AVVAIYAR – Heavyweight T-Shirt | Black

Words outlive empires.

The story behind it

Avvaiyar is one of the most celebrated names in Tamil poetry. The Sangam poet Avvaiyar lived around 2,000 years ago; 59 of her poems survive in the Purananuru alone. Legend says King Athiyaman gave her a rare nellikani (amla fruit) believed to grant long life – because he valued her wisdom more than his own life. As an envoy, she even prevented a war between two kings.

A later poet of the same name wrote the Aathichoodi – short verses of wisdom that Tamil children still learn by heart today. Its first line: “அறம் செய விரும்பு” – “Strive to do good.” The kings are long forgotten. Her words live on.

The design

• Front: small “THIS IS TAMIL” logo with தமிழ் on the chest
• Back: “AVVAIYAR” – a bundle of palm-leaf manuscripts (olai chuvadi) with a stylus before a red sun – the way Tamil texts were preserved for centuries. Below: “Words outlive empires.”

Product details

Substantial organic cotton with a dry, slightly rougher handfeel – sturdy, full of character and made for streetwear.

• 100% organic open-end cotton
• Single jersey, fabric weight: 7 oz/yd² (240 g/m²)
• Set-in sleeves, side-seamed construction
• Elastane-free 1×1 ribbed neck collar
• Wide twin-needle topstitching at cuffs and hem

Every piece is made to order just for you and shipped from one of our international production centres. Delivery usually takes 7–14 business days (remote destinations may take longer), depending on your country and availability. Customs duties and import taxes may apply depending on your country. Details in our shipping policy.

Returns within 14 days of delivery – unworn, unwashed and with the original tag only. Return shipping is paid by you. All details in our refund policy.