மததளளயரததல மடயட வநதரகளன வழததம வணககமம / Greetings and Salutations of the Triumvirs in Muthollayiram

Human thoughts possess a nature that develops with maturity. It is by the transformation of the thoughts that social exchange happens. Literature stands as an image of society and acts as a social progression. Among the Tamil classical literary works, Mutthollayiram is one of the Agam and Puram texts that blends public and non-public matters. The poems are composed with the thematic essence of 'Kaikkilai' (unreciprocated love). Mutthollayiram incorporates one hundred thirty verses. It is considered to have been written after the Sangam Age. It is categorised within the genre 'Virunthu' (ceremonial dinner poetry). It evinces the excellence of the benedictory nature that pertains to the Chera, Chola, and Pandiya kings. Indeed, Mutthollayiram serves as an esteemed anthology that sings and praises the triumvirs (Moovendars), the Chera, Chola and Pandyas. It comprises 130 poems and is structured into three divisions. They represent a group of panegyrics extolling the valour, administrative prowess and magnanimous quality of the triumvirs. It is stated that Mutthollayiram stands as a prototype for later minor literary genres like "Viru Thoothu," which succeeded the Puram (public/warfare) topics of Sangam literature. This work formed the basis of many minor literary genres that emerged later in Tamil literature. Hence, this article analyses the greetings and salutations of the triumvirs regarding their battle feats and heroism.