Epics of Mahakavi (T. Uruththiramoorththi) in critical perspective

Abstract

Epic tradition was established by several poets who adopted this form of literature for expressing their views, observations and experiences in creative styles. Poets have been writing epics since antiquity until the present day. As a result, epics are divided into two categories based on their chronological period: classical epics and modern epics. Present day epics of Bharathiar, Bharathidaasan, Kannadaasan, Mahakavi and others can be outlined. Origin of the modern epic begins with Bharathiar whose epics ‘Panchali Sapatham’ and ‘Kuyilpattu’ differ from the traditional epics in content and technique. Mahakavi, Neelavanan, M.A. Nuhuman, and others are among the first to write modern epics in Sri Lankan Tamil literature. For the purpose of this study, the Mahakavi epics only here analyzed. The epics of mahakavi have broken free from traditional epics and have created modernity in terms of structure and content (Epic material). The epics of the great poet have broken free from traditional epics and have created modernity in terms of structure and content (epic meaning). When it comes to structure, they have broken free from traditional epics and have revealed Poetic form, Dialogue style, Visual art, Realism, Poetic structure, Strange imagination, Sarcasm, Methods of expression such as Mythological epic tradition, Names with a rustic character, Progressive characters, Character creations such as Mythological epic characters, Symbolism, Alankaara (parable, metaphor, hyperbole, self-referentiality), Commentary, (Character commentary, Place commentary, Event commentary) ,Proverbs, Creative techniques Colloquialism, Foreign langurge words, Adjectives, Double entendre, Language use or linguistic specificity. Social issues are realistically expressed as the theme of the epic. He has covered themes in his epics such as Social inequality and resistance, Women's issues, The lifestyle of rural people, such as occupation, residence, rural sports, education, rituals, customs, and arts, Humanity, Biological features of the Urban and middle classes, Cultural degradation, Anti-imperialist, Nature, The purpose of life, Philosophy of life. The research objectives of this study are to introduce the epics of the great poet, to reveal the characteristics of modern epics found in the epics of the great poet, and to identify the modern epic characteristics expressed in terms of content and form throughout the epics of the great poet.. The six epics written by the great poet, namely Kallazhagi, Sadanku, Oru satharana manithanathu Charitram, Kanmaniyal Kathai, Kandappa Shapadham, and Daganam, have been used as primary data, and the books and articles written by others regarding the epics of the great poet have been used as secondary data. This study uses interpretive, sociological, and cultural approaches. This study has presented that the characteristics of modern epics are well-established in the epics of Mahakavi, and that Mahakavi holds a unique place among the modern epic creators of Eelam.