தமழப படவம: வஞசபப / Tamil Prosody: Vanjipa

In the field of Tamil grammatical tradition, the four principal metrical forms (pa) have undergone continuous evolution. It was shaped by successive grammatical definitions and transformations. Among them, Aciriyappa and Vancippa stand out as the most ancient and foundational poetic forms. These two metres are ancient and also closely interrelated. It is a relationship affirmed by early Tamil grammatical texts such as the Tolkappiyam and substantiated by the evidence from Sangam literature. Their interconnection diminishes in later grammatical treatises and literary practice. Vancippa did not emerge as a specific developed form on its own. In this perspective, the Sangam texts like “Pattuppattu” and “Patinenkeelkkanakku” provide essential sources for examining the structural features of the Tamil poetic form Vancippa. The essential connection between the prosodiacal forms of Aciriyappa and Vancippa has been reflected in the stylistic connection with which they appear in the classical Tamil works. Sangam poets employed both metrical forms within a single composition. They reinforce the structural affinity and functional interdependence of these poetic forms. Hence, this study examines the compositional techniques and poetic dynamics of the ancient metrical form Vancippa with particular emphasis on its usage in the Sangam texts “Pattinappalai” and “Maduraikkanchi”.