Persona
History
Vairavi was born in 1264 C.E. in Tiruchendur, on the south-east coast of the Indian subcontinent (modern Tamil Nadu). At a young age she was sworn to the Nallaiappar temple in nearby Tirunelveli, and there began to learn the arts of the tevaratiyar, or temple-dancer. After a time she fell away from the religion of the Brahmans and left the temple to become courtier, poet, and tutor of Carvaka philosophy at the Court of King Maravarman Kulasekhara Pandyan. Her primary language is Tamil, although she knows a little Sanskrit as well.
Although Tirunelveli and the areas surrounding it had been the hub of the Pandya dynasty for many centuries, the period of time concurrent with Vairavi's life was marked by a resurgence of their power, and they expanded their borders well into what had been Chera and Chola territories under the rule of Maravarman Kulasekhara Pandyan (1268-1308).
Timeline
1251 Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan becomes ruler of the Pandyan kingdom.
1264 Vairavi is born in Tiruchendur.
1268 Jatavarman dies. Maravarman Kulasekhara Pandyan becomes ruler of the Pandyan kingdom.
1288 Marco Polo visits the Pandyan port of Kayal, just north of Tiruchendur.
1293 Marco Polo returns to Kayal and also visits the Pandyan-controlled capital of Madurai.
1305 Maravarman buils Masilamani Nathar Koil on the coast near Thanjavur.
1309 Maravarman dies. Kingdom falls in to disarray as his heirs clash and is annexed by the Cholas.
1311 The Muslim general Malik Kafur reaches Madurai and raids the city and temples.
1316 Malik Kafur dies.
1323 Madurai and other Pandyan areas become a province of the Delhi Empire, under the Tughlaks.
Questionnaires and In-Persona Writing
A Letter to a Foreign Dignitary
Name? I am called Vairavi, and in legal records marked as Irayari Vairavi
How did you get your name? Why? Vairavan was the name of one of my father's uncles. There are no other Vairav's in Centil and I believe my father wished me to have a unique name.
Irayari is, of course, my father's name, so that is used on the rare occasion when I must be distinguished from another Vairavi.
What does it mean? Vairavi is the consort of Lord Siva in his wrathful form. Neither of them is well-worshiped here in these aspects.
How would you be addressed by non-family members of equal rank? Higher rank? Both typically call me by my name. Lower rank? The servants refer to me and all the other women as ammani
Time period? It is the 20th year of the reign of Maravarman Kulasekhara. I believe it is counted by the airoppiyans as 1288.
When were you born? In the 13th year of the reign of Jatavarman Sundara, some 34 years ago.
Are you a child, adult, elderly? I am an adult.
What station or class are you? Being lokayata I am Without-Caste, like the Jaina and Buddhanta. However my knowledge and skills afford me a measure of respect among the educated ksatriya who rule us, and through their patronage I am tolerated by the brahmana.
Is this the same station or class you were born to? No. I was born in the the merchant caste, as my father is a jeweler.
Is it likely to change in the future? No. I find it unlikely that I shall return to the teachings of the Vedas. Nor do I believe my family would take me as I am.
Are you wealthy or poor? I have very little personal wealth, consisting of only some jewelry and garments. However the King is very good to me and I never want for anything I can think of...within reason.
Is this likely to change? Should I please the King greatly with my poetry and tutelage of his children he may see fit to give me land that would provide an income. And of course should I displease him, I would no longer be welcome in the Court. I am not certain what I would do then.
Are you of the same people as those around you? The Court is quite diverse, with many faiths represented, and even some foreigners.