The Son of Ponni
The Son of the Kaveri
by Kalki KrishnamurthyHistorical FictionEpicPolitical Intrigue
Ponniyin Selvan (பொன்னியின் செல்வன்)
Originally in Tamil1955
293 chapters2,688 pages59h read
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About This Book
Set in the 10th century during the zenith of the Chola dynasty, Ponniyin Selvan follows the young warrior Vandiyathevan as he carries a secret message through a kingdom seething with conspiracy. From the grand courts of Thanjavur to the shores of Lanka, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and dynastic ambition collide in Kalki Krishnamurthy's greatest Tamil novel — a sweeping epic of loyalty, betrayal, and the destiny of an empire.
Characters
View all 458 charactersAbout the Author
Kalki Krishnamurthy
1899–1954
Kalki Krishnamurthy (R. Krishnamurthy) was one of the most celebrated Tamil writers of the 20th century. A novelist, short story writer, journalist, poet, and critic, he is best known for his historical novels, especially Ponniyin Selvan, which is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary works. He was also a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and served as editor of the influential Tamil magazine Kalki.
Places and Terms in this Book
Lanka— The island kingdom south of India, present-day Sri Lanka, invaded by the Cholas.
Thanjavur— A major city and capital of the Chola Empire.
Chola— A powerful South Indian dynasty that ruled over much of southern India during the 10th century.
Thanjai— An alternate name for Thanjavur, the Chola capital.
Chola Nadu— The heartland of the Chola dynasty, a powerful South Indian kingdom.
Kodumbalur— A noble clan and region in Tamil Nadu, to which Vanathi belongs.
Vocabulary
palanquin— A covered litter for one passenger, carried on poles by bearers.
Devi— A Sanskrit term meaning 'goddess' or a respectful title for a noblewoman or princess.
Akka— A Tamil word meaning 'elder sister', used as a respectful form of address.
Chakravarthi— A Sanskrit term meaning 'emperor' or 'universal ruler.'
Swami— A term of respect for a Hindu ascetic or spiritual teacher.
mahout— An elephant keeper or driver.
