Ponniyin Selvan
The Son of the Kaveri
by Kalki KrishnamurthyAbout 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
Vandiyathevan
A young warrior of the Vaanar clan, Vandiyathevan is the protagonist of the story, entrusted with a secret mission by Prince Aditya Karikalan and known for his wit and bravery.
Aditya Karikalan
The crown prince of the Chola Empire and Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Armies, Aditya Karikalan is Vandiyathevan's friend and the one who entrusts him with a secret mission.
Poonguzhali
Sendhan Amudhan's cousin, renowned for her beauty and enchanting singing voice; she plays a significant role later in the story.
Kundavai
The intelligent and influential princess of the Chola dynasty, daughter of Sundara Chola.
Nandini
The beautiful and enigmatic young wife of Pazhuvettaraiyar, central to many of the novel's intrigues.
Ponniyin Selvan
The affectionate title for Arulmozhi Varman, the younger son of Emperor Sundara Chola, renowned for his valor and beloved by the people. The letter Vandiyathevan carries is meant for him.
About the Author
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.
Preview
We invite our readers to embark with us, for a short while, upon a journey in the boat of imagination, drifting upon the endless flood of time. Let us swiftly traverse centuries at the rate of a hundred years per second, and travel back to an era one thousand and fifty-eight years before today (written in 1950). In the southern part of Thirumunaippadi, the land that lies between Thondai Nadu and Chola Nadu, two leagues west of the sacred Chidambaram temple, there stretches a vast lake, spreading out like a surging sea. This is the Veeranarayana Lake. It measures a league and a half from south to north, and half a league from east to west. Over the passage of time, its name has been shortened, and in these days it is known as the “Veeranarayanam Lake.” Whoever beholds the Veeranarayana Lake during the months of Aadi and Avani, when the fresh floods pour in and the waters brim and overflow, cannot help but feel a surge of pride and wonder at the marvelous deeds accomplished by our ancient Tamil forebears. Did our ancestors act only for their own welfare and that of their contemporaries? Did they not also perform great works that would benefit the countless generations yet to come, wh
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.