Royal Attributes as Reflected in Caṅkam Poetry

Abstract

A figure of the ancient Tamil king occupies the central place in the division of the old Tamil poetry called puṟam. Along with his qualities as a warrior and a generous patron, his material attributes are described by poets. Many of them represent formal signs of royal power. The role of such objects as the royal scepter, the parasol and the drum is analyzed, their symbolic meaning is discussed. A special stress is laid on the connection of Tamil kings with plants. The role of chaplets made of flowers and the importance of ‘guarding trees’ are revealed. The traces of development of the poetic usage from a simple cliché to more complicated images are pointed out.

Keywords

• caṅkam poetry
• Tamil kings
• royal signs
• symbolic plants