After the customary inquiries about each other’s well-being, the great Velar of Kodumbalur looked around at those assembled and began to speak:

“Almost everyone to whom I sent word has gathered here. Only the aged ruler of Thirukovalur, the Malaiyaman king, has not come. I believe there must be a valid reason for his absence. We have come together here to deliberate upon a matter that many would consider extremely perilous. The world knows well how devoted we all are to the Chola dynasty and to Emperor Sundara Chola. We have proved this devotion time and again, in countless affairs. Yet, our enemies may accuse us of gathering here in opposition to the Emperor’s wishes. They may even say that we have assembled an army to wage war against him. But we are unable to meet the Emperor in person. Not for a single moment are we allowed to speak with him privately and learn his true wishes. The reason for this is known to all. It is said that, for the sake of the Emperor’s health, he is kept within the fortress at Thanjavur. But in truth, it seems to me that the Pazhuvettaraiyars have imprisoned him there. I do not know what you all think…”

At this point, the Commander-in-Chief paused briefly, and from the gathering arose many voices: “Yes, yes,” “That is the truth!” “The Emperor is indeed being held captive.”

“From your agreement, it is clear that we are all united in feeling and purpose. Since the days of Vijayalaya Chola, thousands upon thousands of brave men have laid down their lives on the battlefield to raise this Chola empire to its present glorious state. It is a matter of pride for all of us to call ourselves sons of the Chola land. We have gathered here to ensure that no harm comes to the Chola dynasty or the empire. Not to conspire against the Emperor. For three years, the Emperor’s enemies have kept him imprisoned. They claim it is because his health is failing. But Vijayalaya Chola, who bore ninety-six wounds upon his body, entered the battlefield at Thirupurambiyam in his eightieth year, wielding two— Wielding his swords and spinning them like a whirling wheel, wherever he entered, he heaped the heads of his enemies into mountains! If such a valorous king as Sundara Chozhar, born of that heroic lineage, now claims bodily illness as a reason and refuses to come out—can that be believed? It seems that the traitorous schemers who have imprisoned the Emperor have, through their witchcraft, black magic, and sorcery, also brought confusion to his mind. If the Emperor’s mind were clear, would he, having two sons who are warriors greater than Bhima and Arjuna themselves, wish to crown Madurantakan, who has never even set eyes on a battlefield?…”

At that moment, many voices rose at once: “How do we know for certain that this is the Emperor’s wish?”

“It is true that we do not know directly. It may well be a tale spun by the Pazhuvettaraiyars. Yet even our Prime Minister, Aniruddha Brahmarayar, believes it…”

“Perhaps Aniruddha himself has joined with them; who can say?” said someone in the gathering.

“That too may be so. One of the main reasons we have assembled here is to uncover the truth of this matter. You must all have heard the rumor that is circulating today in this great city of Thanjai. I do not believe it. I have faith that we shall all be granted the fortune to behold the Emperor alive. When we do, let us ask him directly what his wish is regarding the succession. If, by chance, the Emperor himself declares his desire to crown Madurantakan, will all of you accept it?…”

“No! Never!” came the resounding cry.

“I too will not accept it. For if the Emperor’s mind were clear, he would never make such a declaration. The matter of succession was settled and concluded in the days of Paranthaka Chozhar himself. I myself heard, with my own ears, that king, on his deathbed, declare that only Sundara Chozhar and his descendants should ascend the throne of Thanjai. Many others who heard it are still present here. The great and departed Kandaradithar, even in raising his son, strove to ensure that he would never desire to rule the kingdom. His virtuous queen, the noble Periya Piratti—Sembiyan Maadevi, who is devoted to Lord Shiva—has always been steadfast in her opposition to crowning Madurantakan. We all know this well. There must be some important reason behind all this. In such a case, why should Sundara Chozhar wish to crown Madurantakan? I will give you yet another example to show that the Emperor’s mind is not right. After slaying Veera Pandiyan and bringing the Pandya—” After annihilating the enemy forces, my brother marched forth with an army to punish the king of Eelam, who had come forward to aid the Pandya. We failed to send him sufficient troops and equipment as support. Because of that, he was compelled to meet a heroic death on the battlefield. To wipe away that stain upon the valorous glory of the Chola land, Ponniyin Selvan and I set forth. We destroyed the armies of Eelam. We captured Anuradhapura. We forced Mahindan to flee and hide within the mountain country.

It is known to all of you that the Commander-in-Chief, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, did not cooperate with us. Among you, the great leaders of the merchant guilds who are present here, sent supplies and rendered immense assistance. Even so, our warriors had to endure countless hardships. Yet, bearing all those sufferings, how was it possible to utterly destroy Mahindan’s armies? It was solely due to the unparalleled courage and inspiration given by Ponniyin Selvan, the peerless hero among the great warriors of the Chola clan! And what reward did the Emperor, his own father, bestow upon such a heroic son? He heaped upon the prince the monstrous accusation of treason and ordered that he be arrested