கம்பராமாயணக் காப்பியக் கட்டமைப்பு: ஓர் ஆய்வு
Epic Structure of Kamba Ramayanam: A Study
Keywords:
Kamba Ramayanam, Epic Structure, Subject Matter (Padu-porul), Central Theme (Bhavikam), Narrative Continuity (Thodarbalagu)Abstract
Structure is an essential feature of epic literature. From the time of Aristotle to the Tamil critical tradition, the governing theory has been that an epic must possess a beginning, middle, and end—a threefold division—where distinct individual events integrate cohesively to reflect the nature of a living entity.
This paper analyzes how this structural theory is implemented in Kamba Ramayanam through elements such as subject matter (padu-porul), central theme/moral vision (bhavikam), structural craftsmanship, holistic vision, narrative aesthetic continuity (thodarbalagu), and the organization of the cantos (kandams).
The article highlights that the subject matter of Ravana's downfall and the thematic motif of righteousness triumphing pervade the entire epic. It demonstrates how every event—from the slaying of Tataka to Mandodari's lamentation—is interconnected with this central theme. Kamban's artistic mastery is evaluated based on the theories and perspectives of Aristotle, U. V. Swaminatha Iyer, S. Ramakrishnan, V. V. S. Aiyar, and V. Sp. Manickam.
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References
[1]. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Classics, 1996.
[2]. Dandin. Dandiyalankaram (Tamil adaptation of the Sanskrit Kavyadarsha). Edited by —, [publisher and edition to be confirmed by the author].
[3]. Kambar. Kambaramayanam. [Edition and publisher to be confirmed by the author — e.g., U.Ve. Swaminatha Iyer Library edition].
[4]. Manickam, Va. Su. Pa. Ilakkiya Aaraychi (Studies in Kambaramayanam's Structural Beauty). [Publisher and year to be confirmed by the author].
[5]. Murugappa. Commentary on the Naming of the Yuddha Kandam. [Source and year to be confirmed by the author].
[6]. Ramakrishnan, S. Kavya Ilakkanam Kurippukal (Notes on Epic Poetics). [Publisher and year to be confirmed by the author].
[7]. Swaminatha Iyer, U. Ve. Introductory essays on Tamil epic tradition. [Title, publisher, and year to be confirmed by the author].
[8]. Vaiyapuri Pillai, S. History of Tamil Language and Literature. Madras, New Century Book House, 1956.
[9]. Va. Ve. Su [V. V. S. Aiyar]. Kamba Ramayanam: A Study. Delhi, Sahitya Akademi, 1950s [edition and exact year to be confirmed by the author].
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