ஞாயிறு/ Ñāyiṟu (The Sun) இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!!!! Featuring THE Tamil Festival, we have arrived at the next instalment of our Tarot series- The Sun. Pongal is perhaps THE most popular Tamil festival. Marking the beginning of the very significant month of தை (Thai) in the Tamil calendar, Pongal is a three-day harvest festival that celebrates the reaping the benefits of months-long labour. The first day of Pongal is Thai Pongal and marks the beginning of the month of தை (thai). The second day is Māttu Pongal. As the name suggests, it is the day that farmers bathe their cattle, decorate them with turmeric, saffron and garlands, and feed them food to thank them for their help in producing a bountiful harvest. The final day is Kānum Pongal. Kānum literally means "see". This day is dedicated to meeting with family and friends, catch up, and just have a good time. Jallikattu, also called Manjuvirattu, is another highlight of Pongal festivities- a kind of bull chasing where players have to hang on to a running bull long enough to untie the cloth tied to its horns for a prize. If no one succeeds in doing so, the prize goes to the bull's owner. The most important thing, perhaps, is how communal and inclusive Pongal is. Pongal is a TAMIL festival celebrated by Tamils and Tamil enthusiasts globally. To label Pongal as 'Hindu' is not only a gross misunderstanding, but only adds to the harmful and flawed idea that the Tamil identity is synonymous with Hinduism, which, as we have already seen on multiple occasions, cannot be further from the truth. A common argument is that Pongal is Hindu because it's centred around thanking the Sun 'god'. Nature worship is so ancient it goes beyond the birth of any organised religion, and is a common indigenous practice worldwide, a practice that no organised religion can claim ownership over. So go ahead, eat cakkara Pongal, go out and most importantly, be grateful to the farmers who put food on our table. Pongal is for EVERYONE! 😘🫰🏽✨ #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritage#pongal#jallikattu#tamilheritagemonth#eelam#india#asia#southasia#asianart https://www.instagram.com/p/CnbME0sh4Os/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"தமிழ்த்தாய்"/"Thamizhthai" (Mother Tamizh) Today in 1950 India became a Republic, and to commemorate, every year a parade takes place in Delhi, which includes a float from each state showcasing their respective cultures. This year however, the state of Tamil Nadu, along with the other South Indian states (except Karnataka) and West Bengal will not be featured as their floats were rejected. The reason TN was given- the freedom fighters displayed (V.O.C., Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, Marudhu Pandiyar and Bharathiyar) were not "well known". The sheer audacity and ignorance of the statement makes me gag. But, let’s not go deeper into that. As a civilisation, Tamizhar go back at least 3,200 years, with our language, one of the oldest spoken in the world, at its centre. Our culture and language now is fairly well preserved, though much has been either lost, appropriated or assimilated. Our passion for Tamizh is something I take intense pride in. Nevertheless, unfair power structures have and still continue to exist. Homophobia, transphobia, sexism and casteism continue to run rampant. For a people who claim to be very accepting and inclusive (which we are), when are we going to show the same love to our own? So what can we do? I don't know. I understand that this isn't a very good time, considering everything that's going on, but the fact still remains- we have a lot of work to do. It's long overdue and we need to start NOW. Proper research to educate ourselves on our own culture and history (both the good AND the bad), about how being Tamizh is an ethnicity beyond religion and that Tamizhar are not inherently "Hindus", is essential. Blind fanaticism, disregard for facts and adamance over folk etymology are a huge disservice. We have a long way to go, but we'll get there. Unlearn, relearn, research, reconnect, and contribute. PS- Those responsible for the genocide of Eela Tamizhar and the oppression of Indian Tamizh fisherfolk at the SL-India border are yet to be held accountable. வாழ்க தமிழ். வளர்க தமிழ். #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#tamilhistory#tamilheritagemonth#eelam#casteism#india#asia#asianart#republicday https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLuIs4BAvE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“செம்பவளம்-허황옥”/“Chembavalam-Heo Hwang-Ok” இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்! Today we’re gonna look at Chembavalam(செம்பவளம்) a.k.a Queen Heo Hwang-Ok(허황옥), who went on to become the matriarch of the Gimhae Heo(김해 허) and the Gimhae Kim(김해 김) clans in Korea, the latter being the biggest in the country, according to this research paper I found. Heo Hwang-Ok sailed to Gimhae, South Korea from the “Ayuta” Kingdom, announced herself to be 16 and had come to marry King Kim Suro on divine commission. Together, they founded the Kaya Kingdom and established the clans of Kim and Heo- says Ilyon’s “Samguk Yusa” (삼국유사/மூவேந்தர் சரிதம் in Tamil). In his paper, Dr. Kannan claims that Chembavalam, a princess of the “Ay'' kingdom (now Kanniyakumari) and Heo Hwang-Ok were the same person, contesting Kim Byung Mo’s (professor emeritus at Hanyang University) claim that it was Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya who went on to become his ancestor, which lead to Gimhae and Ayodhya becoming sister-cities. Dr. Kannan’s argument rests on the following: Ayodhya being called “Saketa” at the time of the book, Twin Fish symbolism, Tamil connections to Korean Buddhism and linguistic similarities between the two tongues (which is like, a LOT. There’re so many yt videos on this, I literally went on a binge). The linguistic similarities are mostly credited to the Tamils’ global maritime trade. Though Dr. Kannan seems to have provided ample references; whether queen Heo Hwang-Ok existed is a matter of debate. Either way, it makes for a nice story, doesn’t it? Symbolism: elephants (Ay Kingdom's flag), fish (Twin fish symbol similarity) Source: Kannan Narayanan, “The Ancient Korean Tamil Connection via Heo Hwang-Ok Alias Chempavalam” #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilhistory#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#chembavalam#korean#korea#southkorea#southasian#asian#history#samgukyusa#kim#koreanhistory#koreanlanguage#kpop#heo#heohwangok#pongal#cards#deckofcards#queenofhearts#한국#instagram#explore https://www.instagram.com/p/CYsxcp3BaJi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"ஆண் சாமி"/"Aan Sāmi" (The Hierophant) This next installment, The Hierophant, features a male சாமியாடி (deity-dancer), [also known as a சாமி (deity)], and a நடுக்கல் (hero-stone). There is no regular clergical order in Dravidian folk religion, which operated on fear and necessity, rather than devotion and ritual. சாமியாட்டம்/வெறியாட்டம் can often be seen at rural temple festivals. These dancers act as spirit conduits after going into a trance. They answer queries, deliver verdicts, diagnose diseases and curses among others. The spirits in question are of deified ancestors or independent deities of indigenous folk origins. These deities were later assimilated into mainstream Hinduism with sthalapurānas that were written in a way that subdued them and, by extension, the people who worshipped them. This led to their subjugation under the caste system and the invasion of folk Dravidian spiritual spaces by Vedic clergy. The gods (in red) featured here are மதுரை வீரன் (Madurai Veeran) and முனியாண்டி (Muniyandi). There are many others. The tamizh word for celebration (கொண்டாட்டம்) may have its roots in this tradition: கொள்ளுதல் (to take in/receive) + ஆடுதல் (to dance) = கொண்டாடுதல் = கொண்டாட்டம். Like Theyyam from Kerala and Bhootha from Karnataka, similar cultures exist across South India. The tradition of நடுக்கல் வழிபாடு (Hero-Stone Worship) also continues to exist. Hero stones are dedicated to fallen warriors and other people who served the community. Many hero-stones, displaying impressive detail for their age, still survive. The next installment will be a continuation. I've planned for this card and the next to be twin cards of sorts. If you wish to dive deeper into the history of Dravidian folk spirituality, @whatthepottu 's page would be a good place to start. Sources: Xavier, S. Sanskritisation Of The Deities Of Folk Tradition And Hindu Revivalism In Tamil Nadu. 2007. #leanderscribbles#tamil#tamilartist#tamilart#lineart#art#indigenous#southindian#indian#asian#tarot#tarotart#divination#occult#spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/CcKOJikLVrK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

கற்பு/Kaṟpu (Chastity) Chastity is generally defined as the act of abstaining from extramarital or all sorts of intercourse. My views on ‘Karpu’, have been heavily influenced by the works of Periyar. In his 1942 book பெண் ஏன் அடிமையானாள்? (why were women enslaved?) Periyar tears down every social hindrance and patriarchal norm that oppresses and enslaves women. The first two essays discuss chastity and how it became a tool to oppress and control women. According to him, the word karpu has the word root ‘kal’ (to learn). If we look at it in this context, “karpenappaduvadhu solthitambamai” would simply mean ‘living up to one's words’, which contains concepts of integrity and truth. However, over the years the word karpu has been used to indicate ‘Magalir Nirai’ (virtues of women). There is no evidence to prove that the word karpu only applies to women. In the English language Chastity simply means ‘virginity’ or ‘purity’. Within this framework, the word can be applied to all genders. In Sanskrit, chastity is identified as ‘pativrata’ (loyal wifehood) and this is where the word chastity becomes a sexist term. He also criticizes the works of Thiruvalluvar as being sexist (chapters 6 & 91) and questions if women themselves had written Thirukural or other epics, they would have portrayed such sexist ideas. Chastity is an age-old toxic tradition that is still justified and glorified across different cultures. The concept of chastity has been aggrandized and a woman's worth and her character questioned if she chooses to no longer be “chaste”. Calling female bodies “pure” and “valuable” only commodifies them and thus, dehumanises them. It, for centuries, has stripped them of their expressive and sexual agency, even criminalise it. Forced chastity continues to be one of the biggest tools of oppression in modern society. While chastity can be a virtue, it must always be an independent decision irrespective of gender and not a social standard. P.S. you guessed it, they’re gay and they’re married😙✌🏽✨. #leanderscribbles#tamil#தமிழ்#tamilartist#tamilart#tamilculture#feminism#patriarchy#purityculture#gay#queer#lesbian#wlw#bisexual https://www.instagram.com/p/ChgvB5OBinF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Egmore Museum இல் I just realised that I did not do a photo dump of @cumnaughtygo and my trip to the Government Museum in Egmore, Chennai. The museum boasts a vast collection of sculptures, reliefs, bronzes and inscriptions from a huge range of religious and historical affiliations. However, I wish they did a better job of labelling and maintaining the pieces. I really wish IG allowed more pictures but oh well. #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilart #tamilhistory #sculpture #art #museum #egmoremuseum #chera #chola #pandya #hindu #hinduart #buddhism #buddhistart #jain #jainart #photodump #asian https://www.instagram.com/p/CqPfP6zvHpk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

பிராட்டி/Pirātti Well these past couple weeks have been hectic, so I just wanted to relax and do something simple and not really meaning-heavy. That being said, I didn’t really realise how intricately detailed Chola bronzes were until I did this piece. I also wanted to do kind of a gender-bending by pairing a woman with the Jada Makutam that’s usually only seen on male characters. P.S. Art prints and commissions are available people! Just send me a DM! #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilartist #tamilart #chola #tamilhistory #southindian #sculpture #art #lineart #commission #tattoodesign #cholabronze #artprint #genderfluid #asian #explore https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp9deikPsDT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Kalayarkovil இல் பேரரசன்/Pērarasan (The Emperor) Featuring பெரிய மருது (Marudhu the Elder)- a Tamil King and freedom fighter of icon status, we have arrived at the next card of the Tarot series- The Emperor. The மருது பாண்டியர் (Marudhu Pāndiyar), also known as the Maruthu Brothers, were brother-kings who ruled Sivagangai, specifically Kālaiyār Kōvil. Elder Marudhu along with his younger brother சின்ன மருது (Maruthu the Younger) and Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār (see The Empress card) has been instrumental in the war against the East India Company in Tamil Nadu. Maruthu the Elder was born in 1748 in present-day Virudhunagar's Mukkulam to Mokka Pazhaniyappan Sērvai and Ānanthāyi. He, along with his brother, were promoted to high military rank owing to their military prowess by Mutthu Vadukanāthar- then King of Sivagangai and husband of Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār. After the king's fall at the Kālaiyār Kōvil war, the Maruthu Brothers helped Queen Vēlu Nāchiyār escape to the nearby Viruppātchi forest, and ruled Sivagangai as her proxy. After winning the war against the EIC-Arcot Nawab alliance with the help of Hyder Ali, the Brothers reinstated the Queen on her throne. In 1801, the British waged war on the Brothers for sheltering Ūmaithurai, the younger brother of Kattabomman (see Hanged Man card). Unfortunately, the Brothers were arrested by the EIC and on September 24th of 1801, the Brothers were hung to death by the British in Tirupattur Fort. Along with them, all of their sons, except Thuraicchāmi (son of Maruthu the Younger) were also hung. The Maruthu Brothers join the ranks of the legions of regional heroes who have had their histories and legacies ignored and overlooked at the national level-even regionally at times, as evidenced by the Parade Float debacle on Republic Day last year. Once again, I implore that we learn (without sensationalising) our local histories to have a deeper understanding of our ethnic identities, that we may be stronger in the knowledge of our roots. Image 3: Periya Maruthu statue at Kālaiyār Kōvil. #leanderscribbles #tamil #tamilartist #tamilart #maruthupandiyar #lineart #folkreligion #southindian #asian #tarot #tarotart # divination #occult #spirituality https://www.instagram.com/p/CpHYJedv8Pt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=