Source: Wikipedia
The Sangam period dating from circa 300 BCE- 300 CE is considered the well-lighted epoch of the Tamil land. During this period Tamilakam witnessed the growth of agricultural activities, the development of long-distance trade, incipient urbanism in the river valleys, and the continuation of the Thinai divisions.
The most valuable information that we acquire from the Sangam literature is the “formation of thinai”, dividing lands based on their physiographical characteristics.
Division of Landforms
The landforms were divided into five regions Neidhal [coastal region] Mullai [ pastoral tract], Marutam [wetlands], Kurunji [hilly tract], and Palai [dessert region]. Each of these thinai regions had its own socio-economic and cultural traditions primarily based on their ecological classifications.
It is against this background that we see the emergence of the goddess of the palai region, Korravai/ Kotravai, who was known as the ‘goddess of war’.
Mentions about the Goddess
The references to the goddess Korravai are visible in many Sangam poetries like Kuruntokai, Pattinapalai, Netunalvatai, Pattirupattu, etc. The goddess is seen as the deity to be propitiated before after and during the battle. She is considered the inhabitant and the protector of the forests.
Though nothing explicitly has been written about her beauty, she is usually associated with a dangerous and malevolent power and beauty. Another interesting element of the goddess is her association with Murugan, the god of the kurunji region.
In Pattirupattu, the goddess Korravai is constantly mentioned as the mother of Murugan highlighting the amalgamation of the thinai’s. Further, the indication of Korravai being the protector of the forests [Mullai region] shows that she was a prominent figure all across Tamilakam and not only in the palai region.
Post Sangam
However, the post-Sangam period was marked by differences in the political, cultural religious, and economic contexts. New religious practices through the medium of the bhakti movement gained momentum which was clearly visible from the 6th century. In the post-Sangam kinds of literature, lord Murugan is seen as born out of the union between Lord Shiva and Uma.
References to Korravai in Sangam Corpus
In the entire Sangam corpus, there are numerous references to Korravai being the mother of Murugan, but we see no mention of a male proprietor, however from the post-Sangam period we witness these additional layers added to the existing traditions of worship. Soon she was also associated with various Sanskritic traditions.
Korravai was identified both as Kali, the inhabitant of the ghat as well as Uma, the consort of Lord Shiva. She was also identified as Vindhyavasini who resided in the Vindhya mountains. From, the epics of Silapathikaram and Manimegalai, we also see her mentioned as the sister of Vishnu on numerous occasions.
Though she was not completely erased from her indigenous identity, we see that she was gradually associated with the northern deities like Khali and Durga. In a matter of time, she was eventually merged with these later cults.
Impact of the Bhakti Period
Therefore, post the bhakti period we see the amalgamation of the local traditions with Brahmanical ones gaining prominence, thus marginalizing the Sangam goddess with puranic elements and resulting in the non-recognition of her very presence.
Therefore, in the due process of history, we may have lost several stories, folklore, and for that even music, along with local gods and goddesses. The discourse on these seemingly unpopular stories is necessitated in this context, to keep our rich and diverse heritage and culture alive.
Assimilation- Pros and Cons
The incorporation of these in Brahmanical culture may have elevated these local gods to a larger system of deities but has at the same time also dismissed their essence. Several of these local traditions and practices were either in defiance of or very different from the Brahmanical practices. Their assimilation in most instances has bereaved them of their essence and deprived them of their identity.
Introspection
One must stay in touch with their “dadi - nani ki kahani” and learn about our local culture- of our communities and regions. These stories hold a great amount of importance- in terms of culture and also highlight the underlying values that may have eroded over time due to several factors.
Written By - Ananya Verma
Edited By - Riya Dabas
%20(1).jpg)
0 Comments