In Prince in Exile, my latest historical romance, Princess Suryavati is a mute poet who must hide her verses under a man’s name. Her character was inspired by the rich legacy of female poets in ancient Tamil lands, where women were not denied education and their literary contributions were highly valued. The title Avvaiyar (also spelled Ouvvayar), meaning “the elderly lady,” was bestowed upon multiple renowned female poets whose works have survived to this day.
One of the legends surrounding Avvaiyar tells the story of a young woman who longed to be a poet but feared that marriage would strip her of her freedom as an artist. Determined to live life on her own terms, she prayed to the gods to take away her youth. Her wish was granted, and as a gray-haired poet, she roamed the kingdoms freely, composing poetry to her heart’s content. Her story reflects one of the central themes in Prince in Exile—how marrying the wrong man could become a cage for Suri, silencing not only her voice but also her soul.
During the Sangam period and beyond, women flourished under the patronage of Chola and Pandiya kings, who respected and supported their artistry. These remarkable poets paved the way for me to create Suryavati—bold, brilliant, and determined to be heard, even in silence. Don’t forget to check out an exclusive excerpt from the novel.
கற்றது கை மண்அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு
What you have learned is a mere handful; what you haven’t learned is as vast as the world – Avvaiyar
Anna Bushi 