அகநானூற்றில் குறுநில மன்னர்கள்

Abstract

Sangam literature stands as a treasure trove of historical records depicting ancient Tamil society, where minor chieftains (Kurunila Venthar) ruled autonomous territories alongside the primary three crowned dynasties—the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. Clans such as the Velir and Kosar migrated from the north to settle in Tamilakam, playing a vital role in local governance and moral leadership. Focus modern research on Akananuru, one of the Eight Anthologies (Ettuthokai), reveals mentions of over a hundred rulers and patrons including prominent Chera monarchs like Uthiyan Cheralathan, Imayavaramban Neduncheralathan, and Palyanai Selkezhukuttuvan, alongside chieftains such as Thithiyan, Nannan, Pari, and Kari. This research paper evaluates the governance, valor, patronage of poets, and generosity of twelve specific chieftains featured in Akananuru—Akuthai, Aai Andiran, Athiyan, Aviyan, Ezhini, Thithiyan, Nannan, Athiyaman Neduman Anchi, Aathan Ezhini, Evvi, and Ori. Furthermore, the study offers a comparative analysis of the philanthropic virtues of the Last Seven Great Patrons (Kadayezhu Vallalgal)—Pari, Kari, Aai, Athiyaman, Began, Nalli, and Ori—while exploring historical theories regarding the origins of the Velir clan to contextualize the status and contributions of local chieftains within the ancient Tamil political landscape.