Kovalan

Kovalan is a Tamil epic poem written by the 12th-century Tamil poet Kovalan. The story revolves around the love between Kovalan, a poor weaver, and Kannagi, a princess. Kovalan, despite his humble status, is deeply in love with Kannagi and is willing to sacrifice his life for her. The poem is known for its exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the struggle between love and duty.

The narrative begins with Kovalan's encounter with Kannagi, who is on a pilgrimage. Despite her initial reluctance, Kannagi falls in love with Kovalan and decides to marry him. However, their love is met with opposition from Kannagi's father, the king, who disapproves of the union due to the social disparity. Kovalan, undeterred by the king's disapproval, continues to pursue Kannagi, leading to a series of events that test their love and commitment.

The poem culminates in a tragic ending, where Kovalan, in a fit of jealousy, kills Kannagi's lover and is subsequently executed. Kannagi, heartbroken, takes her own life. The story of Kovalan and Kannagi has been adapted into various forms of art, including films, plays, and operas, and continues to be a popular subject in Tamil literature and culture.