99 ■«alai, while refering to Tamilhad, says: “Tamilmad which is in the Jambū-Dvīpa”. He uses the word Jambu itself in Tamil as “Campu’ (zihi 4).15 In Manimékalai, there are three references to “Nävalan Tivu” which are very significant in the sense that they express the concept of Indian unity in a subtle manner but with deep emotion. In the first, we find a reference in which it is said that Åputhiran took his birth as the one great personality of this Nävalan Tivu of sweet Nāval fruits, and as one worshipped by all the world.” In the second reference, we find the Chamberlain of King Punyaraja pays a tribute to Manimékalai; he says, “in the whole of India (Jambūdvipa), there is not another like this young lady’.” The Third passage relates to the observation of the chief of palace guard reporting to the King of Kañcheepuram the arrival in that great city of Manimékalai; he refers to her ‘as the eminently holy and the unparalleled one in the whole of Jambādvipa’.” That the Nävalan Tivu was considered as a great and sacred entity and was revered as God is suggested in some of the references in Cankam literatures, which state that the Tamil Kings used to go to the north for battle in a perambulating way known to the Tamils as ‘Valam varuthal’ (Sanskrit: Pradhakşhiņa)." HH . The concept of Indian unity conceived by the ancient Tamil poets finds expression through a fine technique which can easily captivate the imagination of any citizen of India. The technique is that they couple the Imayam (the Himalayas) in the north and the Kumari (Cape Comorin),” the Tiruparamkunram,” the Pothikai mountain,” the Kolli mountain,” the Åy Family” and the city. of Käviripúmpattinam” in the south. So also the Gañgai (Ganges) was coupled with the Käviri.” Such a technique not only speaks of the great regard the Tamil poets had towards the Imayam and Gañgai, but also the spirit of patriotism in making the worthies of south equal to that of Imayam and Gaúgai (the Himalayas and the Ganges). - Further it was necessary for the Tamil poets to employ such a technique mainly for two reasons: One was to explain the ambition of the Tamil Kings to rule all the land between the Imayam and Kumari,” and the other was to wish the kings of Tamil land.
