சஙக கல தலவன மறறம பஙகன உணரவகளம உரயடலகளம / Feelings and Conversations of the Leader and his Friend in Sangam Period

Sangam Literature explains the life of the ancient Tamil people. People’s thoughts, feelings, and imaginations are conveyed to the readers through the Sangam characters. They are the basis of the literary songs. Among them, the leader (Thalaivan) and the friend are the main characters. The leader or the hero is an essential one in the Sangam poems, and the friend provides moral support. From Sangam literature to contemporary literature, this tradition continues to this day. Many studies have explained the ‘Thalaivi’ (beloved) and ‘Thozhi’ (Female friend) relationship. In Sangam life, thozhi is an important person who changed the life of Thalaivi from unmarried (Kalavu) to married (Karpu) life. Through Sangam songs, we know that the Thozhi thinks and uses her knowledge as a medium for her Thalaivi’s life. Thozhi’s eloquence makes everyone follow her lead. She is also friendly with ‘Thalaivan (Leader). She observed him closely and encouraged him with good advice. A good friend praises the good and criticises the bad. This can be seen in the Thalaivi–Thozhi relationship. But one cannot see the relationship between the Thalaivan (leader) and Paangan (Male friend). So, this article talks about the relationship between Thalaivan – Paangan and their qualities. It also investigates the reason for Thalaivan’s talking to himself (Nenjodu Kilathal-Soliloqy) in Sangam Literature.