- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Maalaiyitta Mangai
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song is a majestic ode to the Tamil region and the broader Dravidian land, celebrating its ancient history, geography, arts, and cultural ideals. It outlines the boundaries stretching from the Vindhya mountains down to Kanyakumari, traditionally ruled by the three great Tamil dynasties—the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. It glorifies the foundations of Tamil civilization, particularly the three divisions of Tamil ('Muthamizh': Literature, Music, and Drama) and the three classical purusharthas or life goals ('Aram, Porul, Inbam': Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure).
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai Ani (Simile)
“Ilam thalirkodi polae odugiraal”
The flowing movement of the Kaveri River is explicitly compared using 'polae' (like/as) to a delicate, creeping vine.
Personification
“Sariththiram paadum kaaveri”
The Kaveri river is personified as a bard singing the history of the land.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Engal dhraavida ponnaadae… / Kalai vaazhum thennaadae…”
The rhyming end sound '-naadae' creates a melodic cadence throughout the chorus.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vindhiyam kumari idai / Velendhum moovendhar aandirundha thennaadae”
Matching of the second consonant sound 'ndh' (ந்) across consecutive opening lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Maalaiyitta Mangai' (1958) was produced by lyricist Kannadasan himself under his banner Kannadasan Films. The music was composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and sung powerfully by T. R. Mahalingam. This song played a prominent role during the mid-20th century Tamil linguistic renaissance and political movement, serving as a popular anthem celebrating Tamil identity and Dravidian heritage.
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