Kamba Ramayanam and Tholpavakoothu .
Numerous literary works have been composed around the story of Rama, which serves as a powerful medium to strengthen family bonds and social commitment. Among these, the Valmiki Ramayana, celebrated as the Adikavya (the first epic), is the most famous. Standing right behind it in prominence is the Tamil epic masterpiece, the Kamba Ramayanam.
While Valmiki’s Rama is the ultimate answer to the question of who constitutes the "ideal man," Kambar’s Ramayana depicts Sri Rama with both divine and human attributes. In Kambar's portrayal, we see human vulnerabilities existing alongside god-like, extraordinary capabilities.
Origin of the Epic and the Legend of Kambar
It is estimated that the Kamba Ramayanam was composed during the 12th century AD. Only limited historical records are available about its author, Kambar. Born into the Ochan caste (traditionally temple Nadaswaram players), Kambar was later patronized by Sadayappa Mudaliar, the village chief of Vennainallur. Kambar acknowledges his patron by mentioning Sadayappa Mudaliar in his epic.
Kambar composed the Ramayana at the request of the Chola king, who was a devout Vaishnavite. Although its original title was Sri Rama Jayam, it later became famous as the Kamba Ramayanam.
There is a popular and intriguing legend surrounding the creation of this epic:
The Battle of Words: Kambar vs. Ottakoothan
The Chola king commanded two of his prominent court poets, Kambar and Ottakoothan, to write the Ramayana, granting them a deadline of forty-one days. While Ottakoothan began writing promptly, Kambar did not write a single word.
When the king inquired about their progress on the court floor, Kambar lied, claiming he had already started. The king then asked him to recite a verse from what he had written. On the spot, Kambar improvised a beautiful verse in his mind and sang it aloud:
"Kumudhanitta kulavarai koothanum > Thimirthamittu thiriyum thirai kadal > Thumi than oor pukavanavar thullinaar > Amirtham innum ezhumennum aashayaal"
The Meaning: When Kumudha, the noble Vanara chief, hurled a mountain he carried to build the Sethu bridge, it spun and fell into the ocean like an acrobat performing on a tightrope. At that moment, the water droplets splashed from the ocean reached heaven. Seeing this, the gods rejoiced, hoping that nectar (amrit) would rise from the ocean once again.
In this verse, the word 'Thumi' (meaning droplet) is a purely colloquial, rustic word. Ottakoothan argued that this word did not officially exist in the Tamil language and insisted that the verse be corrected. Kambar countered that the word was actively used in rural areas.
To resolve the dispute, the king and the poets disguised themselves and visited a village. While searching for the word, they came across a woman churning curd. When her young son ran toward her, they heard her gently scold him, saying, "Thumi therikkum maaru..." (Move away, or the droplets will splash on you).
Hearing this, Ottakoothan conceded defeat. A popular belief goes that it was Goddess Saraswathi herself who took the form of the village woman to save Kambar’s honor.
A War Epic Anchored in Dharma
Containing 12,110 verses, nearly a quarter of the Kamba Ramayanam consists of battle descriptions. Because of this, it is highly regarded as a grand "war epic."
Written during the decline of the Pallava dynasty and the rise of the Chola empire, the Kamba Ramayanam places immense emphasis on Dharma (righteousness). Scholars believe this was a deliberate message directed toward the Chola kings of the time.
Scholars also point out that the central message of the entire epic is beautifully captured in a single verse associated with the defeated Ravana:
"Arathinalandri amararkkum arum samar kadathal marathinalari thenpathum manathidai valithi..."
This verse conveys a powerful truth: even the gods cannot win a war if they stray from the path of Dharma. Wherever you look in the Kamba Ramayanam, the supreme glory of Dharma is evident, and this virtue is not restricted to Sri Rama alone.
Influence on Tholpavakoothu and Tamil Theatre
The Kamba Ramayanam is not only the core thematic source for Tholpavakoothu (the traditional shadow puppetry of Kerala), but it is also a monumental work that revolutionized Tamil theatre.
The First Script: The first play in Tamil theatre history to be performed using a written script was "Angadan Dhooth" (Angada's Embassy).
History: This play, which interpreted and staged the songs from the Angadan Dhooth episode of the Kamba Ramayanam, was performed in the mid-18th century. It was written by Sri Arunachala Rayar.
Impact on Puppetry: Clear evidence suggests that this theatrical play heavily influenced the performance style of Tholpavakoothu. If this historical connection is accurate, it indicates that Tholpavakoothu in its current narrative form may have a history of only about three centuries.
