Sangam Lit

In this episode, we walk by the shore of Tamil Sangam literary work Natrinai Poem 11, written by Ulochanar, set in the landscape of ‘Neythal’ or the coastal regions, in the consoling words of the lady’s confidante to the lady, as the man listens by.

In this episode, we dive into the Tamil Sangam Literary work Natrinai Poem 10. This poem has been penned by an anonymous poet, set in the ‘Paalai’ region, or the desert, dryland landscape of ancient Tamil lands, in the wise words of the lady’s friend to her friend’s man.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Tamil Sangam Literary work, Natrinai and traverse through Poem 9, written by Perunkadunko. Perunkadunko was a Chera King who has lent his poetic expertise to many Sangam poems, set in the ‘Paalai’ or the desert, dryland region. This poem is in the words of a man to his lady, as they look together at the path ahead.

In this episode, we shall delve into Natrinai Poem 8, penned by an anonymous poet, and set in the landscape of Kurinji or the mountainous regions of ancient Tamil land, in the words of a man in bliss.

In this episode, we will visit the wisdom engrained in Natrinai Poem 7, written by Nalvelliyaar, set in the ‘Paalai’ landscape or the dry-land region that features separation as its main theme. This poem feels special for this is the first time I’m relishing the work of a female poet of the Sangam Era. Reading the words of this woman from two thousand years ago fills me, a twenty-first century woman with awe and inspiration.

In this episode, we will get acquainted with Natrinai Poem 6, written by Paranar, who in his Sangam poems, talks of rulers of his time and in days before his time. He is therefore considered a ‘historian poet’. In this intimate poem set in the Kurinji landscape of mountainous regions, a man is speaking aloud to his heart, knowing that the lady’s confidante is hanging around nearby.

In this episode, we shall get drenched in the downpour of Natrinai Poem 5, written by Perunkundroor Kizhaar, on the Kurinji landscape. As we have seen before, this pertains to the mountainous regions of ancient Tamil land. These words are spoken by the lady’s confidante to the lady, on the subject of her man’s parting away.

In this episode, I share with you, my exploration of Tamil Sangam literary work, Natrinai Poem 4. This poem has been written by Ammovanaar, on the ‘Neythal’ landscape which includes the sea and coastal regions.

In this episode, I present to you reflections from Natrinai Poem 3, written by Ilangeeranar, a poet who dealt predominantly with the ‘Paalai’ landscape of desert wasteland and adjoining regions. This is a poem, in which a man has something to say to his heart.

In this episode, we will soak in Natrinai 2, a poem by Perumpathumanār, set in the landscape of ‘Paalai’, which is a dry, desert area and lands in its vicinity. This is a poem as narrated by those who see a man and his lady in the desert.