Chola and Sengunthars - Literary Evidences About Sengunthar

Literary Evidences About Sengunthar

The earliest literary evidence about Sengunthar occurs in Adhi Diwakaram, a Tamil lexicon written by Sendan Diwakarar. This dictionary dated 8th–9th century AD says செங்குந்தப் படையார் சேனைத் தலைவர் தந்து வாயர் காருகர் கைக்கோளர். It meant the profession of Kaikolars-Senkuntharpadai (army of Sengunthars), Senaithalaivar(commander-in-chief), Thanthuvayar(weaver), Kaarugar(weaver). This clearly proves Kaikolar pursued weaving along with soldiering profession

Senguntha Prabanda Thiratu is a collection of various literary works written about Kaikkolars. It was originally published by Vannakkalanjiyam Kanji Shri Naagalinga Munivar in the year 1926 and later it was republished in the year 1993 by Sabapathi Mudaliar. These literary works contain the following:

1. Senkunthar pillai tamizh by Gnanaprakasa swamigal, Tirisirapuram Kovintha Pillai & Lakkumanaswami: Senkunthar pillai tamizh is a collection of songs from palm-leaf manuscripts about Sengunthars. It was published by Ñanappirakacacuvamikal, Tiricirapuram Kovinta Pillai, Ilatcumanacuvami in 18th century in Kanchipuram
2. Eetti ezhubathu: The major literary work about Sengunthar was a poetry by Ottakkoothar,a poet of the same caste, known as Eetti ezhupathu in 12th century AD during the reign of Rajaraja Chozha II. This work describes the mythical origin of Sengunthar, expeditions of Sengunthar chieftains and also praises 1008 Kaikolar who gave their heads for the same work to be written by the court poet of chozha
3. Ezhupezhubathu: Ezhupezhubathu is a sequel to Eetti ezhubathu written by Ottakkoothar. In this work, he prays Goddess Saraswathi to fix the heads of 1008 Sengunthars to their respective bodies.
4. Kalipporubathu: Kalipporubathu is a collection of 10 stanzas compiled by Kulothunga Chozha III. These stanzas were written after Ezhupezhubathu in express of joy when the 1008 heads of Kaikolars got attached to their respective ones. These stanzas include the songs who witnessed it in the court of Raja Raja II including himself which was later compiled by his successor Kulothunga Chozha III
5. Thirukkai vazhakkam: Thirukkai vazhakkam describes the good deeds of Sengunthars and their saivite religion principles. It was written by Puhalendi
6. Sengunthar silaakkiyar malai: Sengunthar Silaakkiyar malai was written by Kanchi Virabadhra Desigar which describes the legends and eminent personalities born in Sengunthar community

Other works included in Senguntha Prabanda Thirattu are Sengunthar kulamaatchi, Kaliththurai malai, Senguntha Velavar thirukkai vazhakku anthathi, Senguntha vinayaga puranam, Sengunthar Verpathigam, Sengunthar Marabu Vilakkam and Senaithalaivar Marabu Vilakka suravali.