1. Chola Dynasty had many great kings. One of them was Kopperuncholan of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam Literature. The poet Andayar was asked why though old, Andayar's hair had not turned gray. He gave this answer:
2. My years are many, yet my locks not grey. You ask the reason, 'tis simply this. I have a worthy wife and children too; My king does me no evil, aye protects. To crown the whole, around me dwell good men. And true, of chastened souls with knowledge filled. (Purananuru - 191)
3. Kopperuncholan killed himself by Vadakiruttal, a Tamil act of committing suicide, where the victim sits facing north and starves himself to death.
4. The reason for his suicide shows the peak of logic and humanist philosophy in pre-Islamic India. Diametrically opposed to the regicide that was almost banal in the rest of the world and especially during the Islamic period.
5. As Kopperuncholan prepares for war, Pullarrur Eyirriyanar, a poet and a friend reasons with him that if he slays his own sons and wins the war then the country would be left without an heir, and on the other hand if he loses then they would become victors.
6. The poet advises the king to take his own life, thereby leaving an heir to his kingdom and at the same time denying them all glory. (Purananuru - 213)
7. Kopperuncholan takes the advice of the poet and takes his own life by Vadakirruttal along with those closest to him. Picirantaiyar, a poet who lives in the neighbouring Pandya kingdom, arrives and joins his friend in his desire to quit this world.
8. Another poet, Karuvurp Peruncatukkattup Putanatanar is distressed the king forgot to invite him and sings:
"On an island in a river, in spotted shade, you sit and your body dries up.
Are you angry with me, warrior, who has asked so many to join you here?"
(Purananuru - 219)
"On an island in a river, in spotted shade, you sit and your body dries up.
Are you angry with me, warrior, who has asked so many to join you here?"
(Purananuru - 219)
9. After the king's death, Pottiyar another poet, unable to bear the loss of his patron, sits facing north amidst the heroes' stones and commits suicide by Vadakirruttal. He reasons that the spirit of the dead king has given him permission to do so.
10. Pottiyar sings: "You gave shade to many, the world praised you. And yet you could not finish your reign but had to reduce yourself to this small space, where you have become an undecaying stone....
11. "And the other stones surely will be kind and give me space, for I come to them with an old love that holds me to them like life to the body." (Purananuru - 223)
12. Such is the amazing legacy that modern Hindus have I inherited. We cannot allow the three dystopian cults of communism, Harmful Religion and Ricebag Religion to take control of India and erase this legacy. It has to be protected by any means possible. Any.
Ends.
Ends.
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