மதுரைக்காஞ்சியில் தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற பாண்டிய நெடுஞ்செழியனின் வீரம், வெற்றி மற்றும் ஆட்சிச் சிறப்பு: ஒரு வரலாற்று ஆய்வு

Heroism, Victory, and Administrative Excellence of Pandyan Nedunjeliyan, the Victor of Talaiyalanganam, in Maduraikkanji: A Historical Study

Abstract

Comprising 782 lines, Maduraikkanji, composed by Mangudi Maruthanar, stands as the longest literary work among the Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) anthology in Sangam literature. This work historically and morally frames the martial prowess, political maturity, righteous governance, and economic management of Madurai city under Pandyan Nedunjeliyan, the victor of the Battle of Talaiyalanganam.

This paper analyzes Nedunjeliyan's early entry into war, his historically renowned vow of resolve (Vanjina Urai – Purananuru 72), and his battlefield sacrifices (Porkkala Velvi) within the context of Sangam society. Furthermore, this paper critically examines modern scholarly debates surrounding the Arangkuru Avayam (court of justice) and Iruperu Niyamam (the twin major markets) described in Maduraikkanji.

Finally, the article comparative-analyzes the victory at 'Nellin Oor' mentioned in Sangam literature (identified with the Yavanas' port of Nelcynda/Nelkinda) against the later victory at 'Nellore' in Andhra achieved by Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I in Later Pandyan history, thereby clarifying chronological and geographical contradictions.