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Saathanar | |
|---|---|
சாத்தனார் | |
| Occupation | Poet, Philanthropist, Warrior |
| Era | Sangam period |
Notable work | Manimekalai |
Saathanar (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a title or name attributed to several notable individuals in ancient Tamil literature, particularly during the Sangam period. The name "Saathan" was commonly associated with merchants, philanthropists (vallals), warriors, and poets, reflecting a multifaceted role in Tamil society.[1][2][3]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "Saathan" is believed to derive from the Tamil word sāttu (சாத்து), meaning a Buddhist monk or a merchant. This nomenclature was prevalent during the early days to denote individuals associated with Buddhism or trade. For instance, the poet known as Maturai Kulavāṇikan Cāttan (Madurai Grain Merchant Saathanar) was distinguished from others with similar names by his profession and place of residence.[4]
Notable Figures Named Saathanar[edit | edit source]
Chithalai Saathanar[edit | edit source]
Chithalai Saathanar was a renowned Tamil poet credited with composing the epic Manimekalai. He hailed from Seerthandalai (later known as Seethalai) and was a grain merchant in Madurai, earning him the epithet "Kulavāṇikan". A practitioner of Buddhism, his works reflect deep philosophical insights and advocate Buddhist principles.[5]
Perunthalai Saathanar[edit | edit source]
Perunthalai Saathanar, a poet from Perunthalayoor near present-day Gobichettipalayam in Erode district, was known for his humility and poetic prowess. In Purananuru verse 209, he praises a chieftain despite not receiving any gifts, showcasing the self-respect of Sangam-era bards.[6]
Vannakkan Saathanar[edit | edit source]
Vannakkan Saathanar was a late Sangam period poet known for his erudition in Sanskrit and comparative studies between Tamil and Sanskrit. He authored verse 43 of the Tiruvalluva Maalai, expressing his views on Valluvar and the Tirukkural.[7][8]
Other Notable Individuals with the Name Saathanar[edit | edit source]
Several other poets and figures bore the name Saathanar, contributing to Tamil literature:
- Azhisi Nachchaathanar
- Aaduthurai Maasaathanar
- Aalampēri Saathanar
- Uraiyur Kathuvāy Saathanar
- Uraiyur Muthukannan Saathanar
- Okkur Maasaathanar
- Karuvur Kathappillai Saathanar
- Karuvur Cheraman Saathan
- Karuvur Boothan Saathanar
- Seethalai Saathanar
- Seithivalluvan Perun Saathan
- Thondi Aamur Saathanar
- Piraan Saathanar
- Perun Saathanar
- Perunthalai Saathanar
- Perunthōl Kurun Saathan
- Perisaathanar
- Mosi Saathanar
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ George L. Hart and Hank Heifetz, ed. (1999). The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom: An Anthology of Poems from Classical Tamil, the Purananuru. Columbia University Press. pp. 242–244. ISBN 978-0-231-11562-9.
Saathan, son of the Chera lord of Ollaiyūr, is mourned as a heroic patron and warrior in poem 242.
- ↑ Zvelebil, Kamil (1973). The Smile of Murugan: On Tamil Literature of South India. Brill Academic Publishers. pp. 215–220. ISBN 978-90-04-03591-1.
The Manimekalai by Seethalai Saathanar is one of the earliest and most important Tamil Buddhist epics.
- ↑ Vaiyapuri Pillai, S., ed. (1936). Tamil Lexicon. Vol. 4. University of Madras. p. 128.
சாத்தன் – caravan leader, head of a merchant guild; merchant prince.
- ↑ University of Ceylon Review 1948, p. 97.
- ↑ Saathanar, Chithalai (1996) [1944]. நாற்பெரும் புலவர்கள் (PDF) (in தமிழ்). Chennai, India: Pooram Publishing House. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-06-19.
- ↑ "Lending Ears to the Ancient Bards of Kongunadu". 25 June 2014.
- ↑ Vedanayagam, Rama (2017). Tiruvalluva Maalai: Moolamum Eliya Urai Vilakkamum (in தமிழ்). Chennai: Manimekalai Prasuram. pp. 59–60.
- ↑ Robinson, 2001, pp. 26–27.
See also[edit | edit source]
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