Knowledge and Fine Arts of Madhavi in Silappathikaram

Abstract

Silapathikaram was created by Ilango Adigal. The speciality of silapathikaram is, it is the first epic created in tamil language. Silapathikaram presents literature, music and drama(muthamizh) and thereby bringing to light the pride of Tamil language. As characters of Silapathikaram got into a lot of discussions, a doubt arises whether the characters got famous through the epic or, the epic got famous due to the characters. For instance, the chastity of Kannagi and Madhavi has been compared and subjected to many debates. Madhavi is considered to be a crucial character in Silapathikaram. Madhavi belongs to kanigayar community. She has learnt the art of dance for seven years. She has also learnt to play a musical instrument called ‘yazh’. She has written two letters, thereby Silapathikaram exposed her art skills and literary knowledge. It is also known that women of kanigayar community learnt many art skills, thus exposing the literary, musical, and art skills of Tamil people.