Just War Heritage in Tamil Literature: Kalingattuparani vs. Kamba Ramayanam Vishwa. B *

Abstract

The Tamil literary tradition reflects important ethical, political, and intellectual discussions about war. Notably, the historical battle poem Kalingatuparani stands out for celebrating real conquests, while the epic Kamba Ramayanam delves into the moral aspects of war in a profoundly human way. This analysis investigates the relationship between Tamil war ethics and the modern legal framework governing armed resistance, utilizing just war theory and international humanitarian law as references. Jeyamkondar's Kalinga serves as a grand depiction of military tactics, courage, and the sacrifices of battle, commemorating Kulottunga Chola I's victory over Kalinga and portraying war as a means for national growth and political legitimacy. The Yuddha Kanda of the Kamba Ramayana showcases Rama's ethical struggles, his commitment to engagement laws, and the principles of sacred warfare, presenting the conflict as a moral struggle between dharma and adharma. By juxtaposing these narratives, we notice two contrasting views on war: one that praises conquest and heroism, and another that emphasizes moral dilemmas, justice, and divine directives. Despite their differing narratives, both epics communicate themes that are pertinent to today's humanitarian issues, such as the differentiation between soldier and civilian, proportionality in warfare, and the necessity to minimize indiscriminate killing and suffering. While Kamban's Rama exemplifies morality, restraint, and rightful vengeance, Jeyamkondar's in-depth portrayal of the Chola campaigns exposes the excesses of military leadership while also honoring their bravery. This analysis posits that Tamil literature not only documented historical wars but also foresaw the ethical and legal dilemmas that persist in shaping current dialogues on armed conflict, sovereignty, and humanitarian war principles. By adopting this comparative framework, the study highlights the importance of these ancient texts in influencing philosophical and legal notions of conflict in both Indian and global contexts.