In the Puranaruru, one of the anthologies of poems from the Tamil Sangam literature, how does the bard describe his patron?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option 3 - The patron lacks abundant wealth but is generous and does not refuse to help.
In this composition from the Puranaruru, one of the anthologies of poems of the Tamil Sangam literature (c. first century CE), a bard describes his patron to other poets thus :
He (i.e. the patron) doesn’t have the wealth to lavish on others everyday
Nor does he have the pettiness to say that he has nothing and so refuse!
…
he lives in Irantai (a place) and is generous. He is an enemy to the hunger of bards!
If you wish to cure your poverty, come along with me, bards whose lips are so skilled!
If we request him, showing him our ribs thin with hunger, he will go to the blacksmith of his village
And will say to that man of powerful hands:
“Shape me a long spear for war, one that has a straight blade!”