History & Culture Flowers as War Symbols in Tamil Culture In no other ancient culture in the world have flowers been used as symbols of the land. Flowers have also been used to symbolize events related to the exterior life and warfare, known as the exterior life, only in Tamil culture. This not only speaks of the close natural bond that existed among the Tamils. It also speaks of their botanical knowledge. In Sangam literature, flowers of war were used to symbolize different stages of war and to express the mood of the soldiers. A flower was used as a symbol for each war action to express the purpose of the war. These flowers were used to identify one's comrades on the battlefield and to show the determination of the soldiers. The book that describes the above-mentioned grammar of external objects is 'Purap Porul Venbamalai written by Aiyanarithanar dated 9th century B.E. (AD). This is considered to be the only book written on grammar of external objects after Tolkappiyam. Vetchi The Vetsi flower is used to attract the herds of cows in the enemy country. It is commonly known as Idlipoo in Tamil. In English, Flame flower, scientific name Ixora coccinea. It is recorded in Sangam literature that women wore these flowers on their heads. It is native to Southwestern Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. This tree is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Vanji When a war is waged against an enemy country and the land is captured, the Vanji flower is used. The Vanji flag is called Sindhi. In English, Heartleaf vine, scientific name Tinosporacordifolia. The tree Salix tetrasperma / Indian willow is called the river Vanji, and some botanists believe that this is the flower of the willow tree that the literature refers to. Karanthai They carry the Karanthai…
