69.3 Envoy

 69.3 Envoy

Question:

 

How can an envoy be successful in his diplomatic mission?

Answer:

 

Conciseness of speech, eschewing harsh words,

 and a sense of humor produce good results

from diplomatic missions.                                                                (Couplet – 685)

தொகச் சொல்லித் தூவாத நீக்கி நகச்சொல்லி

நன்றி பயப்பதாந் தூது.                                               (குறள் – 685)

 

Explanation:

              According to Valluvar, if an envoy is precise in his speech, uses pleasant words, and has a sense of humor, he will be successful in his mission. Purananuru, part of Sangam Literature,[1] mentions a famous example of a poet who was very successful in her diplomatic mission. About 2000 years ago, there was a king by the name of Adhiyaman in Tamil Nadu, India. He was known for his courage and generosity. The poet Avvaiyaar was the poet laureate in Adhiyaman’s kingdom. In addition to her official role as a poet and a minister, she was also a close friend of Adhiyaman. Adhiyaman had won several wars during his time. But there was one king by the name of Thondaiman in Adhiyaman’s neighboring country. Thondaiman was very jealous of Adhiyaman and was ready to wage war against Adhiyaman. Although Adhiyaman was sure he could defeat Thondaiman, he was not interested in fighting with Thondaiman. Adhiyaman sent the poetess Avvaiyaar on a diplomatic mission to Thondaiman.

 

              Avvaiyaar’s mission was to discourage Thondaiman from waging war with Adhiyaman. When Avvaiyaar reached Thondaiman’s court, Thondaiman was very nice to her. He wanted to impress Avvaiyaar with his collection of weapons. He escorted Avvaiyaar to his armory and showed his impressive armaments. Avvaiyaar told him, “Wow! Your weapons are so new, and they are shining so well. They are adorned with peacock feathers, encircled by garlands, have strong, thick, well-fashioned shafts, and are anointed with ghee. They repose in a sprawling, well-guarded palace. Those (Adhiyaman’s) spears with their blades and joints broken when they pierced enemies are always to be found in the blacksmith’s small shed. Thondaiman immediately realized that Adhiyaman’s weapons have been used in many wars and brought him victory, whereas his weapons are so new that even his soldiers may not know how to use them effectively. Thondaiman became skeptical of his chances of victory in a war against Adhiyaman and dropped the idea of waging war against Adhiyaman.

 

              As Valluvar mentions n Couplet 685, Avvaiyaar was precise in her speech, used pleasant words, and with her satirical sense of humor, she intimidated Thondaiman, and he dropped the idea of war. Her diplomatic mission was a great success.

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[1]. Hart, George L, Heifetz. The four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom (1999). Columbia Univerdsitry Press, New York,