Graves Own Silence Poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar

Tipu Sultan (1750 - 99)
Is known for his revolt against the British
And also known for his predatory act,
As was the custom of emperrorhood.

The Zamana, when he was killed,
Had had 303 women kept for, by, him.
Some destitute, some servants,
Some eunuchs and the rest were drawn
From Turkey, Persia, Hyderabad, Tanjore and Delhi.
Some royal ladies, some king families.
Some were virgin, some were wives.

Each king has a back. So has he.
Call him a martyr. Call him a rapist.
He is in the grave; the grave has silence.
To break the silence, we have no licensee.
24.10.2017