Kambar 9TH CENTURY A.D.
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | April 5, 1966 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | INR 0.15 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 14 x 14½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Green |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 408 Stamp Number IN 431 Yvert et Tellier IN 203 Stanley Gibbons IN 529 |
| Themes | Authors | Commemoration | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men |
Kambar’s legacy in Tamil literature is unparalleled, shining brightly as one of its most eminent figures. Though details about his life remain scarce, it is widely accepted that he lived and wrote during the ninth century A.D. within the Chola Kingdom during a period of Tamil cultural revival. Believed to have been born in Therizhandur, near Mayuram in the Tanjore district of the then Madras State, Kambar thrived under the patronage of affluent benefactors and graced the courts of the Tamil Kingdoms of his era.
From humble beginnings, Kambar ascended to eternal renown through his unparalleled poetic talent. His crowning achievement remains the Kamba Ramayana, a monumental Tamil epic retelling the story of Rama. While its narrative aligns with Valmiki’s original Sanskrit work, Kambar’s rendition infuses it with a fresh artistic splendor and profound depth. Indeed, his rendition stands as a testament to gifted and inspired genius, a masterpiece distinguished by its rare skill, beauty, and insight. It’s not merely a translation but a unique creation borne from personal and national genius.
The annual Kambar Festival, set to be celebrated in April 1966, pays homage to this illustrious poet. In recognition of his contributions, the P & T Department is honored to issue a commemorative stamp on April 5, 1966, marking his enduring legacy.