சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் பாணர்கள் மன்னகளுடனும் மக்களுடனும் கொண்டிருந்த நட்புறவு: The friendly relationships that the bards (Pānars) had with kings and common people in Sangam literature

Abstract

Bards (Pānars) of the Sangam era were hereditary oral singers. The Yazh (a traditional stringed instrument) was their primary musical instrument. Rather than living permanently in one place, they led a nomadic lifestyle. Like birds seeking ripe fruit, they moved from place to place in search of kings, patrons, and common people who provided them with food and clothing. Bards were not merely recipients of gifts given by kings, chieftains, and the public; they also acted as advisors in their lives.

Beyond royal courts, bards traveled to battlefields where they performed final rites and cremated the bodies of brave warriors who achieved martyrdom. Furthermore, they drank toddy alongside victorious kings, singing praises to celebrate their triumphs. Kings considered supporting bards to be their solemn duty. This research paper highlights how bards maintained strong friendly relationships not only with kings but also with society at large.

Keywords

• Bard (Pānar)
• Friendship / Amity (Natpu)
• King (Mannan)
• Bardic Duty / Bardic Rites (Pānkadan)
• People / Public (Makkal)