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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaazhvom Vaazhvom

From Rajakumari · 1947

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singers
T. V. Rathinam, Chorus
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Rajakumari1947

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Valarkalaiyil arasiyalilIn growing arts and in politics,
Vaagai soodi veeramadhaaiWearing the garland of victory courageously,
Valarkalaiyil arasiyalilIn growing arts and in politics,
Vaagai soodi veeramadhaaiWearing the garland of victory courageously,
Female
Aadavar thamadhadimaiAre we the slaves of men?
Aahaahaa naamaaAha, are we?
Avar madhikkavae jagam thudhikkavaeSo that they respect us and the world praises us,
Aadavar thamadhadimai aahaahaa naamaaAre we the slaves of men? Aha, are we?
Avar madhikkavae jagam thudhikkavaeSo that they respect us and the world praises us,
Female
Vaaledukkavum pennthanmaiWomanhood is capable of wielding swords,
Seer padaikkavumAnd creating excellence!
Vaaledukkavum pennthanmaiWomanhood is capable of wielding swords,
Seer padaikkavumAnd creating excellence!
Vagaiyaai seyavae madhiyinaalTo act skillfully using intellect,
Perumaiyaai maanila meedhinilaeWith great pride upon this earth,
Female
Seertharum samathuvamEquality that bestows prosperity,
Dhaesiya magathuvamAnd national glory,
Seertharum samathuvamEquality that bestows prosperity,
Dhaesiya magathuvamAnd national glory,
Paar meedhinil melongidavaeTo rise high across the earth,
Paar meedhinil melongidavaeTo rise high across the earth,
Pazhaguvom ulagilae pazhaguvom ulagilaeLet us mingle in the world, let us mingle in the world,
Paa manam veesavae thudhi paesavaeSpreading poetic fragrance and singing praises.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1947 film Rajakumari is a powerful feminist and reformist anthem composed during the era of Indian independence. It strongly rejects patriarchal oppression, questioning whether women are merely meant to be subservient to men. Instead, it calls for women to excel in fine arts, politics, and even warfare, demonstrating that intelligence and bravery are integral to womanhood. Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the song highlights themes of gender equality, national glory, and social progress, urging women to rise proudly and claim their rightful place in society.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question

Aadavar thamadhadimai aahaahaa naamaa

The line dynamically challenges the traditional societal expectation of female subservience.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Seertharum samathuvam / Dhaesiya magathuvam

Rhyming line endings ('samathuvam' and 'magathuvam') create rhythmic flow and musical harmony.

Monnai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Paar meedhinil melongidavae / Pazhaguvom ulagilae

Repetition of the 'P' sound at the beginning of words in close proximity.

Metaphor

Vaagai soodi veeramadhaai

'Vaagai soodi' refers to wearing the victory flower, symbolizing triumph and leadership in political and social spheres.

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Trivia

Rajakumari (1947) marked the debut of M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) in a lead role. The lyricist, Udumalai Narayanakavi (known as 'Kavirayar'), was famous for infusing Dravidian reformist ideals, anti-caste sentiment, and women's liberation themes into early Tamil cinema music.

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