Puhar
Explanation
The Silappadikaram ("The Tale of an Anklet") is the earliest of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature, composed by the poet-prince Ilango Adigal. It serves as a crucial source for understanding the cultural and social history of the Sangam Age.
Detailed Analysis
- Puhar (Kaveripattinam): The narrative introduces Kovalan as the son of a wealthy merchant named Masattuvan who resided in Puhar. Puhar was the flourishing port city and an early capital of the Chola kingdom. The initial part of the epic, detailing his marriage to Kannagi and his relationship with the courtesan Madhavi, is set in this city.
- Madurai: While a significant portion of the epic-specifically the tragic turn of events, Kovalan's execution by the Pandya king, and Kannagi's revenge-takes place in Madurai, it is not the city where Kovalan originally resided. He migrated there later in the story to restore his fortune.
- Other Cities: Uraiyur was another Chola capital known for its cotton trade, and Kanchipuram became a prominent center of power and learning under the Pallavas. Neither is the residence of Kovalan in the epic's narrative.
Key Takeaway: Kovalan was a merchant from Puhar (Chola Kingdom), whereas the climax of the epic involving his execution occurred in Madurai (Pandya Kingdom).