The Sangam era (200 BCE–200 CE) is renowned for its rich body of Tamil
literature, including exquisite love poems found in works such as Akanānūru,
Kurunthogai, Narrinai, and others. These poems focus on themes of human
emotions, relationships, and nature, often intertwined with metaphors from Tamil
landscapes (Thinai). Here are some notable love poems from the Sangam age:
1. Kurunthogai (குறுந்தொகை)
Poem 40 (By Kapilar)
Context: The heroine expresses her longing for her lover through a metaphor of
blooming flowers.
Original Tamil:
முல்லை குவளை புனைந்து,
குளந்தகை நெஞ்சம் உளந்தொடு கொண்டாரே!
காதலர் தாம் செய்த கல்லமோ!
Translation:
"Adorned with Mullai and Kuvalai flowers,
He carried away my heart and its depth.
Is this the cunning play of my beloved?"
2. Akanānūru (அகநானூறு)
Poem 136 (By Nakkīrar)
Context: The heroine describes the agony of separation.
Original Tamil:
சென்ற வழியனே சென்று தெளிந்து,
நின்ற நெடுஞ்சாலை தன்னைச் சென்று,
நான் என்ன கேளிர்ப் பொலிந்தோமென்று!
Translation:
"Retracing the path he took,
To the long road where we once stood,
I ask myself: 'What caused this distance between us?'"
3. Narrinai (நற்றிணை)
Poem 92 (By Kabilar)
Context: The heroine reveals her love in secret, using nature as a metaphor.
Original Tamil:
சிலந்தி இழிந்து கயிற்றினால்,
தென்னை துளா தங்காது விழுந்ததே,
என் நெஞ்சம் தாங்காது விழுந்தது அவரே!
Translation:
"Like the palm leaf,
Brought down by the fragile thread of a spider,
My heart falls helplessly for him."
4. Kurunthogai (குறுந்தொகை)
Poem 203 (By Venmanipperuthalaiyaar)
Context: The hero reassures his beloved about their love’s strength despite
distance.
Original Tamil:
என்தலை மேல்விளைந்த காதல்,
வானுயரப் புனைந்த கனிவினை,
மண்ணிற்பு வீழ்ந்து மீண்டற்றே.
Translation:
"Our love is like a fruit that ripens on the tallest tree.
Even if it falls to the ground,
Its sweetness remains unchanged."
5. Puranānūru (புறநானூறு)
Though Puranānūru primarily focuses on war and heroism, a few love poems are
included, often expressing the pain of separation.
Poem 251 (By Avvaiyar)
Context: The heroine compares her emotions to the restless sea.
Original Tamil:
கடல் பரந்த, நீர் பரந்த,
என் நெஞ்சம் விரிந்தது அவருக்கே.
Translation:
"As the ocean spreads far and wide,
My heart too opens, only for him."
6. Paripāṭal (பரிபாடல்)
The poems of Paripāṭal blend themes of love and devotion with vivid natural
imagery.
Excerpt from Poem 7
Context: A celebration of love that aligns with the beauty of the Cauvery River.
Original Tamil:
காவிரிக் கரை நின்று பார்த்திடும்,
காதலரே நீயும் என் வாழ்வே!
Translation:
"Standing by the Cauvery’s banks,
I see only you, my beloved, my life itself."
Common Themes in Sangam Love Poems
1. Five Landscapes of Love (ஐங்கிணை):
o Kurinji (Mountainous region) - Union.
o Mullai (Forest region) - Patience during separation.
o Marutham (Agricultural plains) - Domestic love and conflict.
o Neithal (Seashore) - Longing and grief.
o Pālai (Desert) - Separation and hardship.
2. Nature as a Metaphor:
o Flowers, rivers, mountains, and the sea represent the emotions of
lovers.
3. Subtlety and Sensitivity:
o Feelings are often expressed indirectly, through metaphors and
symbols.
These poems reflect the beauty of Tamil language and the emotional depth of
Sangam poetry. Let me know if you'd like more poems or specific translations!
