Silappadhikaram
(Literary Appreciation)
4
Characters
Let us study the character of the main characters created
by the author in the epic Silappadhikaram.
As we mentioned earlier, the main characters are three
viz, Kovalan, Kannagi and Madhavi.
by the author in the epic Silappadhikaram.
As we mentioned earlier, the main characters are three
viz, Kovalan, Kannagi and Madhavi.
With this analysis we understand the
then culture and practices,
then culture and practices,
rulers and their ruling, life and life-styles
of the people in vogue those days.
of the people in vogue those days.
With free local and foreign and overseas trade,
the business communities in the country were
flourishing and were very prosperous and rich.
the business communities in the country were
flourishing and were very prosperous and rich.
The trade was in precious materials, gems and stones,
grains, ornaments and jewels, fine clothes etc.
As the rich traders were helping the rulers
grains, ornaments and jewels, fine clothes etc.
As the rich traders were helping the rulers
during wars and calamities, they were having
close relations with the Kings.
close relations with the Kings.
They mingled with the Royalty during
Cultural and Religious functions.
They were invariable invitees
for any celebrations to the king’s court.
Cultural and Religious functions.
They were invariable invitees
for any celebrations to the king’s court.
Two such traders are Maasaathuvaan
and Maanaaicken by names.
and Maanaaicken by names.
1. Kovalan
Kovalan is the son of above mentioned rich and
prosperous grains trader Maasaathuvaan.
Along with his father, he was attending their
prosperous grains trader Maasaathuvaan.
Along with his father, he was attending their
business. At the age of 16, he got married to
Maanaicken’s daughter Kannagi, who was only 12 years old.
May be this was prevalent practice then.
Immediately after attaining puberty, the parents of
Maanaicken’s daughter Kannagi, who was only 12 years old.
May be this was prevalent practice then.
Immediately after attaining puberty, the parents of
the girl will be in a hurry to get her married and complete the
responsibility of begetting a daughter as early as possible.
Even the boys were not spared from this early marriage
in boyhood itself. After the marriage Kovalan and Kannagi
were living together for some time. Then Madhavi comes and
haunts their life - separation
At this young teen age, whether Kovalan understands his
family and social responsibility. Though Kannagi was a
beautiful girl, he takes refuge in court dancer,
Madhavi’s beauty and grace. He stays in her quarters for
three years. As a traditional chaste family lady, Kannagi prefers to call
herself as “ Kovalan’s wife". But at the end of the story, the author
force us to call Kovalan as Kanngi’s husband.
Kovalan is not a hero, but heroine’s husband, a weak personality.
Fate plays very hard game with him, taking his life.
Silappadhikaram is an heroine oriented epic.
We do not find any objection by the wife, parents and other
Anyhow, Ilango Adigal , The author depicts Kovalan as
a soft and kind hearted man always ready to help the poor
and distressed people. Falling to the beauty and grace of
Madhavi, does not make him a bad fellow.
This was accepted socially by the community
and common practice to have the links with
the parathiyar, common woman.
and common practice to have the links with
the parathiyar, common woman.
We do not find any objection by the wife, parents and other
family and friends for the practice. Even the author does not
take any objection. But chaste woman are praised by noble people.
Though child marriage was prevalent, we don’t come across
polygamy or polyandry in the epic.
Whatever may be the life of Madhavi prior to meeting Kovalan,
she remained dedicated and faithful
only to him for rest of her life.
*
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