Explanation:


Silappadikaram is a Tamil epic written by Ilango Adigal. It is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. The story revolves around a merchant named Kovalan and his wife Kannagi. Kovalan lived in the city of Puhar, which was a famous port city in ancient Tamil Nadu.

Puhar:


Puhar, also known as Kaveripattinam, was a flourishing city in ancient Tamil Nadu. It was an important port city and a center of trade and commerce. Puhar was situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, near the present-day city of Nagapattinam. The city was known for its rich culture, literature, and art.

Kovalan:


Kovalan was a wealthy merchant who lived in Puhar with his wife Kannagi. He was well-known for his business acumen and his love for art and music. Kovalan fell in love with a courtesan named Madhavi and abandoned Kannagi. He spent all his wealth on Madhavi and eventually became penniless.

Story:


The story of Silappadikaram revolves around the lives of Kovalan and Kannagi. Kovalan's infidelity leads to a series of events that ultimately result in his death. Kannagi, who was a devoted wife, seeks justice for her husband's death and travels to the city of Madurai. She confronts the king and proves her husband's innocence. Kannagi's anger and grief lead to the destruction of the city of Madurai.

Conclusion:


In conclusion, Silappadikaram is a timeless epic that portrays the rich culture and traditions of ancient Tamil Nadu. The story of Kovalan and Kannagi is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, and justice. Puhar, the setting of the story, was a significant city in ancient Tamil Nadu and played a crucial role in the development of Tamil literature and culture.