ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem CROWNED BY THE PLOUGH is a powerful reflection on ideal kingship and just governance, deeply rooted in traditional Tamil ethical and agrarian values. It paints a picture of a ruler whose authority is derived not from personal glory, but from his service to the people, particularly to the farming community, the backbone of the nation.
Justice as a Blessing Like Rain: The poem opens with the image of a ruler giving quick, fair, and visible justice to those who seek redress. When justice is rendered in a simple and straightforward manner, people feel a sense of deep satisfaction—like the joy of rain falling when it is most needed. Rain, here, symbolizes timely and nourishing governance, essential for the well-being of a people who live close to the soil.
Power Is for the People: The royal umbrella, a symbol of the king’s status, is not meant to shield the king from the sun (or difficulties of leadership), but to offer shade to his suffering subjects. This image metaphorically conveys that rulership is not a privilege, but a responsibility to alleviate the people's hardships.
Origin of Royal Authority: The poem emphasizes that the king's sceptre (authority) comes not from war or domination, but from the labour of farmers—their ploughs, their sweat, and their undying spirit. In other words, agriculture sustains the kingdom, and those who work the land give legitimacy to the ruler’s power.
The People’s Eyes Are Upon the King: Even when nature fails—when rains don’t come or harvests are poor—the people still hold the ruler accountable. They judge him not by what he suffers, but by how he responds. If he fails to act justly or ignores the root causes of suffering, he will be blamed and criticized. This is a strong reminder that moral responsibility cannot be delegated.
The Path to Enduring Peace: Finally, the poem advises the ruler to ignore the words of sycophants or those who may distract him from the truth. Instead, he must value the toiling farmers, reduce their burdens, and uplift their lives. If he does this, even invincible enemies will voluntarily submit to his greatness, moved by the justness of his reign.The king’s greatness lies not in display of his wealth and riches but in protecting and nurturing his people, especially the farmers, whose work sustains civilization.
CROWNED BY THE PLOUGH
When one comes to you in need of justice,
offer them the grace of ease—
a vision clear,
a verdict true.
And the people will rejoice
as if rain had come
just when the land thirsted for it.
Your umbrella—
it was never meant to shade you from the sun,
but to shelter your people
from the burning weight of sorrow.
It is theirs,
not yours.
Your sceptre—
it rose not from conquest,
but from the farmer’s ploughshare,
from furrows carved by toil.
Even if the rains deceive,
even if the yield fails,
even if strange things
mock the ways of nature—
the world shall still blame the king
who forgets his duty.
Understand this:
Ignore not the voice
of those who seek your help.
Honour not the bulls alone—
but the hands that guide them through the fields.
Lighten the load
of those who bear the nation’s grain,
and hold them close.
Then—
even your fiercest foes
shall bow
of their own accord.
PURANANURU 35
POET:VELLAIKUDI NAGANAR
PATRON:KILLI VALAVAN, THE CHOLA KING WHO RESTS AT
KULAMUTRAM
