Kalamekam

Kalamekam, also known as Kalamegam, was well known Tamil poet who was popular as one of the most distinguished amongst the type of poets renowned as Acukavikal in Tamil. The Acukavikal poets were famous for their skills of composing verses instantaneously and spontaneously. Kalamekam became celebrated as one of the most prominent Acukavikal for composing instantaneous poems. He existed in the period during the 15th century. The word Kalamekam literally means black cloud in Tamil language. Due to his skills and ability to create spontaneous poems on the spot, the original name of Kalamekam was quickly forgotten by his admirers. The poems in Tamil language are much revered for their manner of composition and its eloquence, graceful and simple presentation. Due its simplicity, the verses can be easily understood and appreciated just by mere listening the uncomplicated lyrics.

The poems of Kalamekam or Kalamegam express admirable human emotions and some of the poems written by him also convey double meanings as well. Kalamekam also composed many verses and hymns that were composed with the sole purpose of pacifying the arrogance and egotism of critics and other people who were impertinent and impolite to poets and authors. Kalamekam also wrote poems by following the traditions of Tamil literature. Some of his most popular literary works are Cittiramatal (Chithiramattal) and Tiruvanaikka Ula. Cittiramatal or Chithiramattal narrates about the procession of a hero who is encircled by his dignitaries and followers. The work belongs to the matal genre. Tiruvanaikka Ula vividly describes the tale of two lovers and the attempt by the disappointed heroine to commit suicide by burning herself. Despite composing such literary works in Tamil, Kalamekam is mostly renowned even today for his talent of composing instantaneous and spontaneous poems based on specific situations in life.

There are several tales related to the Tamil poet Kalamekam that describes the causes for the composition of some of the Acukavikal poems by him. It is believed that when Kalamekam traveled to the region of Nagapattinam, his meal was arranged in a resting place for visitors. Kalamekam waited for an extended duration for the food to be served to him. The cook repeatedly informed the poet about the progress of the preparation of the food. Ultimately, when the food was served to Kalamekam on a leaf, he instantly composed an amusing poem mocking the unwarranted delay of the food.

Even gods and deities have become the subject matter in some of his poems and have been held as objects of humour.