ABOUT THE POEM:
This poem THE FOLLY OF FRATERNAL WAR is a wise counsel addressed to two royal factions caught in a conflict — one inside a siege and the other laying siege. It warns them that:Their true enemy is not an external ruler like the Chera (who wears a palm flower garland) or the Pandya (who wears a neem flower garland).Rather, the real danger comes from within their own lineage — specifically, from another Chola king, a relative, whose emblem is the Atthi (fig) flower.The war they fight is not a noble one, for either side's defeat is a loss to their own clan.Since both are from the same royal house, neither side can truly win.Therefore, the battle is pointless and self-destructive — it is not fought for a just cause, nor for the honor of the Chola dynasty.
Instead, it will bring shame upon kings who once deserved to have banners tied to their chariots — a symbol of valor.The poet concludes that this war is foolish, and it will only invite ridicule, not glory.The poem essentially teaches a timeless lesson:Internal conflict within a family or nation weakens all sides and leads only to mutual ruin.
THE FOLLY OF FRATERNAL WAR
This song, a counsel in a common strain,
To those besieged and those who guard the gate,
Speaks wisdom clear, not cloaked in proud disdain.
Thy foe is not the Cheran, rich and great,
Who wears the garland of the palm in pride,
Nor Pandyan crowned with neem at fortune’s rate.
Not they, but one who stands close by thy side—
Thy kin, whose heart with bitter wrath is curled—
A Cholan bloom, where treachery may hide.
Whichever falls, the loss is to thy world;
For both are sons sprung from thy noble line,
And war ‘twixt kin leaves brotherhood unfurled.
No triumph waits in such a dark design;
This strife no victor ever can uphold—
Its cost is more than any cause divine.
You fight not now for Chola’s throne of old,
But wage a war that mocks thy royal name,
A scornful tale for bards and hearts grown cold.
PURANANURU - 45
POET: KOVUR KILAR
SUBJECTS OF THE POEM:
CHOLA KINGS NALANKILLI AND NEDUNGKILLI
