Personality Traits in Kovurkizhar Songs

Abstract

Kovoorkizhar was one of the most scholarly poets of the Sangam age. He is one of the 15 Kizhar poets in the Purananooru. Supported by the Chola dynasty, he was of the view that there should be love, righteousness, and peace in politics. It is to be seen from his Purananooru songs in this thesis that the ruling kings, however, kept their anger aside and worked diligently to change their wrong policies and make them better. There are 15 songs in Purananooru sung by him. Of these, the four songs from 44 to 47 in the Purananooru can identify his personality traits. The songs were performed in person by the four Chola kings (Nalankilli, Nedunkilli, Kulamuruthathu, Thunjiya Killivalavan, and Kurapalli Thunjiya Killivalavan) speak volumes about their power and virtues. He has also highlighted the personality traits of the kings featured in those songs. It is to be noted that Kovoor Kizhar sang two of the six songs (68 and 70) in Purananooru about the field of Panatruppadai. It is explained in this review that the poets featured in these songs were selfless and respected the welfare of others. Along with these, a song (308) is featured in the Mullaithurai of Moodin, sung by Kovoorkizhar. This thesis describes the lives of the Panars and the great power of the King of Seerur.