A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c12.59

c12.59

Some of the poets were the resident companions and advisers of kings and chieftains, while others moved from one court to another in search of patronage. The lasting friendships between Kapilar and Pāri, between Piśir Āndaiyār and Kōpperunjōḷan, and between Auvaiyār and Adigaimān Anji are among the best known instances of life-long attachment between poet and patron. Ungenerous princes who delayed their gifts or were niggardly sometimes provoked the poets into pillorying their stinginess in song. One poet refused to accept a present sent to him by a prince who had not granted him the usual interview. Golden lotuses and lilies, land, chariots, horses, and cash are enumerated among the presents usually given on such occasions. Besides general and probably exaggerated statements, such as Karikāla's more than princely gift already mentioned, the gift of an elephant is mentioned in one instance, though it is not clear what use the poet could have for the animal.