Ponniyinselvan : The Tamizh Epic

 A Tamizh (Tamil) epic that is cherished by every generation, Ponniyinselvan(translation: The son of Kaveri) by Kalki is a literary adventure through the river Kaveri, into the heartland of the Chozha (Chola) Kingdom. The book is a magnum opus with multiple characters, subplots, action, drama and the most essential question of all, who will rule the citadel of the Tamizh empire?

For those who are unaware, here is the historical context of the kingdoms of South India. From the 3rd century BCE to 1279 AD, the Chozhas were a very prominent dynasty. During the time of Rajaraja Chozhan, their rule extended as far as Mauritius. The Pallavas, Pandyas and Cheras were other prominent kingdoms during this era. These kingdoms fought battles with each other to present themselves as the supreme authority.

The story of Ponniyinselvan is written from the birth of Arulmozhiverman (947 - 1014 CE) to his eventual crowning as Rajaraja Chozhan, the most powerful Chozha King. The animosity between the Chozhas and Pandyas, the hunger of the Pandyas to take revenge and re-establish themselves as a kingdom and the tactics used, pull the carpet right under your feet. The epic begins at the banks of the river Kaveri, the Cradle of the Chozha kingdom. Double agents, unpredictable antagonists, backstabbers, spies, traitors, political strategists and instigators all take you through a rollercoaster ride, keeping you at the edge of your seat. This 5-part series traverses through Thanjavur, Kanchipuram, Kodaikkarai and Sri Lanka, painting a vivid picture of the affluent kingdom and the bitter struggle to identify the enemies hidden under the garb of loyalists. I won’t give away too much of the story, but I would like to mention that the ending will surprise you. None other than Kalki could have thought about it!

The Royal Family of Ponniyinselvan Chart 

The essential factor that makes this saga outstanding is the development of characters that are neither white nor black but are shades of grey!

I will be analysing some of the impactful male characters in this post.

Aditya Karikalan: He is the most elusive and unpredictable character in the entire series. The first born son of King Sundara Chozha and the elder brother of Arulmozhiverman knows no fear. Despite all the success in hand, the man kindles a deep sorrow in his heart. He is troubled and forms the perfect “Byronic Hero”. Neither the readers nor the other characters seem to know the actual cause of his misery. When Kalki masterfully reveals the truth and the consequent struggle that takes place, one is engulfed in shock and disbelief!

Arulmozhiverman: The younger brother of Aditya Karikalan is the main protagonist of the story. In a way, you watch him transform from a valourous, pragmatic teenager to a People’s leader and finally crowned as the King of the Chozha empire. Kalki has beautifully portrayed, the young lad’s journey of ups and downs, relationships and heartbreak, crisis and upheaval. In the end, Arulmozhi always finds a way to make things right and save the day.

Vallavariya Vandiathevan: Without Vallavariya Vandiathevan, the entire epic would seem incomplete. He is neither the hero nor the villain. Rather, he is an unbiased observer who at times takes questionable decisions. He belongs to the dwindling Vana clan. Initially, he is the loyal stooge of Aditya Karikalan. He is then sent to Ezham (Sri Lanka) to help Arulmozhiverman. While moving back and forth between the Chozha siblings, he falls into the hands of the Pandya warriors. His escape makes the book a compelling read! 

Azhwarkadiyan Nambi: Secret agents and an elaborate spy network have always helped the Kings to learn about matters of state intelligence first-hand. One such character is Azhwarkadiyan Nambi. Under the garb of a Vaishnavite priest, this man is initially sent to keep an eye on Vandiathevan. He follows him and is always there to save him. His loyalties are two-edged. He also provides the much needed comic relief!

Madurantakan: He is introduced as the son of Sembianmadevi and the uncle of Arulmozhiverman. Although Aditya Karikalan was the crown prince, Madurantakan always had his eye on the throne. Though ambitious, he is very incompetent. He just wants to ascend the throne by hook or crook!

Civilians of Ponniyinselvan Chart

Periya Pazhuvettariyar: He can only be described as an old majestic lion protecting the gates of the Chozha Kingdom. He was once in charge of the army. Although he tries to indulge in politics, when he realizes that he was used as a pawn in the larger vendetta, he tries his best to undo his mistakes and save the Crown.

Anirudha Brahmarayar: The most honest man in the series is Anirudha Brahmarayar, the Prime Minister of the Chozha Empire. He was the only one who didn’t work for any personal gains. He was true to himself and the Kingdom, till his last breath.

Snethan Amudhan: The “Happily ever after” element comes in the form of Snethan Amudhan. He was a resident of Thanjavur and the son of a mute and deaf woman. He is ever helpful to Vandiathevan and plays an important part in the game of chess between the Chozhas and Pandyas.

There are a lot more characters than the ones I have mentioned. But each one of these characters carry the story on their shoulders and leave you yearning for more. The next post will only deal with the strong, brave and feminist women characters. It is very rare to find such richly layered female characters who not only fight for their rights but are also responsible for the political crisis!

Nila comics book cover

If you are curious to read this series, you can purchase either the original Tamizh work or the English translation. Both of them are available in the form of physical books and ebooks. You can also read the comic or watch the animated series on youtube by Nila comics (Not sponsored). The feature film based on Ponniyinselvan by Mani Ratnam will be out by the end of this year. If the names of the characters are too big and confusing, you can follow the map that I have made. You can also ask your Tamizh friends to help you with the pronunciation.

Click here to read part II