Love and Steeds in the Mullai Tradition

முல்லைக்கலியில் காதலும் கால்நடையும்

Abstract

The ancient and classical Tamil literature is characterized by its richness and depth. These literary works present themes of love and valor. Poems about love are categorized as “Aham,” while those that discuss valor alongside ethics and wealth are classified as “Puram.” Before the emergence of written forms, oral literature thrived during the era of valor. In that heroic world, everyone praised the hero and celebrated him with gifts. The hero was seen as the leader of the clans and the chief of the noble families. Arranging marriages based on the education of the groom and concluding alliances through wealth and prosperity is a practice that continues today. In this context, the “Kalithogai” beautifully depicts the love experiences of ancient people. In ancient times, during the era of valor or on the battlefield, the practice of “embracing” was customary for those who achieved victory, with the intention of marriage. The line “The one who embraced the hero’s chest will make the heart of the maiden tremble” highlights the honor bestowed upon valor. The people depicted in the “Mullai” tradition also relied on their steeds in their love lives. The title “Love and Steeds in the Mullai Tradition” explores the significance of horses in the romantic lives of the heroes