The Great Migration Of Sourashtrians! Poem by Ramesh T A

The Great Migration of Sourashtrians!

Like the exodus of Jews from Egypt to Promised Land,
Like the ouster of Kashmir Pundits by Islamic extremists,
Due to inevitable historical reasons, the great migration of
Sourashtrians to South India took place around 8th century!

Losing and leaving behind their houses, properties, valuables
And everything to escape from the looting of Mohammedan
Invaders from the West, Sourashtrians migrated from place
To place relying only on their working skill as weavers ever!

Sourashtrians are invited by Emperor Krishnadevaraya to
Make silk dresses for Royal families in his capital in Hampi
Near Bellary district of today after they had worked in
Maharashtra and Karnataka States for two centuries in each!

When the Krishnadevaraya Empire came down, Sourashtrians
Received the patronage of Madurai Naick Kings in 16th century
With their families settling around Thirumalai Naicker Mahal
And the Meenakchi Temple as Royal guests to make dresses....!

The survival, sustenance and success story of Sourashtrians is
Quite amazing though they have not developed their script
And maintained any record or history of their migration long
Staying and developing places like Madurai, Trichy, Tanjore!