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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Endru Thaniyum

From Kappalotiya Tamizhan · 1961

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Kappalotiya Tamizhan1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..When will this thirst for freedom be quenched?
Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..When will this thirst for freedom be quenched?
Endru madiyum engal adimayin mogam..When will our fascination with servitude perish?
Endru madiyum engal adimayin mogam..When will our fascination with servitude perish?
Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..When will this thirst for freedom be quenched?
Female
Endru yemadhannai kai vilangugal pogum..When will the handcuffs on our Mother India be removed?
Endru yemadhannai kai vilangugal pogum..When will the handcuffs on our Mother India be removed?
Endru yemathinnalgal theernthu poiyaagum..When will our afflictions end and turn into a distant memory?
Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..When will this thirst for freedom be quenched?
Endru madiyum engal adimayin mogam..When will our fascination with servitude perish?
Endru madiyum engal adimayin mogam..When will our fascination with servitude perish?
Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..When will this thirst for freedom be quenched?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Written by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar during the Indian independence movement, 'Endru Thaniyum Indha Sudhanthira Thagam' is a passionate and agonizing cry for liberty. The song metaphorically portrays the intense yearning for freedom as an unquenchable thirst and questions when the deep-rooted psychological acceptance of colonial bondage will finally end. In the context of the biopic 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan' (1961), which chronicles the life of freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, the song echoes the immense suffering and relentless sacrifices made by patriots. By personifying the nation as a mother bound in shackles, the lyrics evoke deep nationalist pride and emotional fervour.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Endru thaniyum indha sudhanthira thagam..

The intense desire for political independence is metaphorically described as an unquenchable thirst ('sudhanthira thagam').

Personification

Endru yemadhannai kai vilangugal pogum..

India is personified as a mother ('Yemadhannai') bound in handcuffs, emphasizing the agony of colonization.

Anaphora (Monai)

Endru thaniyum... / Endru madiyum...

The repetition of the initial word 'Endru' ('When') across multiple lines creates rhythmic cadence and emphasizes desperation and urgency.

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Trivia

This song is one of Subramanya Bharathiyar's most iconic patriotic compositions. Set to tune by master composer G. Ramanathan and sung soulfully by P. Leela, it forms a poignant centerpiece in 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan' (1961). The film stars Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan portraying V. O. Chidambaram Pillai (VOC), who famously established the first indigenous Indian shipping service to challenge British maritime hegemony.

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