Father : Machattuvan Wife  : Kannagi Lover  : Madhavi Daughter : Manimekalai (Mother: Madhavi) Puharkkandam Kovalan, the son of a wealthy merchant, Machattuvan, married Kannagi, the daughter of another merchant, Manayakan.

They lived together happily in the city of Kaveripattinam, until Kovalan met the courtesan Madhavi and fell in love with her.

Upon arrival, impressed by the grandeur of Madurai city, Kovalan set out to sell one of Kannagi's anklets (Tamil: Silambu), the only left-over asset they owned, with which he intended to start a business.

Kovalan entrusted the anklet to be sold to the palace's chief jeweller, who promises to fetch him good money from King Nedunjeliyan I.

The king, who is tricked by the chief Jeweller, ordered to behead Kovalan without a trial, on account of stealing the Queen's anklet.