The Tamil Sangam in a Pandyan Charter of the early Tenth Century A.D.
By S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar
Summary
The Tamil Sangam in a Pandyan Charter (early 10th century A.D.) discusses a Pandyan king's legendary exploits, likely part of a genealogy in a copper-plate charter. The passage references the Mahabharata War, where a Pandyan commander led elephants to disrupt enemy charioteers. It claims the king relieved Arjuna of a curse, drove enemies into the desert for annihilation, and carved royal emblems (fish, tiger, and bow) on the Himalayas. The text asserts the establishment of the Sangam at Madura and Pandyan dominance over the Mahimandalam region. The king’s achievements include repairing irrigation tanks with goblin assistance, eradicating famine and hunger, and symbolically removing hunger by raising a golden image. The Epigraphist’s translation of "hill-battle" is critiqued as inaccurate; the term likely refers to a contested battlefield. Historical context suggests claims of suzerainty over northern regions (e.g., Himalayas) were later appropriated by rulers like Jatavarman Sundarapandyan. While the narrative blends myth and history, it reflects traditional Tamil royal ideology, emphasizing divine favor and territorial expansion. Scholars note such charters often exaggerated ancestral feats for political legitimacy.
Conclusion
This Pandyan charter's unique blend of mythic narrative and dynastic record offers valuable insights into early Tamil political ideology, emphasizing divine legitimacy and territorial dominance. The text strategically links the Pandyan lineage to the Mahabharata epic, positioning the dynasty as both historical and semi-divine authorities. The detailed battle descriptions and royal emblems (fish, tiger, bow) serve as symbolic assertions of power, while the Himalayan mountain reference subtly claims pan-Indian prestige. The establishment of the Madura Sangam underscores the Pandyans' role as cultural patrons and regional hegemons. While the legendary elements complicate historical verification, the charter reveals how Tamil rulers (like Jatavarman Sundarapandyan) used literary tradition to construct political authority, blending local governance with pan-Indian narrative frameworks. The document's true significance lies in its demonstration of how dynastic claims were mediated through cultural symbols and epic storytelling rather than mere military conquest.