasagar Publication, 2010, p.263.

-9-
Pandya kingdom had been framed. The goodness and morality of politics

was mentioned.8

“ப௃஫ங்கு கடல் ஡ந்஡ ஬ிபங்கு க஡ிர்ப௃த்஡ம்,

அ஧ம் நதாழ்ந்து அறுத்஡ கண் ந஢ர் இனங்கு ஬லப...

ப஢ய்஡ல் சான்ந ஬பம் தன த஦ின்நாங்கு,

஍ம் தால் ஡ில஠யும் க஬ிணி அல஥ ஬஧”9

Ocean, pearl, conch shell, the things sold by traders, white salt, fish

boat, sea trade, taking out pearl from the sea, the bangles made by conch

shells, fishing, fish trade, the import of western horses by ships, export of

ornaments to other countries the sailing of boat, with pearls and conch shells

all these things were noted in this lines. The Pandya Nadu had lot of

resources and became famous of these five kinds of land.10

Kurunji (Hilly region)

In the hilly region, sandal and akil trees are grown. Mustard, ginger,

turmeric, pepper are cultivated in these region. Cultivated things are kept in

the rock.

8
Nagarajan,V.,Paththupattu(MulamumUraiyum)Book-2, Chennai : New Century Book House Pvt.Ltd.,
2004, p. 35.
9
Maduraikkanchi 315-326, Subbramaniyan,S.V., Op. cit, p.272.
10
Nagarajan.V., Book -2, Op. cit., p. 91.

- 10 -
 “஢றுங் காழ் பகான்று, நகாட்டின் ஬ித்஡ி஦

குறுங் க஡ிர்த் ந஡ால஧, ப஢டுங் கால் ஍஦஬ி, ...

கய௃ங் கால் குநிஞ்சி சான்ந ப஬ற்த஠ிந்து,

அய௃ங் கடி ஥ா ஥லன ஡஫ீ இ, எய௃ சார்”11

Main themes of Kurunji land are described here – the cultivation of

Akil, sandal, paddy, mustard, Ivanam, ginger, turmeric, pepper, millets.12

Mullai (Forest)

In the Mullai forest millet and sesame are cultivated in this region.

Many colorful flowers are grown in the water areas.

“சிறு ஡ிலண பகாய்஦, கவ்ல஬ கறுப்த,

கய௃ங் கால் ஬஧கின் இய௃ங் கு஧ல் புன஧, ...

஬ல்நனான் ல஡இ஦ ப஬நிக்கபம் கடுப்த,

ப௃ல்லன சான்ந புநழ௃ அ஠ிந்து எய௃ சார்”13

The food materials like millets, Gingili and Varahu rice, animals like

deer, the trees like Labarnum tree and the vine like Musundai Mullai and

flower likes Neithal were the objects shown in this poem. The gems like

beads were fallen down in the space of tuber harvested area were glittered.

11
Maduraikkanchi 286-301,Subbramaniyan,S.V.,Op. cit, p.271.
12
Nagarajan.V.,Op. cit.p.86.
13
Maduraikkanchi 271-285,Subbramaniyan, S.V., Ibid.

- 11 -
Jumping deer‟s makes the holes in the paths, the structure of crop, and the

appearance of the Neithal flowers in the water filled pits. The scenery of

blossomed Mullai flowers were glittered like silver it showed the economic

resources of the land.14

Marutham (Fertile Land)

The rivers were flooded by the ponds. The ponds were filled by

flooded water. Water from the ponds flows through the stream due to this

lotus, weaving, paddy, and other flowers were grown very well.

“அ஡ணால், கு஠ கடல் பகாண்டு குட கடல் ப௃ற்நி,

இ஧ழ௃ம் ஋ல்லனயும் ஬ிபிழ௃ இடன்அநி஦ாது, …

ந஬஫ப் த஫ணத்து த௄஫ினாட்டு,

கய௃ம்தின் ஋ந்஡ி஧ம், கட்தின், ஏல஡”15

The Marutham scenery such as the overflowing of rain, the work of

fish hunters, the action of taking sugar cane juice and harvesting were shown

in this above lines. They said that the growth of the paddy crop could even

hide the elephant. The vision that evaporated from the ocean and it was

taken by the clouds and it rained in the Western Ghats and finally it reached

14
Nagarajan.V.,Op. cit.p.83.
15
Maduraikkanchi 238-258,Subbramaniyan,S.V., Op. cit., p.270.

- 12 -
the oceans were portrayed in this poem. The varieties of flowers were

blossomed in water bodies.16

“கலன ஡ா஦, உ஦ர் சில஥஦த்து,

஥஦ில் அகழ௃ம், ஥னி பதாங்கர், …

தல் ந஬று பூத் ஡ி஧ ஡ண்டலன சுற்நி,

அழுந்துதட்டிய௃ந்஡ பதய௃ம்தாண் இய௃க்லகயும்”17

The river Vaigai was surrounded by gardens. The sceneries of the

flowers floating in the river seemed like a garland. Panar never migrates

anywhere from this land was denoted through this word

“Aluthapattiruntha”.18

“தல் ந஬று கு஫ாஅத்து இலசப஦ழுந்து எனிப்த,

஥ா கால் ஋டுத்஡ ப௃ந்஢ீர் நதான…

தல் ந஬று குழூஉக் பகாடி த஡ாலக ஢ிலனஇ,

பதய௃ ஬ல஧ ஥ய௃ங்கின் அய௃஬ி஦ின் த௃டங்க”19

In Madurai region, Nalangadi and Alangadi were the two types of

shopping area. In this region lot of flags were hoisted. The sound of the

Murasu was like a sound of the ocean breeze, the sound of the musical

instrument was like a sound that made by the people‟s hand who takes
16
Nagarajan.V., Op. cit., p.79.
17
Maduraikkanchi 332-342, Subbramaniyan S.V., Op. cit.p.272.
18
Nagarajan.V.,Op. cit, p.95.
19
Maduraikkanchi 360-374,Subbramaniyan S.V., Ibid, p.273.

- 13 -
bathing in the water. The Angadi street seemed like a beautiful painting.

The wavering flag with various colours seemed like a movement of the falls

in the hills. The flags denote the moral life of the people, the victory of the

king, and point out the happy life of the people, and then they tell about the

education, penance and grants characteristic. Madurai had the people with

various languages.20

“எண் சுடர் உய௃ப்த எபி஥ழுங்க, சிணந்஡஠ிந்து,

பசன்ந ஞா஦ிறு, ஢ன் தகல் பகாண்டு…

஋ல்லன ஋ல்னாம், ந஢ாப஦ாடு புகுந்து,

கல்பனன் ஥ாலன, ஢ீங்க,”21

The emergence of the evening and the activities of the ancient women

were described in these lines. Washing the hair with herbal powder; wearing

the garlands that reduce the heatness in the body, grinding the spices like

turmeric and sandal, ioning the clothes and lighting the lights at home

through this the activities the household women at evening time were

explained.22

”இய௃ம் திடி ந஥஋ந் ந஡ால் அன்ண இய௃ள் நசர்பு,

கல்லும் ஥஧னும் து஠ிக்கும் கூர்ல஥த்…

20
Nagarajan,V., Op. cit, p.100.
21
Maduraikkanchi 545-558,Subbramaniyan S.V., Op. cit., p.279.
22
Nagarajan, V., Ibid, p.135.

- 14 -
 ப஥ன் பூஞ் பசம்஥பனாடு஢ன் கனம் சீப்த,

இ஧ழ௃த் ஡லனப்பத஦ய௃ம் ஌஥ ல஬கலந”23

Through these lines we can know about the scenery of the Madurai in

early morning and also its activities happen at the time. The activities were,

the Vedas were preached by the priest, the musical instrument were played,

food were given to the elephants women were started their regular house

hold duties while at the time men woke up from their bed. These soodhar,

maadhagar, vaithaligar were sang their blessing song. The sounds of murasu

were emerged in sound of buffalo, hen, peacock, elephant and other wild

animals were filled at early in the morning. The ornaments were shaltered at

the streets because of the fights. The streets also were cleaned at the time.24

“ல஥ தடு பதய௃ந் ந஡ாள் ஥஫஬ர் ஏட்டி,

இலடப் புனத்து எ஫ிந்஡ ஌ந்து நகாட்டு ஦ாலண…

புத்ந஡ள் உனகம் க஬ிணிக் காண்஬஧,

஥ிக்குப் புகழ் ஋ய்஡ி஦ பதய௃ம் பத஦ர் ஥துல஧”25

The lines explained about the Pandyas who destroyed their enemy

kingdom and conquer its economic resources.

23
Maduraikkanchi 634-686, Subbramaniyan,S.V., Op. cit, pp. 282-284.
24
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.154.
25
Maduraikkanchi 634-686, Subbramaniyan,S.V., Op. cit, p284.

- 15 -
 The entering scenary of the elephants, horses, cows and valuable

things were looked like the entering of the mingled Gangairiver in the ocean.

The brave soldiers were escaped by showing their back because of the

power of Pandyas. While at the war they got huge trunk of the elephant and

captured their horses. At the war they slashes the enemies and fired their

place with the help of the fire they captured the cows. They also demolish

the palaces and had their doors. The warriors praised the king by their hands

for their blessed life. Like the Gangai River with lot of resources entered

into the sea, the all kinds of the resources were entered into the Madurai.

The uncountable materials were continuously gathered in Madurai. And it

seemed like a heaven that glitters with shine and gained its popularity.26

Neithal (Coastal Region)

Neithal is belonging to the ocean region. Pearls and seashells are

collected in this region. Then pearls, seashell, fish, clothes are exported

from this region. Yavanas were imported their horses to Tamil Nadu. Then

they exported these materials from this region.

“ஏங்கு஡ில஧ ஬ி஦ன் த஧ப்தின்

எனி ப௃ந்஢ீர் ஬஧ம்பு ஆக,...

ப஡ாடுப்தின் ஆ஦ி஧ம் ஬ித்஡ி஦து ஬ிலப஦,

26
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.159.

- 16 -
 ஢ினனும் ஥஧னும் த஦ன் ஋஡ிர்பு ஢ந்஡”27

The lagoon first emerges, after which the landscape is exposed from

the sea these notes are known from this sentence.28

“கல்காயும்கடுந஬ணிபனாடு

இய௃஬ாணம்பத஦ல்எபிப்தினும்………

எனிஏ஬ாக்கனி஦ா஠ர்

ப௃துப஬ள்பிலன஥ீ க்கூறும்”29

Mudhuvellilai is a place, situated near seashore. „It is the place where

the feudatories were lived‟, said by Nachinarkiniyar. The various sounds

that arose in this place show the fertility of Marutham and Neithal. The

place Mudhuvellilai contained lot of paddy, fish and salt resources. The

movement of the paddy, the music of the birds, the sound of the fish hunter

and salt seller, showed the complete life of this people.30

Palai (Desert)

Without mountains and rainfall, Palai region presents. During

summer, Madurai looked like Palai. This is mentioned in the work.

“இய௃ ப஬஡ிர்ப் லதந் தூறு கூர் ஋ரி ல஢ப்த,

27
Maduraikkanchi 1-12,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p. 263.
28
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit,p.32.
29
Maduraikkanchi 106-119,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.266.
30
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.53.

- 17 -
 ஢ி஫த்஡ ஦ாலண ந஥ய் புனம் தட஧,...

஢ி஫ல் உய௃ இ஫ந்஡ ந஬ணில் குன்நத்து,

தாலன சான்ந, சு஧ஞ்நசர்ந்து, எய௃ சார்”31

This verse mentions the extreme heat of sun due to which elephant

would be fragile; bamboo caught fire, hills without falls, dry grass,

hurricanes. In this situation, the people suffered and were in search the

shadows of trees. 32

31
Maduraikkanchi 301-314,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.271.
32
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.88.

- 18 -
 POLITICAL CONDITION OF MADURAI

Madurai is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the Indian peninsula. It

is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. It was ruled by the Pandyas from the

time immemorial. The Pandyas and their capital Madurai are mentioned in

many literary works both inland and foreign.

Madurai is one of the few cities to have enjoyed a continuous history.

After Pandyan dynasty, Nayak rule had its glory in the city. Thirumalai

Nayak, the popular king of Nayak rulers, renovated Meenakshi temple, built

Nayak Palace in 1636 with the help of an Italian Architect and expanded

Madurai city. Thirumalai Nayak is not only a great ruler and builder but also

very popular among his subjects. He built many magnificent structures in

and around Madurai. The Rajagopuram of the Meenakshi Amman temple,

the PuduMandapam, the Mariamman teppakulam and the Thirumalai

Nayak‟s palace are living monuments that bear testimony to his artistic

fervor. Nayak ruled over Madurai and became weak after the death of

Tirumalai Nayak. Then Queen Mangamma, a brave lady ruled Madurai for

17 years.

Few years later Madurai rulers tried to rule Madurai and they were

ineffective because British and French people laid their foot strongly in the

region. In 1781, the British rulers appointed their representatives to look

- 19 -
after Madurai. In 1804, Mr. George Parish, the first Collector of Madurai

was appointed by the East India Company, after the Nawab of Arcot gave

Madurai in 1801. Madurai District and surrounding areas remained under the

rule of the British for about 150 years.

After independence it became the second most important city in Tamil

Nadu after Chennai. However, rapid industrial growth of Coimbatore helped

that city to overtake Madurai in its importance and ranking. Currently

Madurai is the third largest city. Madurai acts as a major commercial and

recreational and most important nodal centre for entire Southern Tamil Nadu

which comprises of nearly 10 districts.33

Maduraikkanchi

Mangudi Maruthanar started the poem by describing about the

prosperity of Pandya kingdom for which Nedunjeliyan‟s ancestors were

responsible. At the same time the poet very tactfully praised the king‟s

character and heroism. Nedunjeliyan II was the greatest Pandyan king. He

was the contemporary of Mangudi Maruthanar. Nedunjelyan II came to the

throne in his early age. The described the great victories he had gained. His

brilliant victory at Thalaialanganam over the Chera and Chola kings is

described in this work. The Chera, and the Chola kings, taking advantage of

33
Pillay, K.K., Historical Heritage of The Tamils, Chennai: MJP Publishers, 1979, p.206.

- 20 -
his youth, invaded his territories. He gained a brilliant victory at

Thalaialanganam battle. 34

The following is a short summary of the description of Madura in this

poem. The city walls were high and the gateways are tall and strong. The

streets were very broad like rivers. The forces of the kin marched through

the streets: soldiers, elephants, and chariots drawn by prancing horses. The

elephants, horses, cows, ornaments, various materials from the enemies

kingdom were entered into Madurai. This scenery was like the wealthy

Gangairiver that entered into the ocean. So the Madurai seemed like a

heaven. Warriors wore the ornaments and they were praised by his head.

They were also praised by the victory.

From the account of the city, it is evident that the Pandyan kingdom

had an efficient system of government. In his administration, he was

supported by his judges, ministers of state, counselors, and officials to advise

and help him in the administration. The counselors gave him advice. There

was a council consisting of four kinds of officers. The village elders were

me together in Manrams. The king had an army consisting of warriors,

elephants, and horses.35

34
NarayanaVelupillai, M., Paththupattu (Second Part), Chennai: Mullai, 1994, p.5.
35
Chelliah, J.V., Ibid, pp.224-225.

- 21 -
 “இய௃ பதய௃ ந஬ந்஡ந஧ாடு ந஬பிர் சா஦ப்

பதாய௃து, அ஬ல஧ச் பசய௃ ப஬ன்றும், ...

஢ினம் ஡ந்஡ நதர் உ஡஬ி,

பதானந் ஡ார் ஥ார்தின், ப஢டிந஦ான் உம்தல்!”36

Pandyan Nedunjeliyan defeated the feudatories such as

CheranSembiyan, Thidiyan, Elini, Erumaiyuran, Irungkonvenman and

Porunan. Some kings thought that the hills and the forest were act as a wall

for their kingdom, but Pandyan proved that it was wrong by defeating them.

So they gave their kingdom to Pandyan and lived under his control. One of

the ancestors of Pandyan Empire named “Vadimbalamba Nindra Pandiyan”

defeated his enemies and collected the hair and wore it as a garland.

Through this term “Pozhandar Marbin” the braveness of Pandya Empire was

depicted.37

“஬ான் இல஦ந்஡ இய௃ ப௃ந்஢ீர்ப்

நத஋ம் ஢ிலனஇ஦ இய௃ம் பதப஬த்து, ...

சீர் சான்ந உ஦ர் ப஢ல்னின்

ஊர் பகாண்ட உ஦ர் பகாற்ந஬!”38

36
Maduraikkanchi 55-61,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.265.
37
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.41.
38
Maduraikkanchi 75-88,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid.

- 22 -
 The sea had the quality of creation, protection, and destruction. Here

the word “Munneer” denotes the “Ocean”. The three works of ocean is to

create, to protect, and to destroy.39

“எய௃ சார், ஬ி஫ழ௃ ஢ின்ந ஬ி஦ல் ஆங்கண்

ப௃஫ழ௃த் ந஡ாள் ப௃஧ண் பதாய௃஢ர்க்கு, …

஢னம் சான்ந கனம் சி஡றும்

தல் குட்டு஬ர் ப஬ல் நகாந஬!”40

The king had the braveness to defeat his enemy and also he provided

charity to needy person. The king had these qualities by the custom of

“Thannadu Thalialital”. The Warriors got elephants, the dancers and singers

got the ornaments as their prize. Through this the kings nature of charity

were expressed.41

“஬ி஦ன்ந஥஬ல்஬ிழுச்பசல்஬த்து

இய௃஬லக஦ான்இலசசான்ந………………

ப௃஧சுபகாண்டுகபம்ந஬ட்ட

அடு஡ிநல்உ஦ர்புகழ்ந஬ந்ந஡!”42

Agriculture and trade are the most important fields in the world. They

help to improve the economic status, and hence enhance charity

39
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.46.
40
Maduraikkanchi 98-105,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.266.
41
Nagarajan, V., Ibid, p.50.
42
Maduraikkanchi 120-130,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, pp.266-267.

- 23 -
improvement. One of the war methods of Pandya is to fire the enemies‟

state.

This method „Yeri Paranthu Eduthal‟ was described in Vanjithinai. In

the Battle of Talaiyalanganathu, Pandya defeated his seven enemies named

Cheran, Sembiyan, Tidiyan, Elini, Erumaiyuran, Irungkonvenman and

Porunan. He got the victory in this battle. So, he got the title

“Talaiyalanganathu Seruvendra Nedunjeliyan”.43

“஢ட்ட஬ர் குடி உ஦ர்க்குல஬;

பசற்ந஬ர் அ஧சு பத஦ர்க்குல஬, ….

கள் பகாண்டிக் குடிப் தாக்கத்து,

஢ற்பகாற்லகந஦ார் ஢லசப் பதாய௃஢!”44

Nedunjeliyan had the nature of developing his dependent. One and at

the same time he had the power to conquer his enemies kingdom. Korkai, a

harbour belonged to Nedunjeliyan. The people in Korkai showed more

interest in Nedunjeliyan and these were viewed in these lines, “Narkorkaiyor

Nasap Peruna”.45

“அரி஦ ஋ல்னாம் ஋பி஡ிணின் பகாண்டு,

உரி஦ ஋ல்னாம் ஏம்தாது ஬சி,...

ீ

43
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.56.
44
Maduraikkanchi 131-138,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.267.
45
Nagarajan,V.,Ibid, p.58.

- 24 -
 ஦ாண்டு தன க஫ி஦ ந஬ண்டு புனத்து இறுத்து,

ந஥ம்தட ஥ரீஇ஦ ப஬ல் நதார்க் குய௃சில்!”46

The king decided in mind about the victory over his enemies‟

kingdom, the king donates the property that he gained, to others without kept

it for him. The king couldn‟t satisfy over his victories and so he again took

war against his enemy. He stayed in his kingdom that he want and make it

prosper and make it as his own. These things were noted in the above

lines.47

“உறு பசறு஢ர் புனம் புக்கு, அ஬ர்

கடி கா஬ின் ஢ிலன ப஡ாலனச்சி, …

஬ா஫ால஥஦ின் ஬஫ி ஡஬க் பகட்டு

தா஫ா஦ிண, ஢ின் தலக஬ர் ந஡஋ம்”48

This part explained about the condition of the kingdom that opposes

Nedunjeliyan. He entered into the enemy kingdom and first destroys the

protection. Then he fired the Marutha land. He made the fertile land into

waste land. He made the land once the cows were settled now it was settled

by tigers. Cutting down the enemies‟ trees, destroying their protection, to

46
Maduraikkanchi 145-151,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.267.
47
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit,p.62.
48
Maduraikkanchi 152-176,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, pp.267-268.

- 25 -
fire and destroy the kingdom, destruction of the life of people living there

these things were explained in this lines.49

“஋஫ாஅத் ந஡ாள் இ஥ிழ் ப௃஫க்கின்,

஥ாஅத் ஡ாள், உ஦ ஥ய௃ப்தின்,…

கு஠ப௃஡ல் ந஡ான்நி஦ ஆர்இய௃ள் ஥஡ி஦ின்

ந஡ய்஬ண பகடுக, ஢ின் ப஡வ்஬ர் ஆக்கம்”50

This part described about the strong war force, using this war force he

got victory by defeating numerous kingdom knowing political ethics.

Having the knowledge about ethics explaining it even to educated ones,

these things helped the king to grow like a full moon and at the same time

the opposite sides lose their kingdom.

Not only defeating his enemies‟ he had the ability to give protection to

them. He made the victory kingdom as his own.

The king had political ethics; he followed foot prints or path of the

educated ones. He also educated the moral ethics to the one, who didn‟t

aware about this. Poets blessed the king having these qualities by “Nin

Valampadu Kottram”.51

49
Nagarajan,V.,Ibid, p.64.
50
Maduraikkanchi 177-196,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.268.
51
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.68.

- 26 -
 “அழு தில் அன்ண, ஢ாடு இ஫ந்஡ணய௃ம்,

பகாழும் தல் த஡ி஦ குடிஇ஫ந்஡ணய௃ம்,…

சில்காற்று இலசக்கும் தல் புல஫ ஢ல்னில்,

஦ாறு கிடந்஡ன்ண அகல் ப஢டுந் ப஡ய௃஬ில்”52

This part described about the state of the enemies‟ that opposed the

Pandya king and their state of mind and actions at that time.

The kings who opposed Nedunjelyan they lost their kingdom. After

lost their kingdom they again want to fight with him so they went for war but

by seeing his strength them showing their back and escaped. This part also

described about the appearance and the beauty of the palace and the structure

of the streets.

The gates of the palace were easy to open and close, they properly

maintained it. They thought god was at the entrance of the gate. So, they

properly oiled it and they sprinkled some culture and prayed.

The continuous active state of the people and the animals in that place

was compared to Vaigai. The heights of the houses were compared by these

words “Vanam Mulka”. The various stories, Mandapam, Koodom of one

house were compared by this sentence “Vakai Pera Elunthu”. The two sides

52
Maduraikkanchi 345-359,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.273.

- 27 -
of the houses were compared to the shores of the river and the streets were

seemed like a river.53

“அச்சப௃ம் அ஬னப௃ம் ஆர்஬ப௃ம் ஢ீக்கி,

பசற்நப௃ம் உ஬லகயும் பசய்஦ாது காத்து,…

பஞ஥ன் நகால் அன்ண பசம்ல஥த்து ஆகி,

சிநந்஡ பகாள்லக அநங்கூறு அல஬஦ப௃ம்”54

This part described about the state of the morality of Pandya kingdom.

The judge act as a common man, without bias he gave judgments. The

judges were compared to the nature of “Thulak Kol”. It had the ability to

show the equality like that without any bias (i.e.) without saw whether he

was friend, enemy, he gave judgement. These were the reasons that the

people lived their life with morality. He lived moral life and at the same

time he made others to live moral life.55

“஢றுஞ் சாந்து ஢ீ஬ி஦ நகழ் கிபர் அகனத்து,

ஆழ௃஡ி஥ண்஠ி, அ஬ிர் துகில் ப௃டித்து,...

த஫ி எரீஇ உ஦ர்ந்து, தாய் புகழ் ஢ிலநந்஡

பசம்ல஥ சான்ந கா஬ி஡ி ஥ாக்களும்”56

53
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.97.
54
Maduraikkanchi 489-492 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. ,Op. cit, p.277.
55
Nagarajan,V.,Ibid, p.124.
56
Maduraikkanchi 493-499,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.277.

- 28 -
 The nature of the ministers was described in this part of the song. The

pride, the braveness he had, that in he even spoke the moral ethics, against

the king, at the same time he afraid about he was popular by his fame, he

gain his popularity by the king. The king gave appellation like “Aenathi”.57

“஥ல஫ எழுக்கு அநாஅப் தில஫஦ா ஬ிலபயுள்,

தல஫஦ன், ந஥ாகூர் அல஬஦கம் ஬ிபங்க,

஢ான் ப஥ா஫ிக் நகாசர் ந஡ான்நி஦ன்ண,

஡ாம் ந஥஋ந் ந஡ான்நி஦஢ாற் பதய௃ங் குழுழ௃ம்”58

This poem described about the place Mohoor. It was the place of the

chieftain, Palaiyan. This land was full of fertile because of the continuous

showering of the rain. In his palaces, Nan Mozhi Kosar was well versed for

their truthfulness. Like that in Pandya king‟s place the Nar Perum Kulam

was famous.59

“ல஥ தடு பதய௃ந் ந஡ாள்஥஫஬ர் ஏட்டி,

இலடப் புனத்துஎ஫ிந்஡ ஌ந்து நகாட்டு ஦ாலண,

தலகப் புனம் க஬ர்ந்஡ தாய் தரிப் பு஧஬ி”60

57
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.125.
58
Maduraikkanchi 507-510,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.278.
59
Nagarajan,V.,Ibid, p.127.
60
Maduraikkanchi 687-689,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.284.

- 29 -
 The lines explained about the Pandyas who destroyed their enemy

kingdom and conquer its economic resources.

The entering scenary of the elephants, horses, cows and valuable

things were looked like the entering of the mingled Gangai river in the

ocean.61

The brave soldiers were escaped by showing their back because of the

power of Pandyas. While at the war they got huge trunk of the elephant and

captured their horses. At the war they slashes the enemies and fired their

place with the help of the fire they captured the cows. They also demolish

the palaces and had their doors. The warriors praised the king by their hands

for their blessed life. Like the Gangai River with lot of resources entered

into the sea, the all kinds of the resources were entered into the Madurai.

The uncountable materials were continuously gathered in Madurai. And it

seemed like a heaven that glitters with shine and gained its popularity.62

“஡ிய௃ந்து து஦ில் ஋டுப்த இணி஡ின் ஋ழுந்து,

஡ிண் காழ் ஆ஧ம்஢ீ஬ி, க஡ிர் ஬ிடும்...

஬ல்நனான் ல஡இ஦ ஬ரிப் புலண தால஬

ப௃ய௃கு இ஦ன்நன்ண உய௃஬ிலண ஆகி”63

61
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.159.
62
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.338.
63
Maduraikkanchi 714-72, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.285.

- 30 -
 In this part, the beautiful appearance of the Neduncheliyan was

described. The appearance of the king was like the painting of the girl, by

the artist that means the painting had the god‟s appearance. Like that the

king‟s appearance was like a God. The king wears ornaments like

Muthumalai, garland, and rings. It seemed like a God so that his

appearances were compared to artist‟s painting that had God‟s appearance.64

“஬ய௃ புணல் கற்சிலந கடுப்த, இலட஦றுத்து,

என்ணார் ஏட்டி஦ பசய௃ப் புகல் ஥ந஬ர்

஬ாள் ஬னம் பு஠ர்ந்஡ ஢ின் ஡ாள் ஬னம் ஬ாழ்த்஡”65

Tholkappiyam, Purathinai explained elaborately about the individual

person braveness (i.e.) the enemies‟ force were defeated by him individually

and the individual war methods. The king gave him appellation like

Kavaethi, Aenathi and also some states and places to him.66

“஬ில்லனக் கல஬இக், கல஠஡ாங்கு ஥ார்தின்...

஢ல் ஋஦ில் உ஫ந்஡ பசல்஬ர்த் ஡ம்஥ின்;...

பதய௃ஞ் பசய் ஆட஬ர்த் ஡ம்஥ின்; திந ம்

஦ா஬ய௃ம் ஬ய௃க; ஌நணாய௃ம் ஡ம்!” ஋ண” 67

64
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit.,p.163.
65
Maduraikkanchi 725-727 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.286.
66
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.165.
67
Maduraikkanchi 728-747 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.286.

- 31 -
 This part of song described about the Thumbai Thinai. The king

praised the strong and energetic warrior for their talents. He provided them a

Thumbai flower in honoring of their talents. This part also talked about the

wounds of the warriors. Their shields were damaged and it was hurt and tore

by arrows and spear. They didn‟t even consider their lives. By celebrating

their victory they were praised by applying the sandal over their chest and

dedicating the garlands that was made from various flowers.68

“஬ல஧஦ா ஬ா஦ில் பசநாஅது’ இய௃ந்து,

’தா஠ர் ஬ய௃க! தாட்டி஦ர் ஬ய௃க! …

இய௃ங் கிலப பு஧க்கும் இ஧஬னர்க்கு ஋ல்னாம்

பகாடுஞ்சி ப஢டுந் ந஡ர் கபிற்பநாடும் ஬சி”

ீ 69

The king welcomed the people who sing and the ladies who dance and

the poets. He also provided the chariot for them along with the elephants.70

”கபந்ந஡ாறும் கள்பரிப்த,

஥஧ந் ந஡ாறும் ல஥ ஬ழ்ப்த…

ீ

஥கிழ்ந்து, இணிது உலந஥஡ி பதய௃஥!

஬ல஧ந்து஢ீ பதற்ந ஢ல் ஊ஫ில஦ந஦!” 71

68
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.167.
69
Maduraikkanchi 748-752 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.286.
70
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.169.
71
Maduraikkanchi 753-782,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.287.

- 32 -
 This part describes about the cooking and its results. Because of the

cooking there was a smoke everywhere and it seemed like the clouds

spreading every places. On the other side of the kingdom the king named

„Mudhukudumi Peruvazhuthi Pandyan‟ did many yagas. It also describes

about the wealth and popularity of the „Nilatharu Thiruvin Nediyon‟, to

establish the Tamil Sangam. He provided the north side to Tamil Nadu

when Tamil Nadu lost its places because of the natural disaster. In his place

Tholkappiyam was played first. This part set that the material it was rare in

their kingdom should be share with the people. The king should develop the

people and also the people should learn the good deeds. This made the king

to be popular as the son arose in the centre of the sea and also the moon that

present in between the stars.72

72
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.171.

- 33 -
 SOCIAL CONDITION OF MADURAI

The social condition of Madurai was stated clearly in Maduraikkanchi.

The city carried on extensive trade, even with such distant places like Rome.

Traders crossed the high seas, and such things as horse were imported; and

pearls, gems, conch shell bangles salt, dried fish and tamarind were

exported. The king‟s counselors wore turbans. The practice of starching

cloth was followed: the garment of the king was stretched. Women wore on

fine ornaments of gold and gems; anklets filled with gems, bangles with

flower designs and costly pendants. Men also wore on ornaments, and the

jewels of the king are described, one of which was a bracelet. Women used

perfumes, sandal wood and musk for the fragrance. They use smoke akil for

their hair. The mango and jack were popular and favourite fruits of the time.

Toddy and liquor was drunk by all class of people. Betel and arecaunt was

eaten with a specially prepared paste. Music, dancing and singing were very

popular at the time. The Yal, was the favourite instrument, seven notes were

played in this instrument. There was a unique kind of yal used for special

purpose. Sevvali and Marutham were the two tunes were played usually in

the morning and evening. Marutham played in the morning, Sevvali played

in the evening.73

73
Chelliah, J.V., Op. cit., p.226.

- 34 -
 “ப௃஫ழ௃ இ஥ிழும், அகல் ஆங்கண்,

஬ி஫ிழ௃ ஢ின்ந ஦ல் ஥றுகின்…

இன் கனி ஦ா஠ர், குழூஉப் தன த஦ின்று, ஆங்கு,

தாடல் சான்ந ஢ல் ஢ாட்டு ஢டு஬ண்”74

People that lived in the Madurai surroundings lived their life with full

of resources and happiness without any enmity among themselves.75 The

places were surrounded by the sounds of drums and a festival includes the

dramas played by gypsies. The various groups of people lived there.

Through the poems of the poet the famous city Madurai belonged to

Pandya‟s kingdom.76

“தல் ந஬று கு஫ாஅத்து இலசப஦ழுந்து எனிப்த,

஥ா கால் ஋டுத்஡ ப௃ந்஢ீர் நதான…

தல் ந஬று குழூஉக் பகாடி த஡ாலக ஢ிலனஇ,

பதய௃ ஬ல஧ ஥ய௃ங்கின் அய௃஬ி஦ின் த௃டங்க”77

This part described about the two great streets Naalangadi and

Allangadi and about the various flags that tied up there. The sounds of the

drums were like a sound of the ocean breeze, the sound of the musical

instruments were like a sound that made by the hands while bathing. The

74
Maduraikkanchi 327-331 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.272.
75
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.93.
76
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.311
77
Maduraikkanchi 360-374, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.273.

- 35 -
streets with the shops seemed like a beautiful painting, the movements of the

various coloured flags were like a falls from the hills.

This flags described about the moral life of the kingdom, the victory

of the kings, the happy life of the people and their qualities of penance life,

education, and charity.78

“஡ீம் பு஫ல் ஬ல்சிக் க஫ற்கால் ஥஫஬

பூந் ஡லன ப௃஫஬ின் ந஢ாந்஡லன கடுப்த,...

தல் ந஬று தண்஠ி஦ம் ஡஫ீ இத் ஡ிரி ஬ிலனஞர்,

஥லன புல஧ ஥ாடத்துக் பகாழு ஢ி஫ல் இய௃த்஡஧”79

The powerful sound of the drums was to fortunate the war winning

warriors and it also encouraged the warrior for the war.

The flowers and the garlands were sold for the trade purpose. The

people made the calcium, gems, gold, sandal, camphor by smashing along

with the rose water. The roasted the Sangu and used it as a ingredient for

betel leaves.

The traders were afraid to sell their materials because of the

continuous gathering of the army forces. Their fearness and longingness

were compared to the forces from the both sides. They were released and

78
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.100.
79
Maduraikkanchi 395-406, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.274.

- 36 -
took a deep breath only after the force leave. The traders sold the materials

which can‟t be depleted. After their trade they took a rest under the shadows

of the gallery.80

“இய௃ங்கடல் ஬ான் நகாடு புல஧஦, ஬ாய௃ற்றுப்…

கா஥ர் உய௃஬ின் ஡ாம் ந஬ண்டு தண்஠ி஦ம்

க஥ழ் ஢றும் பூ ப஬ாடு ஥லண஥லண ஥றுக”81

This part described about the age old ladies young girls and

youngsters.

The age old ladies carried the aroma filled materials along with the

garlands for the young girls to get their match.

In this part, the young girls were described like a peacock, while they

draw kolam, they walked softly and they called the youngsters by claping

their hands. In this part, the poet used lot of smiles.82

“஥ல஫ பகாபக் குலந஦ாது, புணல் புக ஥ிகாது,

கல஧ பதாய௃து இ஧ங்கும் ப௃ந்஢ீர் நதான,...

஥ாடம் திநங்கி஦ ஥னி புகழ்க் டல்,

஢ாள் அங்காடி ஢ணந் ஡லனக் கம்தலன”83

80
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, pp.105-106.
81
Maduraikkanch 407-423 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.274.
82
Nagarajan,V.,Ibid, p.108.

- 37 -
 Madurai has another name called “Nan Madak Koodal”. This was

because of the gathering of the four galleries named Thiru Aalavai, Thiru

Nallaru, Thu Mudangai, Thiru Naduvur.84

“ப஬஦ிற்க஡ிர் ஥ழுங்கி஦ தடர் கூர் ஞா஦ிற்றுச்

பசக்கர் அன்ண, சி஬ந்து த௃஠ங்கு உய௃஬ின்,...

காநனார் காப்தக் காபனணக் க஫ியும்

஬ாண ஬ண் லக ஬பம் பகழு பசல்஬ர்”85

This part described about the appearance and the activities of the rich

people. The color of the ornament in the waist of the rich people were like a

red sky, and it beauty attracted the eyes of the viewers. They tied in their

waist, which was made up of golden handle. They wore gorgeous dresses

and ornaments that was made up of gems and took their horse chariot and

made his journey as fast as air. They had the mindset that the usage of the

richness was to provide charity.86

“஢ாள் ஥கிழ் இய௃க்லக காண்஥ார், பூ ப஠ாடு

ப஡ள்பரிப் பதாற்சினம்பு எனிப்த, எள்ப஫ல்…

஢ில஧ ஢ிலன ஥ாடத்து அ஧஥ி஦ம் ந஡ாறும்,

83
Maduraikkanchi 424-430, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.275.
84
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.111.
85
Maduraikkanchi 431-442, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid.
86
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.112.

- 38 -
 ஥ல஫ ஥ாய் ஥஡ி஦ின் ந஡ான்றுபு ஥லந஦” 87

This part of the song described about the rich person‟s wife. They

went to the temple by wearing the ornaments that was made up of gold.

They wore the anklets that were made up of the selected beats. Their

appearance of the rich ladies was like the heavenly angles. They wore the

bangles fully decorated with flowers. They wore the make ups with various

perfumed materials. And its perfume was spread throughout the street. The

wavering of the huge flags that was tied in the post was like a sea waves that

was induced by the air. Under the light of the moon, the faces of the ladies

with the glittering earrings were seemed like a moon which was appeared

and disappeared among the clouds. They were watching the festivals at their

terrace.88

“நகாடு ழ் கலட஢ய௃ம், ஡ிய௃ ஥஠ி கு஦ிணய௃ம்,

சூடுறு ஢ன் பதான் சுடர் இல஫ புலண஢ய௃ம்,…

சிநி஦ய௃ம் பதரி஦ய௃ம் கம்஥ி஦ர் கு஫ீ இ,

஢ால் ந஬று ப஡ய௃஬ினும், கால் உந ஢ிற்ந஧”89

The king‟s palaces were surrounded by the four great streets and the

trade in it was the major things that were described in this part.

87
Maduraikkanchi 443-452, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit,, pp.275-276.
88
Subbramaniyan, S.V., Op. cit., pp.319-320.
89
Maduraikkanchi 511-522, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, p.278.

- 39 -
 There were four types of trade streets. They were full of gold, gems,

sarees, and goods. The various peoples like Brahmins, kings, traders, and

agriculturist were belonged to these four types of streets.90

“பகாடும் தலநக் நகாடி஦ர் கடும்புடன் ஬ாழ்த்தும்,

஡ண் கடல் ஢ாடன், எண் பூங் நகால஡

பதய௃ ஢ாள் இய௃க்லக, ஬ிழு஥ிந஦ார் கு஫ீ இ,

஬ில஫ழ௃ பகாள் கம்தலன கடுப்த”91

The Koothar’s drums were curved in the center. The Chera king was

very fond of music and dramas. Koothars were performed and showed their

talents in the assembly of Cheras and portrayed or praised the king.92

நசறும் ஢ாற்நப௃ம் தன஬ின் சுலபயும்,

ந஬று தடக் க஬ிணி஦ ந஡஥ாங் கணியும்,…

கீ ழ் பசன ஬ழ்ந்஡
ீ கி஫ங்பகாடு, திநழ௃ம்,

இன் நசாறு ஡ய௃஢ர் தல் ஬஦ின் த௃க஧”93

This part described about the foods Jack fruits, tasty mangoes, variety

of vegetables, fruits, the creepers were grown because of the east monsoon

rain were beautiful, matured with blossomed leaves, the honey that was
90
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.325.
91
Maduraikkanchi 523-526, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.278.
92
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.130.
93
Maduraikkanchi 527-535,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, pp.278-279

- 40 -
made from sugar, rice mingled with meat, the tubers that grown under the

earth and also the other varieties of foods were eaten by the people.94

“஬ால் இல஡ ஋டுத்஡ ஬பி ஡ய௃ ஬ங்கம்

தல் ந஬று தண்டம் இ஫ி஡ய௃ம் தட்டிணத்து…

தல் ந஬று புள்பின் இலச ஋ழுந்஡ற்நந

அல்அங்காடி அ஫ி ஡ய௃ கம்தலன”95

This part was fully described about the import and the export of that

period. There were the continuous activities of countries materials and

exporting their country materials to the other country‟s ship. The customers

brought the ornaments and walked here and there, there was always noisy

because of these things. With the help of the light house, the ship reached its

destiny. The speed of the waves made the ship to touch its destiny.

The arrival of the furious waves in the midnight made the various

birds to fly with fear. This nest with fear was compared to the trade

market.96

“க஠ங்பகாள் அழ௃஠ர் கடந்஡ பதானந் ஡ார்

஥ாந஦ான் ந஥஦ ஏ஠ ஢ல் ஢ாள்,...

ப஢டுங் கல஧க் கா஫கம் ஢ினம் த஧ல் உறுப்த,

94
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.326.
95
Maduraikkanchi 536-544, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.279.
96
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit, p.133.

- 41 -
 கடுங் கள் ந஡நல் ஥கிழ் சிநந்து ஡ிரி஡஧”97

Oonam festival was celebrated for Vishnu in Madurai. This day was

celebrated for Vishnu because he was born on that day. 98 In that day on that

evening the interested people wanted to saw the elephant war. So they

made the elephants to fight. The appearance of the elephants also described.

It had deep scars in their faces and in the forehead. It were played at the

Maravar lived palace. For the safety of the visitors there was they built the

shore. The people who watched the war was hurted by the rough stones

under their feet. To compensate this pain they drunk the liquor and spend

the time.99

“஡ி஬ழ௃ ப஥ய்ந் ஢ிறுத்துச் பசவ்஬஫ி தண்஠ி,

கு஧ல் பு஠ர் ஢ல் ஦ாழ் ப௃ழுந஬ாடு என்நி, …

கடுஞ்சூல் ஥கபிர் நத஠ி, லகப஡ாழுது,

பதய௃ந் ந஡ாட்சானிணி ஥டுப்த” 100

The girls with long hair walked like a peacock and went to temple to

pray the God. The various types of songs were sung at the morning and

evening. These were the followed musical customs in the temple. There

97
Maduraikkanchi 590-599 ,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.281.
98
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.142.
99
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., pp.330-331
100
Maduraikkanchi 604-610, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid.

- 42 -
was also explained about the methods for the musical instruments with the

full brightness of the lights. They took milk rice for devoted to the God.101

“஥ன்று ப஡ாறும் ஢ின்ந கு஧ல஬

நசரிப஡ாறும்,

உல஧யும் தாட்டும் ஆட்டும் ஬ில஧இ,…

நசரி ஬ி஫஬ின் ஆர்ப்பு ஋ழுந்஡ாங்கு

ப௃ந்ல஡ ஦ா஥ம் பசன்ந தின்லந” 102

The people provided the name of chieftain, Nannar to the festivals.

There was the cheering sound everywhere that arose from the festival. The

cheered sounds in Madurai were compared to the sound that arose from the

Nannan‟s birthday function.103

“தாணாள் பகாண்ட கங்குல் இலட஦து

நதயும் அ஠ங்கும் உய௃ழ௃ பகாண்டு, ஆய் நகால்…

அச்சம் அநி஦ாது ஌஥ம் ஆகி஦

஥ற்லந ஦ா஥ம் தகல் உநக் க஫ிப்தி,” 104

This part describes about the appearance of thief and the actions of the

police. At night the peoples in the Madurai slept peacefully without any fear

because of the protection by the police. Police of that period in Madurai,

101
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.331.
102
Maduraikkanchi 615-620, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.282.
103
Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.332.
104
Maduraikkanchi 631-653,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Ibid, pp.282-283.

- 43 -
didn‟t thought about them. They didn‟t even care about their lives. Thieves

had sharp swords and hide it on their dresses. They tied it well without

falling down. They tied a strong iron thread around their waist. The helped

them to climb up and climb down. They knew the various hidden tactics.

The police were behaved like a tiger, when he saw its prey. Without any fear

they provide security for the people. So the people lived their lives without

fear. Thieves roamed here and there to theft the expensive ornaments.

These hidden places of thieves were easily catched by the police within the

fraction of seconds. They were like a brave and strong tiger which even

killed the Giant elephant. They did not even sleep at night. Even there was

a rain, they didn‟t stop their work. They continuously worked hard.105

105
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., pp.151-152.

- 44 -
 RELIGIOUS CONDITION OF MADURAI

Maduraikkanchi gives details about the religious condition of the

people in Madurai. The Dravidian forms of worship existed; side by side

Aryan cults were spreading fast in the Tamil land. Kings were worshiping

various cults. We note that Murugan worship still continued, and people,

believing that all ills were caused by that god, worshipped him and

performed dances in his honor. Thiruparankunram is the “pleasant hill”

which is one of the shrines of Muruga. But when the poet describes about

the worship in the city, the Marava soldiers were celebrated the birth of

Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi carved on the door of the city gates. Besides

these Hindu cults, we find Jain and Buddhist religions also flourishing in the

city. The religions life of those times is the spirit of toleration that prevailed

as regards religious matters.106

“஡ிண் க஡ிர் ஥஡ா஠ி, எண் குறு஥ாக்கலப,

ஏம்திணர்த் ஡஫ீ இ, ஡ாம் பு஠ர்ந்து ப௃஦ங்கி,...

பூ஬ிணர், புலக஦ிணர், ப஡ாழு஬ணர், த஫ிச்சிச்

சிநந்து புநங்காக்கும் கடழ௃ள் தள்பியும்,”107

106
Chelliah, J.V., Op. cit., pp.226-227.
107
Maduraikkanchi 461-467, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit, p.276.

- 45 -
 The poet described about the Buddhism schools in Madurai and also

about the nature of the students in it. People with their families went there to

pray and praise by showering the flowers.

The visions of the mother who hug and pampered their children were

seemed like the lotus flower holding their buds by their hands. The five

disciplines in the Buddha principle to lead a better family were the main

objectives of the prayer.108

“சிநந்஡ ந஬஡ம் ஬ிபங்கப் தாடி,

஬ிழுச் சீர் ஋ய்஡ி஦ எழுக்கப஥ாடு பு஠ர்ந்து,...” 109

The hidden meanings in the Vedas were always viewed by Brahmins.

This part described about the Brahmins stages of the development. There

were four Vedas. In that AdharvaVedham were called as MandhiraSaahai.

The remaining three were called vedhas. Brahmins explained about the rig,

yasur, samam in the Brahmin schools. The students in the schools followed

the disciplines.110

“஬ண்டு தடப் தழு஢ி஦ ந஡ணார் ந஡ாற்நத்து

பூழ௃ம் புலகயும் சா஬கர் த஫ிச்ச,...

இறும்பூது சான்ந ஢றும் பூஞ் நசக்லகயும்

108
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.118.
109
Maduraikkanchi 468-479, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.276.
110
Subbramaniyan, S.V., Op. cit., p.321.

- 46 -
 குன்று தன கு஫ீ இப் பதானி஬ண ந஡ான்ந”111

This part described about the Savagar‟s families moral principle and

also nature of the saints moral value in Jainism.

Saints knew about everything and explained about everything that

happened everywhere. They had the tendency to describe everything

without seeing anything. They made lot of fastings. There was no change in

their weight even though they undergo many fastings. This part also

described about the Amanpalli. These schools were placed in a cooling

place and the walls were painted with the drawings and paintings. It was

like the appearance of the caves. This place was the seasons for the

happenings of the wonders. The living places of the saints were called

Amanpalli. Saint knew about the past and also the future by calculate the

present life happenings. The place where fulfilled with the perfumed

gardens.112

“எய௃ சார்,

அய௃ங் கடி ந஬னன் ப௃ய௃பகாடு ஬லபஇ,…

சீர் ஥ிகு ப஢டு ந஬ள் நத஠ி, ஡ழூஉப் தில஠யூஉ,

஥ன்று ப஡ாறும் ஢ின்ந கு஧ல஬” 113

111
Maduraikkanchi 475-488,Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., pp.276-277.
112
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.112.
113
Maduraikkanchi 610-615, Subbramaniyan,S.V. , Op. cit., p.282.

- 47 -
 This poem describes about the methods of Velan‟s Veriyattam and

also about the Kuravai Koothu that was performed by the girls. The one

who worshipped the Lord Murugan with the spear was considered as Velan.

He played melody musical instruments for Lord Murugan. Then he kept the

Kurinji flower in the Kadamba tree to worship the God. There was praising

speech, songs along with dance. They celebrated the day for Lord

Murugan.114

114
Nagarajan,V.,Op. cit., p.146.

- 48 -
 CONCLUSION

From the project research, it is cleared that the portrayal of Madurai is

beautifully and clearly portrayed in Maduraikkanchi. Maduraikkanchi

explains the history of Madurai in a poetic way. Though it is a poem, it has

given the condition of Madurai during the Sangam period in a perfect form.

From this literary source, the geographical, political, social, economic and

cultural lives of the people during the Sangam period could be visualized.

The poet beautifully described the geographical condition of the

Madurai city and available sources of the land. He stressed the importance

given by the people to the nature and the naturalist living. From this source,

it is evident that though Madurai suffered due to rainfall, people were aware

of the preservation of water and they knew the technique of water

management. This shows that Madurai during Sangam period was a fertile

area and different varieties of crops were cultivated here. The difference of

the land determined the social and economic status of the people. This is

proved that people engaged in different types of work.

The poet gave more importance than others to the political condition

of Madurai. He gave a clear description about Pandyan Neduncheliyan, his

rule and administration.

- 49 -
 From the information, the researcher understands that the ruler as well

as the people lived in a positive environment which helped them equally in

the growth of the city. They gave more importance to the nature cented

living, culture, tradition etc. It is our duty and responsibility to preserve and

safeguard our culture and tradition which are the roots for good living for us

and to the future generation.

- 50 -
 BIBILIOGRAPHY

Primary Source

1. Chellaiah,J.V., Paththupattu (Ten Tamil Idyll), Thanjavur: Tamil

University Reprint, 1985.

2. Nagarajan, V., Paththupattu (Mulamum Uraiyum) Book.1, Chennai:

New Century Book House Pvt., Ltd., 2004, p. 3.

3. Nagarajan,V.,Paththupattu (Mulamum Uraiyum) Book-2, Chennai :

New Century Book House Pvt. Ltd., 2004.

4. NarayanaVelupillai, M., Paththupattu (Second Part), Chennai: Mullai,

1994.

5. Subbramaniyan, S.V., SangaIlakkiyam – Paththupattu, Chennai:

Mannickavasagar Publication, 2010.

Secondary Source

6. Bardwell Smith and Holly Baker Reynolds, The City as a Sacred

Center, Essays on Six Asian Contexts, New York: E.J. Brill, 1987.

7. Chandra Mohan, A Statistical Handbook, Madurai: The District

Collector, Department of Economics and Statistics, 2004.

8. Devakunjari, D. and Nagaswamy, R., Madurai through the ages from

the Earliest Times to 1801 A.D., Madras : Plates at Kalashetra

Publication Press, 1979.

- 51 -
9. Pillay, K.K., Historical Heritage of The Tamils, Chennai: MJP

Publishers, 1979.

- 52 -