jana
People, folk; or, onomatopoeic sound of bells.
Meaning
This word has two distinct meanings. As a noun, it refers to people or common individuals, often appearing in lyrics as part of a list of beings praising a deity, alongside sages, gods, and demons. As an onomatopoeia, it imitates the rhythmic sound of ankle bells (nūpura or kiṅkiṇi) in dance, conveying the percussive element of the music.
In the songs
taDavana munni jana sakala surAsura sannuta pAda
Whose feet are praised by sages, people, and all gods and demons
Krupa Samudram · Unknown
kiGkiNi jam jam jaNa jaNa jaNa jaNa nUpura laya gati
The rhythmic sound of the anklets (kiGkiNi) going jam jam jaNa jaNa
Krupa Samudram · Unknown
tandavana muni jana sakala sura asura sannutha padha
The one whose dancing feet are praised by sages, gods, and demons alike
Natesha Kauthuvam · Gangaimuthu Nattuvanar
kinkini jam jam jana jana jana jana noopura layagathi
The rhythmic sound of the ankle bells ringing jam jam jana jana
Natesha Kauthuvam · Gangaimuthu Nattuvanar