Politics in Tamil Epics

Abstract

It is essential to understand the political ethics embedded in Tamil epics, their relevance in the modern era, the conflicting ideas within them, and the shifts in their perspectives today. The key political concepts found in Silappathikāram, Jivaka Chintāmani, and Chulāmani are remarkable. Silappathikaram explains that a king’s righteous rule (Sengōl) is the foundation for people’s security and it describes administrative structures like the “Aimberunkuzhu” (Council of Five) and the “Enperāyam” (Council of Eight) that existed during the era of the three Great Tamil dynasties (Chera, Chola, and Pandya). In Jivaka Chinthamani, the author highlights the destruction caused when King Sachandan neglected his duties and succumbed to lust and Jeevakan’s commitment to duty despite numerous hardships. The epic Chulamani emphasises the importance of ministerial advice and depicts the relationship between the people and the king as that of a body and its soul. If modern rulers and the younger generation adopt the life ethics and the wisdom of ministers depicted in these ancient epics—with necessary modifications—it will pave the way for non-violent good governance and help in resolving global problems and issues.