Page:The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago.djvu/213

Rh poem, and describes the various scenes in the territory of that king, such as the long lines of bullock carts in which salt dealers travel with their families: caravans of asses carrying sacks of pepper: the toll-gates guarded by soldiers: the villages inhabited by hunters, shepherds and farmers: the seaports which were crowded with ships and the capital city of Kanchi. The latter poem appears to have been written about the year A.D. 70, when Karikal Chola was settled on his throne and was already the father of several children. The poem is in praise of Kavirp-paddinam, the capital city of Kârikal Chola. It describes at length the fertile region watered by the Kaviri: the fields and groves around the city: the sea-port and its spacious wharfs: the market place and its wide avenues: the fortifications of the city and the prowess and victories of the King Tiru-mâvalavan alias Kârikal Chola.

Mudath-thâmak-Kanniyar (A.D. 60-90) composed the poem Porunar-ârrup-padai in praise of Kârikal Chola. He alludes to the escape of Kârikal from prison while young: his victory at the battle of Vennil: his subsequent career as a king and warrior: and his courteous and generous treatment of the bards and minstrels who visit his Court.

Kapilar (A.D. 90-130) was a Brahmin by birth and a poet by profession. He resided for some time at the Court of the Chera King Athan, who married the daughter of Kârikal Chola: and the king was so pleased with him that he bestowed on the poet several villages as a free gift. Attracted by the fame of Pâri who was noted for his liberality to poets, he visited that chieftain and was soon installed as his favorite bard and boon companion. Being a perfect master in the art of flattery he was a general favorite wherever he went. The verses which he has left in praise of his patrons, show that he had a wonderful facility of expression and subtlety of thought which enabled him to compose felicitous verses extolling the bravery and generosity of his patrons, apparently with perfect truth, but in fact, in a highly exaggerated strain. After the death of Pâri, he took his daughters to be married to Vichchik-kon and Irunko-vel; but not succeeding in his mission, he bestowed the girls on Brahmins,