Explanation

The correct option is D (A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.).

• Meaning & Ritual: Vattakirutal (literally “fasting while facing the north”) was a martial tradition mentioned in Sangam poetry (Puram / Purananuru). If a king suffered a disgraceful wound (such as being struck on the back) or was humiliated in defeat, he would sit facing north and starve himself to death to reclaim honor.
• Classical Example: The Chera king Peruncheralathan famously performed vattakirutal after receiving a back wound in the Battle of Venni against the early Chola ruler Karikala.
• Comradeship in Death: In several instances, loyal comrades, poets, and close companions of the defeated king would also sit beside him and fast to death in solidarity.