Which one of the following explains the practice of "Vattakirutal" as mentioned in Sangam poems?
UPSC CSE Pre 2023
A. Kings employing women bodyguards
B. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
C. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
D. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.
Answer: A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.
Option d is the correct answer
Vatakkiruttal, also Vadakiruthal and vadakiruttal, was a Tamil ritual of fasting till death. It was especially widespread during the Sangam age. The Tamil kings, in order to save their honour, and prestige, were prepared to meet their death facing North ('Vatakkiruttal') and never would they turn their back in battle.
Important Tips
An example for Vatakkiruttal for friendship: After the death of king Vēl Pāri in a battle, his friend poet Kapilar perform this act in Kabilar Kundru. In another, King Kopperuncholan and his friend poet Pisiranthaiyar did Vatakkiruttal.