Sangam Period Royal Poet – Perungkadungko

சங்க கால அரசப் புலவர் - பெருங்கடுங்கோ

Abstract

Sangam literature is a profound source that introduces the antiquity of the Tamil language to the world. The Sangam period refers to a time more than 2,000 years ago. Sangam literature comprises 2,381 poems authored by 473 poets, including people from various professions, women, and kings. These works vividly depict the lifestyle of Tamils during that era. Sangam poems reflect the emotions and actions of ancient Tamils, including love, war, valor, governance, and trade. Kings born in warrior lineages often interacted with poets and excelled in literary skills. The poems record diverse human emotions such as bravery, friendship, personal pride, education, the value of children, and love. They also reflect the dignified qualities appropriate to kings, while showcasing the respect poets could command—even surpassing that of rulers. The literature provides insight into the high value placed on education in ancient society. Kings, through their engagement in learning, recorded their perspectives in poems. Among these poets, Perungkadungko, who composed primarily on the Palai (desert/war) landscape, contributed a significant number of poems. This article aims to analyze the ideas conveyed in his poems.