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சிறுகதை: அரசியல்வாதி – சாவி

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அல்லிக்குப் பெண்குழந்தை பிறந்து பத்து நாட்களே ஆகியிருந்தன. தொழிலதிபர் அதியமான் இல்லத்தில் நீண்ட இடைவெளிக்குப் பின் முதல் பெண் குவாகுவா! மகன் பாரி வழித்தோன்றல். வீடே குதூகலத்தில் கொப்பளித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தது.

‘குழந்தையின் பொன்னிற மேனிக்குப் பொருத்தமாக அழகான ஒரு பெயர் சூட்ட வேண்டும். என்ன பெயர் சூட்டலாம்?’ என்று எல்லோரும் கூடி யோசித்துக் கொண்டிருந்த வேளையில்தான் கரைவேட்டித் தொண்டன் ஒருவன் ஓடிவந்தான்.

வந்தவன், “மரப்பாலம் திறக்க நாளைக்கு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஐயா வராங்களாம்…” என்று மகிழ்ச்சிக் குரலில் சொல்லிவிட்டு அவசரமாகத் திரும்பி ஓடினான்.

தொழிலதிபர் அதியமானுக்கு, இளவழகன் எம்.எல்.ஏ-வுடன் ஐந்தாறு வருடங்களாக நல்ல பழக்கம். முந்திய அமைச்சரவையில் ஒரு முக்கிய மந்திரியாக இளம்வயதிலேயே பதவி வகித்தவர். அமைச்சராக இருந்தபோது, அதியமானுக்குச் சொந்தமான நூற்பாலையை, வெள்ளிக் கத்தரிக்கோல் கொண்டு ரிப்பன் வெட்டித் திறந்துவைத்த கைராசிக்காரர். இன்றுஅந்த ஆலை ஆல்போல் தழைத்து நூல்போல் நீண்டு வளர்ந்து கொண்டிருக்கிறது.

இளவழகன் எம்.எல்.ஏ. வரப்போகும் செய்தி அறிந்த அதியமான், “ரொம்ப நல்லதாப் போச்சு. பழம் நழுவிப் பாலில் விழுந்த மாதிரி ஆச்சு! குழந்தைக்கு நாளை நம்ம எம்.எல்.ஏ-வையே பெயர் சூட்டச் சொல்லிடுவோம்…” என்றார் பெருமை பொங்க!

‘பிறக்கும்போதே குழந்தையின் அதிர்ஷ்டத்தைப் பாரேன்! தலைவர் கையாலே பெயர் சூட்டிக்கொள்ளப் போகுதே!’ என்று சந்தோஷ எக்களிப்பில் திளைத்தனர்.

குழந்தையின் தாய் அல்லி மட்டும் முகம் வாடிப்போனாள். ‘பதினைந்து வருடங்களுக்கு முன் தன் காதலனுக்குக் கொடுத்த வாக்கைக் காப்பாற்ற முடியாமல் போனதே…’ என்று உள்ளூர வேதனைப்பட்டாள். அந்த ரகசியத்தை வெளியில் சொல்ல முடியாமல் தடுமாறித் தவித்தாள்.

அப்படிப்பட்ட ரகசியம் என்ன அது?

திருமணமாவதற்கு முன் அவளுக்கொரு காதலன். தாய்வீடு தஞ்சாவூர். இருபது வயதுவரை படித்தது, வாய்க்காலில் நீராடியது, கதம்பம் வாங்கிச் சூடியது, சினிமா பார்த்தது, வெற்றிலைத் தோட்டத்தில் காதலனைச் சந்தித்துப் பேசியது எல்லாமே தஞ்சாவூரில்தான்!

அந்த இனிய நாட்களின் புத்தகத்தில் அன்றே கடைசி ஏடு…

“உஸ், என்னைத் தொடாதீங்க… தொட்டுப் பேசாதீங்க” என்றாள் அல்லி.

“ஏன், தொட்டாப் புடிக்கலையா…? கட்டிப் புடிக்கச் சொல்றியா…?” என்று கேட்டான் அவள் காதலன் பாலமுருகன்.

“என்னைக் கட்டிப்புடிக்கப் போறவர் வேற ஒருத்தர், அவர் பவானியில் இருக்கார். ஆமாம்… அவருக்கும் எனக்கும் அடுத்த மாசம் கல்யாணம் ஆகப்போகுது. அப்பா எல்லா ஏற்பாடுகளையும் செஞ்சு முடிச்சுட்டாரு!” என்று பெரிய குண்டாகத் தூக்கிப் போட்டாள் அல்லி.

சற்றும் எதிர்பாராத இந்தச் செய்தி கேட்டுக் காதலன் மனம் ஒடிந்துபோனான். ‘இந்தப் பெண்கள் எந்த நேரத்தில், எப்படி மாறுவார்கள் என்று புரிபடாதுதான். அல்லியும் இதற்கு விலக்கல்ல!’ என்று மட்டும் புரிந்தது அவனுக்கு.

“அப்படின்னா…?” என்று இழுத்தான்.

“நாம ரெண்டு பேரும் ஒருத்தரை ஒருத்தர் மறந்துர வேண்டியதுதான். இதற்குமேல் நம் காதலை வளர்த்தினா, பெரிய விவகாரம் ஆயிரும். போலீஸ் வரும். பெரிய இடத்துச் சம்பந்தம்…” என்றாள்.

“ரெண்டு பேரும் ஓடிப்போயிட்டா…?”

“ஓடிப்போறது, ஓட்டல் அறையில் தங்கறது, லெட்டர் எழுதி வெச்சுட்டு விஷம் குடிக்கிறது… இதுக்கெல்லாம் நான் தயார் இல்லே! வேணாங்க… என்னை மறந்துடுங்க…”

“இதென்ன வேர்க்கடலையா, வேண்டாம்னா தூக்கி வீசி எறிஞ்சுடறதுக்கு…?” – காதலன் ஒரு கொதிப்போடு கேட்டான்.

“உங்க வேதனை எனக்குப் புரியுது. உங்களைப் பிரிந்து போக எனக்கு மட்டும் ஆசையா, என்ன?” துக்கம் தொண்டை அடைக்க, கண்ணீர் மல்கக் கேட்டாள். விசித்தாள். பார்வையிலேயே வேதனையை, சோகத்தை, மனக்குமுறலை வெளிப்படுத்தினாள்.

“வேறு வழியே இல்லையா, அல்லி…?”

‘இல்லை!’

“சரி; எனக்கொரு வாக்குறுதி தருவியா…?”

“என்ன சொல்லுங்க…?”

“என் சின்ன வயசிலயே அப்பா இறந்துட்டாங்க. எனக்கு எல்லாமே என் அம்மாதான். என்னை வளர்த்து ஆளாக்கின தெய்வம் அவங்க… பேர் எட்டியம்மா. இரண்டு வருஷம் முன்னால அவங்களும் இறந்துட்டாங்க. அல்லி! உனக்கு கல்யாணம் ஆகி, உன் வயிற்றில் ஒரு பெண் குழந்தை பிறந்தா, அந்தக் குழந்தைக்கு நான் தெய்வமாப் போற்றுகிற என் தாயின் பெயரை வைத்துக் கூப்பிடுவியா…?”

“நிச்சயம் கூப்பிடறேன்…” என்று தலையசைத்தாள்.

“சத்தியமா…?”

“சத்தியமா!”

அதுவே அவர்களின் கடைசி சந்திப்பு. அடுத்த மாதமே அல்லிக்குத் திருமணமாகி, கணவனுடன் சேர்ந்து வாழ்க்கை நடத்த பவானிக்குப் போய்விட்டாள்.

தென்றலாக வீசிக்கொண்டு இருக்கும் அவளுடைய தாம்பத்திய வாழ்க்கையை மேலும் இனிமையாக்க, மூன்று பிள்ளைக் குழந்தைகளுக்குப் பிறகு ஆசைக்கு ஒரு பெண் குழந்தை தங்க விக்ரஹம் போல் இப்போது பிறந்திருக்கிறது.

‘அபூர்வமாகப் பெற்றெடுத்த பெண் குழந்தைக்கு எட்டியம்மா என்று பெயர் சூட்டி, வாய் இனிக்க அழைக்கவேண்டும். அன்று காதலனுக்குக் கொடுத்த வாக்கைக் காப்பாற்ற வேண்டும்’ என்றெல்லாம் எண்ணி மகிழ்ச்சியில் மூழ்கியிருந்த வேளையில்தான், அதியமானின் திடீர் அறிவிப்பு அவளை நிலை குலையச் செய்துவிட்டது. ‘தன் மனக்கோட்டை இப்படித் தவிடுபொடியாக நொருங்கிப் போச்சே!’ என்று இடிந்து போனாள்.

பாலம் திறக்கும் நிகழ்ச்சியை முடித்துக்கொண்டு எம்.எல்.ஏ. ஏழு மணியளவில் காந்தி மைதானத்தில் பேசப்போவதாக ஏற்பாடு. நாலு மணியிலிருந்தே ஒலிபெருக்கி, ஊர் அமைதியைக் கெடுத்துக் கொண்டிருந்தது.

“எம்.எல்.ஏ. இன்னும் சில மணித்துளிகளில் வந்துவிடுவார்… வந்து கொண்டிருக்கிறார்… மக்கள் அமைதிகாக்க வேண்டுமாய்க் கேட்டுக் கொல்கிறோம்!” என்று தமிழைக் கொன்று கொண்டிருந்தார் ஒருவர். மைதானத்தில் கட்சிக் கொடிகள் குறுக்கும் நெடுக்கும் படர்ந்து காற்றில் படபடத்துக் கொண்டிருந்தன. அதியமான் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு மேடையில் சிறப்பு ஆசனங்கள் போட்டு வைத்திருந்தார்கள். எம்.எல்.ஏ. வழக்கம்போல் தாமதமாகவே வந்து சேர்ந்தார். அவர் வரும் வழியெங்கும் தாரை தப்பட்டை முழங்க ஆங்காங்கே மாலை மரியாதைகள், வாழ்த்தொலிகள், பெண்களின் ஆரத்திகள், பட்டாசு வெடிப்புகள்… அமைச்சராக இருந்தபோது ஊருக்கு ஆஸ்பத்திரி, கல்லூரி என்று பல நன்மைகள் செய்தவர் என்பதால், தடபுடலான வரவேற்பு!

உள்ளூர் கட்சிப் பிரமுகர்கள் புடைசூழ எம்.எல்.ஏ. மேடைக்கு வந்து சேர்ந்ததும் அதியமான் எழுந்து நின்று வணக்கம் தெரிவித்தார். அவரைப் பக்கத்தில் வந்து அமரச் சொல்லிக் கைகாட்டினார் எம்.எல்.ஏ.! மாலை மரியாதை முடிந்ததும், அதியமான் மனைவியை, மகனை, மருமகளை அறிமுகம் செய்துவைத்த கையோடு, “குழந்தை பிறந்து பத்துநாள்தான் ஆகுது. நீங்கதான் பெயர் சூட்டனும்!” என்றார்.

எம்.எல்.ஏ-வைப் பார்த்த மாத்திரத்தில் அல்லிக்கு ஒரு இன்ப அதிர்ச்சி! வந்திருக்கும் எம்.எல்.ஏ. யார் என்பது எளிதில் புரிந்துவிட்டது அவளுக்கு. அன்றைய அவளுடைய காதலன் பாலமுருகன்தான், இன்றைய இளவழகன் எம்.எல்.ஏ. என்று. அன்று அவனுக்குக் கொடுத்த சத்தியத்தைக் காப்பாற்றப் போகும் மகிழ்ச்சி நெஞ்சை முட்ட உணர்ச்சி வசப்பட்டவள், ‘அம்மாடி! என் கவலை தீர்ந்தது. அவரே தன் தாயின் பெயரைச் சூட்டி விடுவார்!’ என்று நிம்மதிப் பெருமூச்சு விட்டாள்.

முகத்தில் புன்சிரிப்புத் தவழ, வெட்கத்தில் முகம் சிவக்க… குழந்தையைத் தூக்கி எம்.எல்.ஏ. முகத்துக்கு நேராகக் காட்டினாள்.

இளவழகனுக்கும் அல்லியைப் புரிந்துகொள்ள அதிக நேரமாகவில்லை. அவன் மனக்கண்முன் தஞ்சாவூர் வெற்றிலைத் தோட்டம் நிழலாடியது… தெய்வமாக எண்ணிய தாய் நினைவுக்கு வந்தார். சத்தியம் நினைவுக்கு வந்தது. தான் எதையும் மறக்கவில்லை என்று கூறுவதுபோல, அல்லியைப் பார்த்து ஒரு புன்னகை பூத்தார். அழகாக, நிதானமாக, கணீரென்று குழந்தைக்குப் பெயர் சூட்டினார் – தன் தாயின் பெயரை அல்ல… தன் கட்சித் தலைவியின் தாயின் பெயரை – அந்த பக்கா அரசியல்வாதி!

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Thakkali Kadaiyal / Mashed Tomato Sambar

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Here is the recipe for Thakkali kadaiyal / mashed tomato sambar. This is a good match for Rice, Idly, Dosa & Roti.

Thakkali Kadaiyal – Ingredients

Ingredients:

Split pigeon peas (Toor dhal) – ½ cup

Onion (medium sized) – 2 (Diced)

Tomato – ¼ kg (Diced)

Green chilli – 3 (Diced)

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Salt – to taste

Tempering:

Mustard – ½ tsp

Urad dhal – ½ tsp

Red chilli – 1

Curry leaves – few

Recipe:

1. Pressure cook the toor dhal and keep it aside.

2. Cook the vegetables with green chilli and turmeric powder.
Tip: Both the dhal and the vegetables can also be pressure cooked together.

3. Mash the cooked vegetables in a mixer or churner.

4. Mix the cooked dhal and the mashed vegetables with required salt. If required, add water and boil again.

5. Temper the given ingredients and mix.

Thakkali Kadaiyal – Ready to Eat

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Pudalangai / Snake Gourd Poriyal

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Here is the recipe for Pudalangai / Snake Gourd Poriyal.

Snake Gourd Poriyal – Ingredients

Ingredients:

Snake gourd – ¼ kg (Chopped)

Onion (medium sized) – 2 (Chopped)

Green Chilli – 2 to 3 (Sliced)

Roasted gram – 50 gm (powdered)

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Salt – to taste

Black gram (Urad Dhal) – ¼ tsp

Mustard – ¼ tsp

Curry leaves – a little

Tip: Scrape the skin of the snake gourd & when cut, clean inside.

Scraped Snake Gourd

Recipe:
1. Heat the oil in a kadai, add mustard and Urad Dhal. When it splutters, add curry leaves, chilli, onions and sauté.

2. Add chopped snake gourd and fry.

3. Add turmeric, salt and little water. Close the kadai and let it cook for few minutes.

4. Once it is fully dried, add the roasted gram powder and mix well.

Now the tasty snake gourd poriyal is ready to eat.

Snake Gourd Poriyal – Ready to Eat

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Peerkangai Thuvaiyal / Ridge Guard Chutney

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This is the Recipe for Ridge Guard Chutney which is a very good side dish for Idly, Dosa, Roti or Rice!!

Dosa with Ridge Guard Chutney

Ridge Guard ( Peerkangai )

Ridge Guard Chutney – Ingredients

Ingredients:

For Grinding:

Ridge guard (big) – 1 (Chopped)

Ginger – few (Sliced & Fried)

Urad Dhal (Black Gram) – 2 tbsp (Fried)

Red Chilli – 3 to 4 (Fried)

Tamarind – few

Salt – to taste

Tempering

Oil – 2 tbsp

Mustard – ¼ tsp

Curry leaves – a little

Recipe:

1. Fry the chopped ridge guard in oil until it turns brown.

2. Grind all the ingredients in a Mixer.

3. Temper the mustard and Curry leaves in a small pan and mix.

Peerkangai Thuvaiyal / Ridge Guard Chutney – Ready to Eat

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Vendaikai / Ladysfinger Poriyal

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Here is the Recipe for Ladysfinger Poriyal.

Tip: Always wash the Ladysfinger and chop, otherwise it will become sticky.

Ladysfinger Poriyal – Ingredients

Ingredients:

Ladysfinger – ¼ Kg (Chopped)

Onion (Big) – 1 (Chopped)

Tomato – 1 (Chopped)

Oil – 2 to 3 tbsp

Masala

Chilly Powder & Dhaniya (Coriander) Powder – 3 tsp

Turmeric Powder – 1 pinch

Tamarind Extract – 1 tbsp

Salt – ½ tsp

Tempering

Mustard – ¼ tsp

Curry leaves – few

Recipe:

  1. Heat the oil in a kadai and shallow fry the chopped ladysfinger until it is half-fried.

2. Add chopped onion and saute.

3. Add chopped tomato and fry for few seconds.

4. Add all the Masala Ingredients and mix well.

5. Close the kadai and leave it for 10 minutes in low flame.

6. Temper the Mustard and Curry leaves in a small pan and mix.

The ladysfinger poriyal is now ready to eat with Rice or Roti.

Ladyfinger Poriyal – Ready to Eat

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Ancient Madurai Fortifications and Graeco-Roman relations in Silappathikaram

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Among the three great kingdoms of South India the Cheras, the Cholas and the Pandyas, the Pandyan Kingdom had existed longer from since the ancient times till the 14th century AD. The capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom is Madurai, Tamil Nadu, which should have been their stronghold for more than 2000 years.

So such a city should have strong fortifications and various types of defense mechanisms. The history of ancient Tamil Nadu exists only in Tamil Literature, Stone Inscriptions, Copper Plates and Archeological excavations.

There have been recent Habitual Site findings on Keezhadi in Madurai District which dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It may have been a part of the ancient city of Madurai or its suburbs.

Silappathikaram (The Tale of an Anklet), a tamil epic written by Ilango Adigal gives us detailed information on the fortifications, weapons and defense mechanisms existed in the Ancient city of Madurai.

From lines 207-217 under the ‘Adaikala kaathai’ section in ‘Madurai Kandam’, we get those details.

மிளையும் கிடங்கும் வளைவிற் பொறியும்

கருவிர லூகமும் கல்லுமிழ் கவணும்

பரிவுறு வெந்நெயும் பாகடு குழிசியும்

காய்பொன் உலையும் கல்லிடு கூடையும்

தூண்டிலும் தொடக்கும் ஆண்டலை அடுப்பும்

கவையும் கழுவும் புதையும் புழையும்

ஐயவித் துலாமும் கைபெயர் ஊசியும்

சென்றெறி சிரலும் பன்றியும் பணையும்

எழுவுஞ் சீப்பும் முழுவிறற் கணையமும்

கோலும் குந்தமும் வேலும் பிறவும்

ஞாயிலும் சிறந்து நாட்கொடி நுடங்கும்

வாயில்…

மிளை (Milai) – An artificially made forest around the fort. This is probably maintained to keep the enemy siege machines out of range, so that they cannot damage the walls of the fort.

கிடங்கு (Kidangu) – Moat around the fort probably filled with water, which protects the enemy ladders and siege towers in getting near the walls.

Moat

வளைவிற் பொறியும்:

வளை (Valai) – Bent

வில் (Vil) – Bow

பொறி (Pori) – Device / Machine

– This is a Catapult placed on the walls of the fort, which can launch arrows as projectile.

Arrow-firing Catapult

கருவிர லூகமும்:

கரு (Karu) – Black

விரல் (Viral) – Finger

ஊகம் (Oogam) – Monkey

– A Black fingered monkey, probably a species of Bonnet Macaque which is largely seen in South India. Mostly all authors misinterpret this as some monkey like weapon, machine or projectile.  Monkeys can normally be seen on high places like top of fort walls and trees. So here it is an actual monkey the author mentions here.

கல்லுமிழ் கவணும்:

கல் (Kal) – Stone

உமிழ் (Umizh) – Projecting

கவண் (Kavan) – Device which has a sling to hold the stone projectiles.

– Another type of Catapult or Ballista placed on the walls of the fort, which can launch stones as projectile.

Stone-firing Catapult

பரிவுறு வெந்நெயும்:

பரி (Pari) – Sense of touch

உறு (Uru) – Inflict Pain

வெந்நெய் (Vennei) – Ghee or most probably Oil.

Heated Oil was kept ready on walls of the fort to pour on enemy soldiers who try to climb the walls.

பாகடு குழிசியும்:

பாகு (Paagu) – Sugar or Jaggery syrup.

அடு (Adu) – Boiled

குழிசி (Kuzhisi) – Pot probably large in size.

Boiled Sugar or Jaggery syrup was also kept in a large pot on walls of the fort to pour on enemy soldiers.

காய்பொன் உலையும்:

காய் (Kaai) – Heated

பொன் (Pon) – Metal probably Iron

உலை (Ulai) – Furnace to heat the metal

Hot liquid metal was also kept ready using Furnace on walls of the fort to pour on enemy soldiers.

கல்லிடு கூடையும்:

கல் (Kal) – Stone

இடு (Idu) – Throw

கூடை (Koodai) – Bucket

This is a Mangonel, a type of catapult which has a bucket to place the stone projectiles before firing.

Mangonel

தூண்டில் (Thoondil) – A giant Fish hook like device called a Tolleno to hook any floating objects in the Moat, raise it and drop it to sink. The enemies may try to use floating objects like small boats on the moat to reach the walls. This device is used to destroy those boats.

A very similar device is used by Archimedes, the famous greek mathematician and inventor in the Siege of Syracuse (214-212 BC), which is called as the Claw of Archimedes.

Claw of Archimedes

தொடக்கு (Thodakku) – Similar device like the Tolleno explained above, but instead of the hook at the end, it has a rope or a chain to tie the neck of enemies, lift them and kill them.

Similar device is used in Cremona in 69 AD, probably in the Battle of Bedriacum to snatch the individual soldiers and swung them inside the walls to kill them.

ஆண்டலை அடுப்பும்:

ஆண் (Aan) – Man

தலை (Thalai) – Head

அடுப்பு (Aduppu) – Stove

Aandalai means Owl. So this is actually a Pot or Stove made in shape of Owl, probably to cook food for the soldiers or to heat the Oil or Jaggery syrup mentioned above. There are a lot of confusions on the word Aandalai in Tamil literature. An Owl’s head resembles like a man because of its flat face. So it was called Aandalai meaning man’s head. Later authors wrote fanciful and mysterious things about Aandalai meaning a real man headed bird or an animal. Some mentioned it as fowl or cock. Even if we think of the tamil word Aandhai, it sounds like Aandalai, so it should have come from this word.

Also in this context, many authors say this as some projectile. But the word Aduppu clearly means that this is a stove and nothing else.

Owl shaped Pot or Stove

கவை (Kavai) – A forked weapon, most probably a Trident or Trishula to kill and push the enemies from the walls.

Trident or Trishula

கழு (Kazhu) – A wooden palisade, which is a fence made of Sharp wooden poles usually on ground in front of the walls to make gaps in enemy formations or to delay them in nearing the walls.

Wooden Palisade

புதை (Puthai) – A pit around the wall with sharp wooden sticks (Punji sticks) placed and camouflaged with crops, leaves and grass. This is to trap attacking Soldiers, horses or Elephants.

Pits around a fort

புழை (Puzhai) – A Postern or a sally port, which is a small entrance next to Main entrance and in other concealed locations in the fort walls. The postern near the Main entrance is mostly used by the common people and sally ports are used by soldiers to attack enemies from a defensive position.

A Postern or sally-port

ஐயவித் துலாமும்:

ஐயவி (Iyavi) – A weight

துலாம் (Thulaam) – balance

This is a drawbridge balanced by a counterweight at one end. We have seen above that there is a moat. So, there should be a drawbridge, which is raised during a siege. It is maneuvered using pulleys and counterweight.

Drawbridge

கைபெயர் ஊசியும்:

கை (Kai) – Hand

பெயர் (Peyar) – Piercing

ஊசி (Oosi) – needle

This is a Caltrop, which is made of two or more needles in such a way that when placed or thrown one of needle always points upwards. These are placed on top of walls, so that when the enemies trying to grab the wall when climbing, they may get their hands pierced with these needles.

Caltrop

சென்றெறி சிரலும்:

சென்று (Senru) – Go or Fly in this context

எறி (Eri) – Throw

சிரல் (Siral) – Beak of a Kingfisher

Again many authors say this is a kingfisher like weapon which may fly and pierce enemy’s eyes. This is actually a dart like weapon called Plumbata, which is sharp and looks like a beak of a kingfisher.

Plumbata

பன்றி (Panri) – A Pig. Pigs are hung down on the walls, where the squeal of a pig would terrify enemy war elephants.

பணை (Panai) – A peg which is used to fit something in a wall or ground. This may be used for various purpose in a fort. It is also used to tie a horse.

எழுவுஞ் சீப்பும்:

எழு (Ezhu) – Raise or Slide up

சீப்பு (Seeppu) – Comb

This is a portcullis, a vertically closing gate with comb like appearance at the bottom. We have seen that there is a drawbridge, so it may be designed in such a way that when this door is dropped, the drawbridge automatically raises and when the door is raised, the drawbridge drops.

Portcullis

முழுவிறற் கணையமும்:

முழு (Muzhu) – Large

விறல் (ViRal) – Strong or heavy

கணையம் (Kanaiyam) – Club or mace

This is war club or mace which is heavy and large. There are many different types of mace used in ancient times.

War Clubs

கோல் (Koal) – Staff or Stick

A Staff or Stick

குந்தம் (Kundham) – A Javelin or Pilum, which can be thrown.

Pilum

வேல் (Vel) – A Spear

Spear

பிற (Pira) – Other things.

ஞாயிலும் சிறந்து:

ஞாயில் (Nyayil) – Battlement

சிறந்து (Sirandhu) – Excellent

An excellent battlement, which is a parapet at the top of a wall, having regularly spaced opening for the Archers to fire arrows.

Battlement

நாட்கொடி நுடங்கும் வாயில்:

நாள் (Naal) – Day

கொடி (Kodi) – Flag

நுடங்கு (Nudangu) – Wave or flutter

வாயில் (Vaayil) – A Gate or Entrance

An Entrance with a waving Flag hoisted on daytime.

From the above explanations, we now know How the Pandyan Kingdom survived for centuries.

Unlike many authors who wrote fanciful explanations to ancient tamil poems, I tried to give a logical explanation by researching into Greek and Roman Fortifications, weapons and Artilleries and it all matched perfectly like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

Wonder how? Because, Silappathikaram also tells us that all of the above weapons and artilleries were maneuvered by people called ‘Yavanas’. The term ‘Yavana’ or ‘Yavanar’ refers to Greeks and then Romans in many ancient Tamil Literature.

It is of no wonder because Greeks and then Romans had a prosperous business relationship with the kings of Tamil Nadu since ancient times. So a cultural and technological exchange would have taken place long ago.

But why did the Yavanas guarding the city of a Tamil King? Perhaps this question would lead me to another extensive research on the ‘Yavanas’ in Tamil Land!!

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Ashokamitran – Short Story Specialist

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Ashokamitran (85), an eminent Indian writer and a short story specialist passed away yesterday (23 March 2017) after a brief illness due to Asthma. He was survived by his wife Rajeshwari Thyagarajan and three sons.

Born in Secunderabad on 22 September 1931, His real name was Jagadisa Thyagarajan. When his father died in 1952, he moved to Chennai upon an invitation by his father’s friend, S. S. Vasan to work on his film production company, Gemini Studios. He later wrote his experience working with S. S. Vasan and Gemini Studios on Illustrated Weekly of India Columns, which was compiled to book named “Fourteen Years with Boss” or “My Years with Boss”.

He became a full-time writer from 1966 with more than 200 short stories, 8 Novels and around a dozen Novellas with his pen name Ashokamitran. He perfected the art of short story writing. In an interview he mentioned that Short story writing is more difficult than writing a Novel. He was an Editor of the Literary Journal Kanaiyaazhi. Since he lived both in Secunderabad and in Chennai, most of his stories will have these two cities backdrops. He also translated many stories to English.

His short story collection Appavin Snehidhar won Sahitya Akademi Award in 1996. Some of his other important works were:

  1. My Years with Boss
  2. The Ghosts of Meenambakkam
  3. Still Bleeding from the Wound
  4. Nadagathin Mudivu
  5. Vaazhvilae Oru Murai
  6. Kaalamum Ainthu Kuzhanthaigalum
  7. Prayaanam
  8. Thanneer (Adapted to film by Director Vasanth)
  9. Inru (Translated to English as Today)
  10. Manasarovar (Translated to English as Manasarover)
  11. Ottran
  12. Aagaya Thamarai
  13. Viduthalai
  14. Anbin Parisu
  15. Pathinettavadhu Atchakodu (Translated to English as The Eighteenth Parallel)
  16. Karaintha Nizhalgal (Translated to English as Star Crossed)

Following are the list of Honours & Awards he received:

  1. 1977 & 1984 – Ilakkiya Sindhanai Award.
  2. 1992 – Lilly Memorial Prize.
  3. 1993 – Ramakrishna Jaidayal Harmony Award
  4. 1996 – Akshara Award
  5. 1996 – Sahitya Akademi Award
  6. 2007 – MGR Award
  7. 2012 – NTR National Literary Award.
  8. 2013 – Ka, Na, Su Award
  9. 2013 – Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Award
  10. Government of Tamil Nadu Award Thrice.
  11. Fellowship of K. K. Birla & University of Iowa (1973-74)

He had a unique writing style which will surely influence upcoming writers and continue to live on to eternity with his colossal works.

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A Street food named Atho

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There have been a plenty of street foods in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. One of the most famous dish is the Burmese Noodles called Atho.

Burmese street food found its place in Chennai and in other parts of Tamil Nadu, when the refugees from Burma during the 1960’s started street stalls of localized versions of Burmese dishes.

I have no connections with Burma or Burmese Street foods, except knowing that my Great Grand Father had worked there for few years.

The movie Pazhaya Vannarapettai (2016) has a scene where a group of friends eat Atho and other dishes in a Burmese street stall. So Atho is a very familiar dish for those who live in North Chennai.

Following are some of the most common dishes available in Burmese stalls in Chennai:

  1. Atho (Athoke)
  2. Moinga (Mohinga)
  3. Muttai (Egg) Seejo
  4. Muttai (Egg) Bejo Soup
  5. Masala Muttai (Egg)

I myself tried making Atho with following available Ingredients:

Atho - Ingredients

Atho – Ingredients

Ingredients:

Noodles – 450gm

Onion – 4 nos. (sliced)

Cabbage – 2 cups (shredded)

Garlic – 4 cloves (Chopped)

Roasted Gram powder – 6 Tbsp.

Tamarind Extract – 4 Tbsp.

Oil – 6 Tbsp.

Lemon Juice – 2 Tbsp.

Masala

Chilly Flakes – 4 Tbsp.

Cumin Powder – 1 Tbsp.

Curry Powder – 1 Tbsp.

Chilli Powder – 1 Tbsp.

Salt – As required

Garnishing

Shallots – 3 nos.

Coriander Leaves (chopped)

Preparation:

  1. Boil the noodles, drain it, add 1 tbsp. of oil to it so that the noodles don’t stick to each other and keep aside.
  2. Finely slice the Shallots, Deep fry it and keep aside.
  3. Fry the Garlic, Onion and Cabbage in Oil in Simmer till you get a shining brown colour.
  4. Add the Roasted Gram Powder, Tamarind Extract and Lemon Juice.
  5. Add all the Masala Ingredients. Mix Well.
  6. Add the Boiled Noodles and Mix well.
  7. Garnish with the Fried Shallots and Coriander Leaves.

Atho Burmese Noodles

Atho – Ready to Eat

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Kolli Hills and its Natural rock formations

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I first heard about Kolli Hills back in my school days, when I had to learn old tamil poems which are known as Sangam literature. I was thrilled to learn about a maiden present in Kolli Hills called Kolli Paavai meaning Murderess Maiden, who would kill persons with just her smile itself. In tamil, Kolli Hills is called as Kolli Malai, and it is said that, the name of the Hills came from the maiden, Kolli Paavai.

The poems also tell us about a king named Valvil Ori, who ruled Kolli Hills and surrounding 18 regions including today’s Rasipuram and Senthamangalam areas around 2nd century AD. Valvil means skilled archer. One of the poem praises the King Ori’s archery skills that, he had killed an Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Wild boar and a Monitor lizard with a single arrow. He is also one of the seven ancient philanthropist kings of the Tamils. He is said to have died in a fearsome battle with a king named Malaiyamaan Thirumudikaari, whose troops have been supported by the Chera King Peruncheral Irumborai.

One year ago, I have read an article on The Hindu  about Kolli Hills, especially on the Agaya Gangai waterfalls and the 1025 steps descent to reach the waterfalls. Finally, I visited Kolli Hills on the last week of May this year with my family. It may be the wrong season to visit, But, I could no longer wait to see this place.

Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in the heart of Tamil Nadu, India. One has to reach Salem or Namakkal to get to Kolli Hills. There are buses available from Salem up to Arapaleeswarar Temple atop Kolli Hills. If you are traveling from Namakkal by bus, you have to get down at Semmedu atop the Hills. The road which takes you from the foot of the Hill to the Top, have 70 hairpin bends.

View of Kolli Hills from the plains.

View of Kolli Hills from the plains.

We had prepared and packed Tomato rice and Tamarind rice for the breakfast and lunch from our home. We traveled from Namakkal by Bus and when the bus had stopped for a break in the town which lies in the foot of the Hill, we had Tomato Rice for breakfast. We also bought Poppins to avoid nausea when climbing the Hill. The 70 hairpin bend travel was a thrilling ride and at the end of the 70th hairpin bend, you can feel the intense flavor of Jack fruit was filled all over the atmosphere.

On the way to Kolli Hills

On the way to Kolli Hills

We got down at Semmedu which is a main town on Kolli Hills. There are taxis available for hire on Semmedu Bus Stand. We hired a Taxi there and the driver agreed to take us to some main places for 1100 rupees.

I had prepared a huge list of places to see on Kolli Hills. I know that, I will not have enough time to visit all the places, because, I only planned a one day trip. But, the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar Temple and the Ettukai Amman Temple, where the deity is believed as Kolli Paavai are a must visit places on my list. The full list is as follows:

  1. Arapaleeswarar Temple.(There is also to be a Mini Falls near this temple.)
  2. Agaya Gangai Water Falls. (The 1025 steps descent starts near Arapaleeswarar Temple)
  3. Ettukai Amman Temple or Kolli Paavai Temple.
  4. Solakkadu View Point.
  5. Kaagabhujandar Ashram.
  6. Siddha Caves.(It is said that a few Siddhas still meditate in these caves.)
  7. Kurinji Mushroom Farm.
  8. Fruit Processing Factory.
  9. Punkulam Shiva Temple.
  10. Thanni Maathi Perumal Temple.
  11. Oorpuram Kongai Amman Temple.
  12. Satdharma Ashram.
  13. Maasi Periyasaami Temple.
  14. Masila Falls.
  15. German Saamiyaar.
  16. Wireless Point.
  17. MALCO Aluminium Factory. (The locals said that this is closed now.)
  18. Herbal Farm.
  19. Fruit Farm.
  20. Government Gardening Farm.
  21. Karaiyaangaatu Kaali Amman Temple.
  22. Suicide Point. (Seeku Paarai)
  23. Statue of Valvil Ori.
  24. Naturally formed Kongalamman Deity.
  25. Boating at Vaasalurpatti.
  26. 9th Century Shiva Temple.
  27. Rock Pillar View Point.
  28. 2000 year old Grave.
  29. Jain Temple (2000 years old)
  30. Muthaan Kulam.
  31. Selur View Point. (It is said that from this point, we can see the Srirangam Temple Gopuram, Trichy Rock Fort, Thalaimalai Perumal Temple and Cauvery-Amaravathi confluence)
  32. Kolli Hills Park.
  33. Sandhana Falls.
  34. Namma Falls.

A Board at Semmedu Bus Stand listing a few places and their distances from Semmedu

A Board at Semmedu Bus Stand listing a few places and their distances from Semmedu

A Rough Map of Tourist places in Kolli Hills

A Rough Map of Tourist places in Kolli Hills

First we headed straight to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls though the driver had said that there is no water in the falls at that time. The driver had pointed to a direction where there is two hills and said that, the Siddha caves and the Agaya Gangai falls are located there. He also told us that two faces resembling Siddhas is visible from here. We are awestruck by looking at the two rock formations which resembled exactly like faces of Siddhas, that too in meditating pose. Could you spot the Siddha faces on the following image?

The Siddha Rock Formations

The Siddha Rock Formations

For those who find it difficult to spot the faces, I have highlighted them in the following image.

The Siddha Rock Formations (Highlighted)

The Siddha Rock Formations (Highlighted)

Nice. Isn’t it? But, the surprises does not end here. There are still more to come.

Cool breeze all over Kolli Hills

Cool breeze all over Kolli Hills

Following are more images which shows the Siddhas Rock formations in detail.

Siddha No.1

Siddha No.1

Siddha No.1 (Highlighted)

Siddha No.1 (Highlighted)

Siddha No.2

Siddha No.2

We reached Arapaleeswarar Temple, and after buying enough water bottles, we started the 1025 steps descent to reach the Agaya Gangai waterfalls. The entry ticket was 10 rupees for adults. The steps looked easier at the start and as we descended it got steeper and steeper and steeper…

The 1025 steps descent starts here

The 1025 steps descent starts here

The slope is getting a little steeper

The slope is getting a little steeper

The slope after this is around 60 degree

The slope after this is around 60 degree

There is a Viewpoint midway

There is a Viewpoint midway

From the viewpoint, which lies midway, we can see the Siddha Rock Formations more closely.

Siddha No. 2 from the Midway viewpoint

Siddha No. 2 from the Midway viewpoint

Siddha No.2 (Highlighted)

Siddha No.2 (Highlighted)

Siddha No.1 from Midway Viewpoint

Siddha No.1 from Midway Viewpoint

While we walk down the steps to the waterfalls, there are a few caves on our left on the rocks.

Caves on the way to the Falls

Caves on the way to the Falls

Looking back at the steps descended so far

Looking back at the steps descended so far

The Mid-day Sun shines down

The Mid-day Sun shines down

We saw a rock resembling a Dolphin. See the Image below:

Dolphin Rock Formation

Dolphin Rock Formation

Dolphin Rock Formation (Highlighted)

Dolphin Rock Formation (Highlighted)

And there was a Rock resembling a Tortoise a few steps below. See Image below:

Tortoise Rock Formation

Tortoise Rock Formation

Tortoise Rock Formation (Highlighted)

Tortoise Rock Formation (Highlighted)

Finally, there was a comfortable flat path to walk.

Finally a comfortable walk before climbing the boulders

Finally a comfortable walk before climbing the boulders

It was from here, across the valley on the right, there is a rock resembling three lions in a sitting position side by side. Could you spot the lion figures on the following photo?

The Lions Rock Formation (Longshot)

The Lions Rock Formation (Longshot)

Here is the Highlighted Image of the Lions Rock Formations.

The Lions Rock Formation (Longshot/Highlighted)

The Lions Rock Formation (Longshot/Highlighted)

The Lions Rock Formations

The Lions Rock Formations

The Lions Rock Formations (Highlighted)

The Lions Rock Formations (Highlighted)

We can also see the tiny strip of water flowing down on the falls from here. To reach the waterfalls, we need to walk on the boulders a few steps and pass the small water pool, holding the rope which is available there.

We can see the falls at last.

We can see the falls at last.

View of Agaya Gangai Water Falls on Off-season

View of Agaya Gangai Water Falls on Off-season

The tiny water on the Falls was enough to have a freshening bath. And then starts the arduous climb back to the starting point. When your physical strength slowly diminishes on the climb, only your sheer mental strength can bring you back to the top. When we reached the top, we had Hot Herbal Soup which costs for ten rupees. This herbal soup is said to be prepared from a variety of Potato called Attukal Kizhanghu and other local herbs. This herbal soup was very much soothing and tasty that we had them once more.

We visited the Shiva Temple called Arapaleeswarar Temple located there. Arai means mountain and Palli means Temple in Tamil. So, the name Arai-Palli Eeswarar became Arapaleeswarar. This temple is said to be 500-1000 years old. The saivite tamil poets Appar and Sambandar is said to have visited this temple and sung songs praising the lord of the Temple.

Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli Hills

Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli Hills

Dhakshinamoorthy

Dhakshinamoorthy

Rama and Laksmana along with Hanuman

Rama and Laksmana along with Hanuman

Just opposite the temple, there are two stones carved with male figures with swords. I believe this should be a tombstone(Nadukal) which is placed on the spot, when a soldier die on a battle. But, I am not sure why these stones were placed in front of the temple. May be these are figures of persons who had built this temple.

A Tombstone?

A Tombstone?

We visited the Ettukai Amman Temple or Kolli Paavai Temple. There are a few deities which are outside the Main Temple and It is said that these deities protect the Main Deity. As the legend says, the smile on main deity(Kolli Paavai) can still be seen and it was as mysterious as the Mona Lisa smile. We had our lunch there. There is also a small shop where a local woman sells Paniyaram and herbal soup. But, this herbal soup is not as good as the one we had near Arapaleeswarar Temple.

Guard Deity 1 of Kolli Paavai

Guard Deity 1 of Kolli Paavai

Guard Deity 2 of Kolli Paavai

Guard Deity 2 of Kolli Paavai

Guard Deity 3 of Kolli Paavai

Guard Deity 3 of Kolli Paavai

On our way back to Semmedu town, the driver stopped at a newly constructed view tower. The view of the hills and valley was spectacular from this tower.

Newly constructed view tower

Newly constructed view tower

Valley view from the tower

Valley view from the tower

We also stopped at Namma Falls, But, it was completely dry.

Namma Falls at off-season

Namma Falls at off-season

The driver took us to a viewpoint behind the Governments Guests House, and the sunset view from this point is awesome.

Sunset view from Government Guest House viewpoint

Sunset view from Government Guest House viewpoint

Another view from Guest House viewpoint

Another view from Guest House viewpoint

From here we can see another rock formation resembling a face, which is like a pharaoh. I would call it an Alien Siddha. See Images below:

Alien Siddha

Alien Siddha

Alien Siddha (Highlighted)

Alien Siddha (Highlighted)

We bought Jack fruit and Pineapple in a shop at Semmedu and went to the suicide point or Seeku Paarai, but it was completely dark when we reached there. But, we enjoyed the night view of the towns below. We saw the Valvil Ori statue which was erected in 1975 before catching the last bus on Semmedu which leaves to Salem around 9 pm.

Valvil Ori Statue

Valvil Ori Statue

Valvil Ori Statue Inscription 1

Valvil Ori Statue Inscription 1

Valvil Ori Statue Inscription 2

Valvil Ori Statue Inscription 2

If you catch a Salem bus from Kolli Hills, and want to reach Namakkal, you have to get down at a town called Kalappanaiyakkanpatti and change the bus.

Kolli Hills definitely provides us a visual treat whether we visit it on season or off-season. It is an equal match to the place called Marcahuasi in South America in having stunning and various rock formations. Someday I will visit Kolli Hills again and to see the remaining places on my long list. May be there are even more rock formations to explore on these mysterious Hills.

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