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喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� #1-5
喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁�, 喈瘉喈脆瘉喈む瘝喈む瘖喈曕瘉喈瘝喈瘉
喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� - 喈呧喈班喁� 喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈庎喁佮喈苦 喈瘉喈曕喁� 喈瘑喈编瘝喈� 喈む喈苦喁� 喈掂喈侧喈编瘝喈编瘋喈瘝 喈瘉喈む喈┼喈距畷喁佮喁�. 1950 - 1955 喈嗋喁嵿疅喁� 喈掂喁� 喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈掂喈� 喈囙喈脆喈侧瘝 喈む瘖喈熰喁嵿畷喈む瘓喈喈� 喈掂瘑喈赤喈喈熰喁嵿喈熰瘝喈熰喁�. 喈囙喁� 喈瘉喈む喈┼喁嵿喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮畷喁� 喈曕喈熰瘓喈む瘝喈� 喈畷喁嵿畷喈赤瘝 喈嗋喈班喁� 喈曕喈班喈喈曕喁� 喈む瘖喈熰喁嵿喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈喁嵿喁囙喁� 喈曕喈侧畷喈熰瘝喈熰畽喁嵿畷喈赤喈侧瘝 喈囙喁� 喈瘉喈む喈┼喁嵿喁堗畷喁� 喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈囙喈脆瘝 喈む瘖喈熰喈距畷 喈掂瘑喈赤喈喈熰瘝喈熰喁�. 喈む喈苦 喈む喈� 喈ㄠ瘋喈侧喈曕喁佮喁� 喈掂瘑喈赤喈喈熰喁嵿喈熰瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈 喈喈苦喁嵿喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈赤瘓喈曕瘝 喈曕喁嵿疅喁佮喁嵿喈む瘉. 喈曕.喈. 1000 喈嗋喁� 喈嗋喁嵿疅喁� 喈掂喈曕瘝喈曕喈侧瘝 喈囙喁佮喁嵿 喈氞瘚喈脆喁� 喈瘒喈班喈氞瘓 喈呧疅喈苦喁嵿喈熰瘓喈喈曕畷喁� 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈囙喁嵿 喈掂喈侧喈编瘝喈编瘉喈瘝 喈瘉喈む喈┼喁� 喈庎喁佮喈瘝喈疅喁嵿疅喈苦喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喈む瘉.
喈氞瘚喈脆喁嵿畷喈赤喈┼瘝 喈瘖喈编瘝喈曕喈� 喈嗋疅喁嵿畾喈苦喁堗喁� 喈喁嵿喈� 喈氞喈苦喁嵿喈苦 喈ㄠ瘋喈侧瘝喈曕喈苦喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈む瘑喈班喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰喁堗畷喁� 喈曕喈熰瘝喈熰喈侧瘉喈瘝, 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喈苦喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈瘑喈班瘉喈瘝喈喈侧喈� 喈む喈苦喈班瘝喈曕喁� 喈嗋喁嵿喈む瘝喈む瘉喈熰喁� 喈曕喁嵿喈苦喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喈距喁嵿畷喈赤瘝.
喈む喈苦喈班瘝喈曕喈苦喁� 喈夃喈苦喁嬥疅喁佮喁� 喈夃喈班瘝喈掂瘉喈曕喁嬥疅喁佮喁� 喈掄喁嵿喈苦畷喁� 喈曕喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈掂喈熰瘝喈� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈む喈班瘉喈瘝喈喁� 喈む喈班瘉喈瘝喈� 喈掂喈氞喈瘉喈權瘝喈曕喁�. 喈呧疅喁佮喁嵿 喈む喁堗喁佮喁堗畷喁嵿畷喁� 喈呧喈苦喁佮畷喈瘝喈疅喁佮喁嵿喁佮畽喁嵿畷喈赤瘝.
喈氞瘚喈脆喁嵿畷喈赤喈┼瘝 喈瘖喈编瘝喈曕喈� 喈嗋疅喁嵿畾喈苦喁堗喁� 喈喁嵿喈� 喈氞喈苦喁嵿喈苦 喈ㄠ瘋喈侧瘝喈曕喈苦喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈む瘑喈班喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰喁堗畷喁� 喈曕喈熰瘝喈熰喈侧瘉喈瘝, 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喈苦喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈瘑喈班瘉喈瘝喈喈侧喈� 喈む喈苦喈班瘝喈曕喁� 喈嗋喁嵿喈む瘝喈む瘉喈熰喁� 喈曕喁嵿喈苦喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喈距喁嵿畷喈赤瘝.
喈む喈苦喈班瘝喈曕喈苦喁� 喈夃喈苦喁嬥疅喁佮喁� 喈夃喈班瘝喈掂瘉喈曕喁嬥疅喁佮喁� 喈掄喁嵿喈苦畷喁� 喈曕喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈掂喈熰瘝喈� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈む喈班瘉喈瘝喈喁� 喈む喈班瘉喈瘝喈� 喈掂喈氞喈瘉喈權瘝喈曕喁�. 喈呧疅喁佮喁嵿 喈む喁堗喁佮喁堗畷喁嵿畷喁� 喈呧喈苦喁佮畷喈瘝喈疅喁佮喁嵿喁佮畽喁嵿畷喈赤瘝.
1452 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
3332 people are currently reading
24473 people want to read
About the author
Kalki
281听books875听followersTamil language Novel Writer, Journalist, Poet & Critic late Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy also known as 鈥楰alki鈥�. He derived his pen name from the suffixes of his wife name Kalyani and his name Krishnamurthy in Tamil form 喈曕喁嵿喈距喈� and 喈曕喈班瘉喈粪瘝喈｀喁傕喁嵿喁嵿喈� as Kalki (喈曕喁嵿畷喈�). His name also represents 鈥淜alki avatar鈥�, the tenth and last avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy鈥檚 witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of 鈥楰alki鈥�, 鈥楻a. Ki鈥�, 鈥楾amil Theni鈥�, 鈥楰arnatakam鈥� and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki鈥檚 circulation touched 71,000 copies 鈥� the largest for any weekly in the county then 鈥� when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy鈥檚 witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of 鈥楰alki鈥�, 鈥楻a. Ki鈥�, 鈥楾amil Theni鈥�, 鈥楰arnatakam鈥� and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki鈥檚 circulation touched 71,000 copies 鈥� the largest for any weekly in the county then 鈥� when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 869 reviews
February 10, 2022
Its my all time favorite. I have read this book about 15 times and would read it even more times in my life... I have read this putting myself in the place of
1. 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�
2. 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�
3. 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�
4. 喈嗋喁嵿喈距喁嵿畷喁嵿畷喈熰喈喈┼瘝
5. 喈呧喁佮喁嵿喁娻喈苦喈班瘝喈喁�
6. 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�
and more
The characters I like the most is
1. 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�
2. 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�
3. 喈曕喈苦畷喈距喈┼瘝
4. 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�.
5. 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�
I have seen me in every one of these characters and thats the victory of this novel as far as I can see it.
1. 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�
2. 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�
3. 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�
4. 喈嗋喁嵿喈距喁嵿畷喁嵿畷喈熰喈喈┼瘝
5. 喈呧喁佮喁嵿喁娻喈苦喈班瘝喈喁�
6. 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�
and more
The characters I like the most is
1. 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�
2. 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�
3. 喈曕喈苦畷喈距喈┼瘝
4. 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�.
5. 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�
I have seen me in every one of these characters and thats the victory of this novel as far as I can see it.
January 8, 2020
Ponniyin Selvan is a Tamil historical fiction novel written by Kalki based on real events. It narrates the story of Arulmozhivarman (later crowned as Rajaraja Chola I), one of the kings of the Chola Dynasty during the 10th and 11th centuries. This historic novel serialised for a period of three and a half years.
The story is based in the 11th century Tamil empire of the legendary Cholas (Chozhas), with the great Raja Raja Chola being one of the characters. Other characters are interspersed into the story seamlessly and the action moves at a furious pace with bits of historical facts here and there to enable the reader understand the characters, their place in the history of the region and the situation prevailing in those times better. They act as a guide to the Chola Kingdom. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, making you rush to the next. War, palace intrigue, description of nature, culture, religion, all are part of the script. The author gives you vivid description of the ancient Tamil nation, politics and culture. Most of the times I felt as if I was living among the characters and I am planning to visit the places that are mentioned in the book. It has an excellent and interesting story-line and has strong and well portrayed characters from both genders. There is not even one boring moment in this 2100 page book. Suspense is maintained throughout the novel and when you think you have understood his storyline, the characters themselves reveal that they are not who you think they are. Even the last book is a page turner due to the unexpected turn of events. For a novel of this size, there are many characters like spies, magicians, warriors, soothsayers and Buddhists, and since the novel is this big, we get to know each of them very well. The book is full of mystery, drama, thriller, conspiracy and romance.
I can't stop pondering over the fact that today we have such popular novels like lord of the rings, harry potter and game of thrones and amazing on screen adaptations of these too. I imagine how grand it would be if someone got Kalki's writings on screen. Such an enchanting story entwined with real history would be a delight to see on screen!
If you can read Tamil then don鈥檛 miss this book. If you can鈥檛 read Tamil then at least read a translation. You can thank me later.
The story is based in the 11th century Tamil empire of the legendary Cholas (Chozhas), with the great Raja Raja Chola being one of the characters. Other characters are interspersed into the story seamlessly and the action moves at a furious pace with bits of historical facts here and there to enable the reader understand the characters, their place in the history of the region and the situation prevailing in those times better. They act as a guide to the Chola Kingdom. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, making you rush to the next. War, palace intrigue, description of nature, culture, religion, all are part of the script. The author gives you vivid description of the ancient Tamil nation, politics and culture. Most of the times I felt as if I was living among the characters and I am planning to visit the places that are mentioned in the book. It has an excellent and interesting story-line and has strong and well portrayed characters from both genders. There is not even one boring moment in this 2100 page book. Suspense is maintained throughout the novel and when you think you have understood his storyline, the characters themselves reveal that they are not who you think they are. Even the last book is a page turner due to the unexpected turn of events. For a novel of this size, there are many characters like spies, magicians, warriors, soothsayers and Buddhists, and since the novel is this big, we get to know each of them very well. The book is full of mystery, drama, thriller, conspiracy and romance.
I can't stop pondering over the fact that today we have such popular novels like lord of the rings, harry potter and game of thrones and amazing on screen adaptations of these too. I imagine how grand it would be if someone got Kalki's writings on screen. Such an enchanting story entwined with real history would be a delight to see on screen!
If you can read Tamil then don鈥檛 miss this book. If you can鈥檛 read Tamil then at least read a translation. You can thank me later.
February 10, 2012
喈む喈苦喈苦喁� 喈喈� 喈氞喈编喁嵿 喈掂喈侧喈编瘝喈编瘉 喈ㄠ喈掂喁嵿畷喈赤喈侧瘝 喈喈曕喁佮喁� 喈瘉喈曕瘝喈曕喈喁嵿喁佮喈瘝 喈掂喈瘝喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�. 喈囙喁嵿 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈瘝 喈疅喈苦喁嵿 喈喈编畷喁� 喈む疄喁嵿畾喈距喁傕喁� 喈喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈囙喈權瘝喈曕瘓 喈瘚喈瘝 喈掄喁� 喈瘉喈编瘓 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编 喈喈班瘝喈曕瘝喈� 喈掂瘒喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈曕疅喁嵿疅喈距喈瘝 喈呧喁堗喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈む瘚喈┼瘝喈编瘉喈瘝.
喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�, 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�, 喈班喈溹 喈班喈溹 喈氞瘚喈脆喁�, 喈喁佮喁囙疅喁嵿疅喈班瘓喈喁�, 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�, 喈嗋喁嵿喈距喁嵿畷喁嵿畷喈熰喈喈┼瘝 喈呧喁堗喈班瘓喈瘉喈瘝 喈掄喁� 喈瘉喈编瘓喈喈掂喁� 喈喈班瘝喈曕瘝喈� 喈掂瘒喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈嗋喈侧瘝 喈夃喁嵿疅喈距畷喁佮喁�
喈夃喁嵿喁� 喈ㄠ喈曕喁嵿喁佮畷喈赤瘚喈熰瘉 喈呧畽喁嵿畷喈權瘝喈曕瘉 喈曕喁� 喈氞瘒喈班瘝喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈喈｀瘓喈む瘝喈む喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈囙畷喁嵿畷喈距喈苦喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈掂喁� 喈呧喁堗喈班瘝 喈喈む喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈掂喈脆瘉喈瘝.
喈囙畷喁嵿畷喈距喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘓 喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈呧喁堗喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈喈苦喁嵿喁佮喁堗喁嵿喁囙喁�.
喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘒喈掂喁�, 喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁�, 喈班喈溹 喈班喈溹 喈氞瘚喈脆喁�, 喈喁佮喁囙疅喁嵿疅喈班瘓喈喁�, 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈�, 喈嗋喁嵿喈距喁嵿畷喁嵿畷喈熰喈喈┼瘝 喈呧喁堗喈班瘓喈瘉喈瘝 喈掄喁� 喈瘉喈编瘓喈喈掂喁� 喈喈班瘝喈曕瘝喈� 喈掂瘒喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈嗋喈侧瘝 喈夃喁嵿疅喈距畷喁佮喁�
喈夃喁嵿喁� 喈ㄠ喈曕喁嵿喁佮畷喈赤瘚喈熰瘉 喈呧畽喁嵿畷喈權瘝喈曕瘉 喈曕喁� 喈氞瘒喈班瘝喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈喈｀瘓喈む瘝喈む喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈囙畷喁嵿畷喈距喈苦喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈掂喁� 喈呧喁堗喈班瘝 喈喈む喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈掂喈脆瘉喈瘝.
喈囙畷喁嵿畷喈距喈苦喈む瘝喈む瘓 喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈呧喁堗喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈喈苦喁嵿喁佮喁堗喁嵿喁囙喁�.
December 10, 2022
[Edit Oct, 2022: Checking this after some sudden activity recently in this post. And yes, the movie is finally made yay! I know, the review looks too "basic", I wrote it 10 years back when I was 21 when I clearly liked the adventure in the book, but now I think I like the political drama more! Happy reading/ watching! :)]
Done with Ponniyin Selvan! I would say, I have been living a life with the kings, the princes, the warriors, and the other characters of Ponniyin Selvan from the day I started reading the novel. The novel narrates the story of the Chozhas and their beautiful lives in the 11th century. It has a fictional story said through real historical incidents centering around the real historical characters.
Of the five books, I loved the second and the fifth volume a lot. The war in the middle of the river Tondaimaan and cyclone in the #2 is one thrilling incident that made me read it many times. And fifth volume, the most interesting one, it took me a very short time to complete compared to other books, despite the fifth being the longest of all. Each chapter from one to the end has an interesting twist revealing.
I am a little worried that there hasn't been a movie so far based on the novel. (Tried and dropped 2 times - one during the MGR period and now Maniratnam). I wish the novel is soon made into a TV/film series.
And one more thing - I find the English Wiki pages lacking content about the novel (Tamil Wiki has detailed pages) and as an enthusiast of Ponniyin Selvan and Kalki, it is our duty to add more details and pages about the novel. I have already added a character list to the main Ponniyin Selvan page and I have decided to add individual pages for each Volume and each character of the novel. I also request other readers to contribute content to Ponniyin Selvan Wiki pages.
October 13, 2022
I have a large number of books on my 鈥楾o be read鈥� pile and as with many other readers, it continues to grow at an alarming rate, seeming more out of reach every passing day. No book has felt heavier on my tbr than 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥�. Whenever I have conversed with people who have read the book, it felt as though I had been vastly overestimating the diversity of humankind. It seemed that there were only two kinds of people 鈥� those who had read 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥� and those who had not. After all, it is regarded as the greatest historical Tamil novel ever. I have also heard of the respect which readers hold Kalki and the pall of gloom which set in across Tamil Nadu when he passed away. He is known also for the life he led and many other writings (which I must read), though 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥� is his most ambitious novel 鈥� released in serialized form in the Kalki magazine over a period of nearly 3.5 years.
The impending release of the movie directed by Mani Ratnam provided the motivation and I just finished the translation by C.V. Karthik Narayanan (at ~2100 pages across 5 books), which was recommended by a few friends. I can imagine those who have read the original in Tamil smirking 鈥� reading a translation is just not the same. Nevertheless, this comes across as an honest and good translation. It retains sprinklings of local dialect 鈥� just enough for authenticity and hence non-Tamil readers should not have a problem reading it. I do also hope to listen to the audiobook sometime.
A brief synopsis as it is very easy to find it in many places. The story starts with Vandiyathevan carrying a scroll with a message from Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan for the emperor Sundara Chozhar and his daughter Kundavai. The Chozha kingdom is strong 鈥� they are practicising Hindu Saivites but allow Vaishnavism and also Buddhism to thrive. There are rumours that the king is ill and it is the Pazhuvettaraiyar brothers who are running the show. Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar is married to a much younger and beautiful Nandini who exerts a lot of influence over him. A succession controversy is brewing between Madurantakan and Aditha Karikalan, the former was sidestepped being young when Sundara Chozhar was crowned. Vandiyathevan is shrewd and manages to navigate the palace in Thanjavur to convey the message. He is given a critical assignment by Kundavai to carry a message to Arulmozhi Varman, younger brother of Aditha Karikalan, based in Lanka. Arulmozhi Varma is referred to as Ponniyin Selvan (also in history as Raja Raja Chozhan), as he was saved from drowning in the Ponni river by a gracious lady. There are a wide range of other characters 鈥� Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (a Vaishnavite spy), Poonguzhali (a boat woman), Vanathi (friend of Kundavai), Senthan Amuthan (a flower seller) & his mother, Brahmarayar (the Prime Minister), Parthibendran (friend of Aditha Karikalan), Ravidasan (magician who often meets Nandini), Mandakini Devi (mute woman who saved Ponniyin Selvan), Kandha Maran (friend of Vandiyathevan), Manimekalai (sister of Kandha Maran), Kundanthai Josiyar (respected astrologer) and a few others.
This is a novel which is both plot and character driven. The entire book largely covers a period of around 8 months with brief references to past events. In many ways this is an excellent reference for some amazing historical writing 鈥� the characters are introduced gradually, the pace is excellent despite the size, the plot is intriguing and everything ties up beautifully at the end. There is a salient differentiating feature of the book 鈥� a lot of the story is told through the characters of the non-royals, and all characters are exceptionally well-developed. The character of Ponniyin Selvan is introduced only towards the end of the first book and yet, you can feel an aura of his personality well before that. The book has no dull moment and I was drawn to all the characters 鈥� and especially Ponniyin Selvan, Vandiyathevan, Kundavai, Poonguzhali will stay with me for long, very long. Some of the plot elements felt a bit simplistic but there is always a touch of charm. The convergence at the end is excellent, with no loose ends. In the afterword, Kalki mentions that he received many angry letters that the book had ended abruptly and there was potential to continue the story. But his justification that he did not want to state the obvious since it is based on real events is very logical. Kalki also points out that the Chozha kingdom鈥檚 legacy lends itself to great storytelling 鈥� and that certainly comes across as true, though it still required a great storyteller to bring it to life so vividly.
Now, I can say I understand why 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥� fans rave about the book so much - a tour-de-force it is for sure. The translation seems to carry the pulse of the original, though being largely literal the verses in the book I suspect would evoke more vivid imagery in the original. There were quite a few typos in the Kindle version, but understandable for a large book digitized many years after it was published and translated.
The impending release of the movie directed by Mani Ratnam provided the motivation and I just finished the translation by C.V. Karthik Narayanan (at ~2100 pages across 5 books), which was recommended by a few friends. I can imagine those who have read the original in Tamil smirking 鈥� reading a translation is just not the same. Nevertheless, this comes across as an honest and good translation. It retains sprinklings of local dialect 鈥� just enough for authenticity and hence non-Tamil readers should not have a problem reading it. I do also hope to listen to the audiobook sometime.
A brief synopsis as it is very easy to find it in many places. The story starts with Vandiyathevan carrying a scroll with a message from Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan for the emperor Sundara Chozhar and his daughter Kundavai. The Chozha kingdom is strong 鈥� they are practicising Hindu Saivites but allow Vaishnavism and also Buddhism to thrive. There are rumours that the king is ill and it is the Pazhuvettaraiyar brothers who are running the show. Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar is married to a much younger and beautiful Nandini who exerts a lot of influence over him. A succession controversy is brewing between Madurantakan and Aditha Karikalan, the former was sidestepped being young when Sundara Chozhar was crowned. Vandiyathevan is shrewd and manages to navigate the palace in Thanjavur to convey the message. He is given a critical assignment by Kundavai to carry a message to Arulmozhi Varman, younger brother of Aditha Karikalan, based in Lanka. Arulmozhi Varma is referred to as Ponniyin Selvan (also in history as Raja Raja Chozhan), as he was saved from drowning in the Ponni river by a gracious lady. There are a wide range of other characters 鈥� Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (a Vaishnavite spy), Poonguzhali (a boat woman), Vanathi (friend of Kundavai), Senthan Amuthan (a flower seller) & his mother, Brahmarayar (the Prime Minister), Parthibendran (friend of Aditha Karikalan), Ravidasan (magician who often meets Nandini), Mandakini Devi (mute woman who saved Ponniyin Selvan), Kandha Maran (friend of Vandiyathevan), Manimekalai (sister of Kandha Maran), Kundanthai Josiyar (respected astrologer) and a few others.
This is a novel which is both plot and character driven. The entire book largely covers a period of around 8 months with brief references to past events. In many ways this is an excellent reference for some amazing historical writing 鈥� the characters are introduced gradually, the pace is excellent despite the size, the plot is intriguing and everything ties up beautifully at the end. There is a salient differentiating feature of the book 鈥� a lot of the story is told through the characters of the non-royals, and all characters are exceptionally well-developed. The character of Ponniyin Selvan is introduced only towards the end of the first book and yet, you can feel an aura of his personality well before that. The book has no dull moment and I was drawn to all the characters 鈥� and especially Ponniyin Selvan, Vandiyathevan, Kundavai, Poonguzhali will stay with me for long, very long. Some of the plot elements felt a bit simplistic but there is always a touch of charm. The convergence at the end is excellent, with no loose ends. In the afterword, Kalki mentions that he received many angry letters that the book had ended abruptly and there was potential to continue the story. But his justification that he did not want to state the obvious since it is based on real events is very logical. Kalki also points out that the Chozha kingdom鈥檚 legacy lends itself to great storytelling 鈥� and that certainly comes across as true, though it still required a great storyteller to bring it to life so vividly.
Now, I can say I understand why 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥� fans rave about the book so much - a tour-de-force it is for sure. The translation seems to carry the pulse of the original, though being largely literal the verses in the book I suspect would evoke more vivid imagery in the original. There were quite a few typos in the Kindle version, but understandable for a large book digitized many years after it was published and translated.
June 3, 2013
喈曕喁嵿畷喈� 喈掄喁嵿喁娻喁� 喈瘉喈编瘓喈瘉喈瘝 喈む疄喁嵿畾喁堗喁堗喁嵿喈编瘝喈编 喈掂喁嵿喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈脆瘉喈む瘑喈侧瘝喈侧喈瘝...喈曕喁� 喈瘉喈┼瘝喈┼瘒 喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编喈� 喈囙疅喈權瘝喈曕喁� 喈む瘚喈┼瘝喈编瘉喈瘝.喈瘉喈む喁� 喈呧喁嵿喈苦喈距喈瘝 , 喈嗋疅喈� 喈瘑喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈熰喁� 喈む瘉喈掂畽喁嵿畷喁佮喁�.喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈氞喈编瘉 喈掂喈む喈侧瘝 喈嗋疅喈苦喁嵿喁嗋喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喁嵿畷喁� 喈嗋喁嵿喈苦喁� 喈瘋喈溹瘓 喈瘖喈班瘉喈熰瘝喈曕喁� 喈掂喈熰瘝喈� 喈炧喈畷喈瘝 喈む瘖喈熰瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈瘚喈曕瘉喈瘝. 喈ㄠ喈苦畷喈赤瘝,喈ㄠ喈苦喁嬥 喈喈權瘝喈曕喁� 喈喁嵿喈� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈脆瘉喈む瘑喈侧瘝喈侧喈瘝 喈曕喁傕喁� 喈掂喈苦喁� 喈む疄喁嵿畾喁� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈喈班瘝喈曕喁� 喈む喈┼瘝 喈ㄠ喈┼瘓喈掂喈编瘝喈曕瘉 喈掂喁佮喁�.
喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈瘉喈曕瘝喈曕喈喈距 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘒喈掂喁�,喈氞瘚喈� 喈ㄠ喈熰瘝喈熰喈┼瘝 喈掂喈瘓喈瘓喈瘝 喈喈班瘝喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈掂喁嵿喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈脆瘉喈む瘉, 喈む喈班瘉喈掂喈班瘋喈班瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈氞喈侧瘓, 喈呧喁佮喁佮喁� , 喈呧喁嵿 喈畾喁嵿畾喁� 喈瘚喈班瘝喈掂瘓 喈瘚喈编瘝喈编喈曕瘝喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈呧喈曕喈瘝 喈氞喈班喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈掂喈侧瘝 喈掂鈥屶喁嵿喁佮畷喈赤瘝 喈む喈┼瘝 喈ㄠ喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈掂喁佮喁�.喈ㄠ喈畷喈┼瘝 喈む疄喁嵿畾喁堗喁� 喈掂喈熰瘝喈熰瘉 喈掂瘑喈赤喈喈侧瘝 喈氞瘑喈┼瘝喈编瘉 喈瘈喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈娻喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 , 喈む瘋喈班喁嵿喈苦喈苦喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈班畾喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈曕喈熰瘝喈氞 , 喈喈班喈喁嵿喈┼瘝 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 喈氞喈侧瘓喈喈侧喈班瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈喈班瘝喈む瘝喈も€� 喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 锟斤拷锟洁喈┼瘓喈掂喈编瘝喈曕瘉喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈掂喁佮喁�.
喈班喈苦喈距畾喈┼喈┼瘝 喈掂喈侧瘝喈侧喁嵿喈┼喁�,喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈苦喈苦喁� 喈氞喈苦喁嵿喈苦疅喁嵿疅喈瘝,喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁堗喈苦喁� 喈呧喈氞喈喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈掂瘉喈曕喁�,喈氞瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む 喈氞瘚喈脆喈苦喁� 喈も€屶喈苦喁嶏拷锟洁瘉,喈喁佮喁佮疅喁堗喈距喈苦喁� 喈掂瘈喈班喁�,喈曕喈苦畷喈距喈┼喈┼瘝 喈喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喁嵿喈瘝,喈氞喈む喁嵿喈� 喈囙喈掂鈥屶畾喈┼喈┼瘝 喈む瘉喈班瘚喈曕喁�,喈疅喈曕瘚喈熰瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�,喈娻喁堗喈距喈苦喈苦喁� 喈む喈喈曕喁� 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈编喁� 喈囙喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈庎喁� 喈ㄠ喈┼瘓喈掂喈编瘝喈曕瘉喈赤瘝 (喈曕喈距喈距喁嵿喈苦喈權瘝喈曕喁�) 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈む喈┼瘝 喈囙喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喈む瘉.
喈曕疅喈瘝喈瘋喈班瘝 喈喈赤喈曕瘓(喈ㄠ瘈喈熰喈畽喁嵿畷喈侧喁� 喈畷喁嵿畷喈む瘝喈む喈侧瘝 喈夃喁嵿 喈曕疅喈瘝喈瘋喈班?),喈氞喈む喁嵿喈班喁� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 ,喈ㄠ喈曕喁嵿喈熰瘝喈熰喈┼喁� 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む喈熰喁�,喈夃喁堗喁傕喁�,喈囙喈權瘝喈曕瘓... 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈� 喈囙疅喈權瘝喈曕喁� 喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈瘉喈曕瘝喈曕喈� 喈呧喁嵿畾喈喈� 喈呧喁堗喁嵿喈む瘓 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 ,喈呧喁嵿 喈囙疅喈む瘝喈む喈编瘝喈曕瘉 喈ㄠ喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喈┼喁佮畷喈赤瘓 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈侧瘉喈瘝.
喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈氞瘉喈掂喈班喁嵿喈瘝 喈庎喈む瘉 喈夃喈曕瘝喈曕畽喁嵿畷喈赤瘓 喈喈熰瘉喈權瘝喈曕喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰喁�.喈掂喈� 喈囙喁佮喈苦喈苦喁� 喈疅喁嵿疅喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷 喈ㄠ喈┼瘓喈む瘝喈む喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈喈喁� 喈瘚喈┼喁�.喈む喈┼喁佮喁� 喈曕喈熰瘓喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈ㄠ瘒喈班喁嗋喁嵿喈距喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷 喈む瘚喈┼瘝喈编喈喁�.喈氞喈� 喈氞喈喁� 喈喈班喈� 喈氞瘖喈┼瘝喈┾€屶喁� 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈编瘉 喈曕喈侧瘓 喈庎喁佮喁嵿喈掂瘉喈熰喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喁� 喈庎喁嵿喈距喈む瘉.喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈掂喈� 喈庎喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈┼瘝 喈掄喁� 喈疅喈� 喈瘒喈侧瘒 喈氞瘑喈┼瘝喈编瘉 , 喈囙喈掂瘉 喈瘉喈脆瘉喈碘€屶喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈距喁� .喈瘒喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈む瘖喈熰喁嵿畾喁嵿畾喈� 喈呧喈┼瘓 喈喁佮喈距喁� 喈呧喁佮喈侧畷喈む瘝喈む喈编瘝喈曕瘉 喈疅喁嵿疅喈瘝 喈瘚喈� 喈掂瘓喈む瘝喈む喁�.
喈疅喈苦喁嵿喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈む瘝喈む喁佮疅喈┼瘝 喈庎喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈赤瘝喈赤瘒 喈掄喁� 喈瘑喈班瘉喈喈む喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喈む瘉 .喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 喈瘈喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈喈班瘝喈掂瘓喈喈� 喈掂瘒喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈撪喁� 喈嗋畾喁堗喁佮喁� 喈掂喁嵿喈む瘉.喈呧疅喁佮喁嵿 喈娻喁� 喈喈｀喁嵿喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈距畷 喈曕喈む瘝喈む喈班瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘒喈┼瘝.喈囙喁堗喈む喈む瘝喈む喈┼瘝 喈瘋喈侧喁� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘒喈班喁堗喈苦喁� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈曕喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈班瘓喈喈熰喁嵿畷喈赤瘝 喈喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈囙喈� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈氞喁嵿喈ㄠ瘝喈む喈距 喈瘝喈赤喈曕瘝 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈む瘉,
1.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘒喈班喁� ()
2.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈曕喁� 喈掂喈赤畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈疅喈權瘝喈曕喁� ()
3.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁�-喈呧喈苦 喈撪喈苦喈權瘝喈曕喁� ()
4.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘉喈む喈┼喁� 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈瘉喈む瘉喈瘓 ()
喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈瘝 喈庎喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈喈熰喈曕瘝喈曕喈� 喈瘚喈む瘉喈瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈む瘝喈む瘓 喈掂喈權瘝喈� 喈瘉喈熰喈喈む瘚喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉 喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈瘝 喈む喁佮喈む瘉, 喈も€屶喈苦喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喈む瘝 喈む瘑喈班喈喈� 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈班瘝喈曕喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁� 喈嗋畽喁嵿畷喈苦 喈喈┼瘝喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈む瘝喈む瘓喈む瘝 喈む喁佮喈む瘉 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈庎喈む瘉 喈庎喁嵿喈瘉喈瘝 喈氞瘑喈喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编喈瘒 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喈む瘉.
喈む喈苦喈苦喁�(pdf) 鈥� ()
喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む瘝喈曕喁� ()
喈掄喈� 喈掂疅喈苦喈苦喁�()
.喈ㄠ瘈喈權瘝喈� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘉喈┼瘝喈瘉 ,喈瘉喈熰喈ㄠ瘝喈む喈侧瘝 喈む喈班瘉喈掂喈班瘉喈班瘝-喈む疄喁嵿畾喁�(喈喈班喈喁嵿喁嵿喁� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 喈掂喈苦喈距畷 喈瘚喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈瘚喈む瘉 喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 喈喈班瘝喈曕喁佮喁�),喈む疄喁嵿畾喁�-喈曕瘉喈瘝喈畷喁嬥喁嵿喁�,喈曕喁傕喁�-喈む疄喁嵿畾喁� 喈掂喈� 喈喈｀喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈喈班瘉喈權瘝喈曕喁�.喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿喈┼瘓喈曕喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮畷喁� 喈曕喁嵿疅喈苦喁嵿喈距畷 喈夃喁佮喁佮喁堗喈距畷 喈囙喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁�.
(喈囙喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈氞喁嵿喁� 喈掂喈班喈掂喈� ... )
喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈瘉喈曕瘝喈曕喈喈距 喈掂喁嵿喈苦喈む瘒喈掂喁�,喈氞瘚喈� 喈ㄠ喈熰瘝喈熰喈┼瘝 喈掂喈瘓喈瘓喈瘝 喈喈班瘝喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈掂喁嵿喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈脆瘉喈む瘉, 喈む喈班瘉喈掂喈班瘋喈班瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈氞喈侧瘓, 喈呧喁佮喁佮喁� , 喈呧喁嵿 喈畾喁嵿畾喁� 喈瘚喈班瘝喈掂瘓 喈瘚喈编瘝喈编喈曕瘝喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈呧喈曕喈瘝 喈氞喈班喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈掂喈侧瘝 喈掂鈥屶喁嵿喁佮畷喈赤瘝 喈む喈┼瘝 喈ㄠ喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈掂喁佮喁�.喈ㄠ喈畷喈┼瘝 喈む疄喁嵿畾喁堗喁� 喈掂喈熰瘝喈熰瘉 喈掂瘑喈赤喈喈侧瘝 喈氞瘑喈┼瘝喈编瘉 喈瘈喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈娻喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 , 喈む瘋喈班喁嵿喈苦喈苦喁佮喁嵿喁� 喈班畾喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈曕喈熰瘝喈氞 , 喈喈班喈喁嵿喈┼瘝 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 喈氞喈侧瘓喈喈侧喈班瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喈┼瘝 喈喈班瘝喈む瘝喈も€� 喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 锟斤拷锟洁喈┼瘓喈掂喈编瘝喈曕瘉喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈掂喁佮喁�.
喈班喈苦喈距畾喈┼喈┼瘝 喈掂喈侧瘝喈侧喁嵿喈┼喁�,喈ㄠ喁嵿喈苦喈苦喈苦喁� 喈氞喈苦喁嵿喈苦疅喁嵿疅喈瘝,喈曕瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む喁堗喈苦喁� 喈呧喈氞喈喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈掂瘉喈曕喁�,喈氞瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む 喈氞瘚喈脆喈苦喁� 喈も€屶喈苦喁嶏拷锟洁瘉,喈喁佮喁佮疅喁堗喈距喈苦喁� 喈掂瘈喈班喁�,喈曕喈苦畷喈距喈┼喈┼瘝 喈喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喁嵿喈瘝,喈氞喈む喁嵿喈� 喈囙喈掂鈥屶畾喈┼喈┼瘝 喈む瘉喈班瘚喈曕喁�,喈疅喈曕瘚喈熰瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈瘋喈權瘝喈曕瘉喈脆喈�,喈娻喁堗喈距喈苦喈苦喁� 喈む喈喈曕喁� 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈编喁� 喈囙喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈庎喁� 喈ㄠ喈┼瘓喈掂喈编瘝喈曕瘉喈赤瘝 (喈曕喈距喈距喁嵿喈苦喈權瘝喈曕喁�) 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈む喈┼瘝 喈囙喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈苦喈む瘉.
喈曕疅喈瘝喈瘋喈班瘝 喈喈赤喈曕瘓(喈ㄠ瘈喈熰喈畽喁嵿畷喈侧喁� 喈畷喁嵿畷喈む瘝喈む喈侧瘝 喈夃喁嵿 喈曕疅喈瘝喈瘋喈班?),喈氞喈む喁嵿喈班喁� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 ,喈ㄠ喈曕喁嵿喈熰瘝喈熰喈┼喁� 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む喈熰喁�,喈夃喁堗喁傕喁�,喈囙喈權瘝喈曕瘓... 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈� 喈囙疅喈權瘝喈曕喁� 喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈瘉喈曕瘝喈曕喈� 喈呧喁嵿畾喈喈� 喈呧喁堗喁嵿喈む瘓 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 ,喈呧喁嵿 喈囙疅喈む瘝喈む喈编瘝喈曕瘉 喈ㄠ喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喈┼喁佮畷喈赤瘓 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰瘉 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈侧瘉喈瘝.
喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈氞瘉喈掂喈班喁嵿喈瘝 喈庎喈む瘉 喈夃喈曕瘝喈曕畽喁嵿畷喈赤瘓 喈喈熰瘉喈權瘝喈曕喈曕瘝 喈曕瘖喈｀瘝喈熰喁�.喈掂喈� 喈囙喁佮喈苦喈苦喁� 喈疅喁嵿疅喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷 喈ㄠ喈┼瘓喈む瘝喈む喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈喈喁� 喈瘚喈┼喁�.喈む喈┼喁佮喁� 喈曕喈熰瘓喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈ㄠ瘒喈班喁嗋喁嵿喈距喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷 喈む瘚喈┼瘝喈编喈喁�.喈氞喈� 喈氞喈喁� 喈喈班喈� 喈氞瘖喈┼瘝喈┾€屶喁� 喈瘚喈┼瘝喈编瘉 喈曕喈侧瘓 喈庎喁佮喁嵿喈掂瘉喈熰喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喁� 喈庎喁嵿喈距喈む瘉.喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈掂喈� 喈庎喈む瘉 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈┼瘝 喈掄喁� 喈疅喈� 喈瘒喈侧瘒 喈氞瘑喈┼瘝喈编瘉 , 喈囙喈掂瘉 喈瘉喈脆瘉喈碘€屶喁佮喁� 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈距喁� .喈瘒喈侧瘉喈瘝 喈曕喁堗喈苦喁� 喈む瘖喈熰喁嵿畾喁嵿畾喈� 喈呧喈┼瘓 喈喁佮喈距喁� 喈呧喁佮喈侧畷喈む瘝喈む喈编瘝喈曕瘉 喈疅喁嵿疅喈瘝 喈瘚喈� 喈掂瘓喈む瘝喈む喁�.
喈疅喈苦喁嵿喁� 喈瘉喈熰喈む瘝喈む喁佮疅喈┼瘝 喈庎喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈赤瘝喈赤瘒 喈掄喁� 喈瘑喈班瘉喈喈む喁� 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喈む瘉 .喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 喈瘈喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈喈班瘝喈掂瘓喈喈� 喈掂瘒喈｀瘝喈熰瘉喈瘝 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈撪喁� 喈嗋畾喁堗喁佮喁� 喈掂喁嵿喈む瘉.喈呧疅喁佮喁嵿 喈娻喁� 喈喈｀喁嵿喁佮畷喁嵿畷喈距畷 喈曕喈む瘝喈む喈班瘉喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘒喈┼瘝.喈囙喁堗喈む喈む瘝喈む喈┼瘝 喈瘋喈侧喁� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘒喈班喁堗喈苦喁� 喈掂喁佮喁� 喈曕喈ㄠ瘝喈む瘉喈班瘓喈喈熰喁嵿畷喈赤瘝 喈喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈囙喈� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈氞喁嵿喈ㄠ瘝喈む喈距 喈瘝喈赤喈曕瘝 喈疅喈苦喁嵿喈む瘉,
1.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘒喈班喁� ()
2.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈曕喁� 喈掂喈赤畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈疅喈權瘝喈曕喁� ()
3.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁�-喈呧喈苦 喈撪喈苦喈權瘝喈曕喁� ()
4.喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈瘉喈む喈┼喁� 喈庎喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈瘉喈む瘉喈瘓 ()
喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈瘝 喈庎喈曕瘝喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈喈熰喈曕瘝喈曕喈� 喈瘚喈む瘉喈瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈む瘝喈む瘓 喈掂喈權瘝喈� 喈瘉喈熰喈喈む瘚喈班瘉喈曕瘝喈曕瘉 喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈瘝 喈む喁佮喈む瘉, 喈も€屶喈苦喁� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喈む瘝 喈む瘑喈班喈喈� 喈ㄠ喁嵿喈班瘝喈曕喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁� 喈嗋畽喁嵿畷喈苦 喈喈┼瘝喈瘉喈む瘝喈む畷喈む瘝喈む瘓喈む瘝 喈む喁佮喈む瘉 喈庎喁嵿喁� 喈庎喈む瘉 喈庎喁嵿喈瘉喈瘝 喈氞瘑喈喁佮喁� 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈氞瘉喈编瘝喈编喈瘒 喈囙喁佮喁嵿喈む瘉.
喈む喈苦喈苦喁�(pdf) 鈥� ()
喈喈┼瘝 喈瘉喈む瘝喈む瘝喈曕喁� ()
喈掄喈� 喈掂疅喈苦喈苦喁�()
.喈ㄠ瘈喈權瘝喈� 喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘉喈┼瘝喈瘉 ,喈瘉喈熰喈ㄠ瘝喈む喈侧瘝 喈む喈班瘉喈掂喈班瘉喈班瘝-喈む疄喁嵿畾喁�(喈喈班喈喁嵿喁嵿喁� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘝 喈掂喈苦喈距畷 喈瘚喈曕瘉喈瘝 喈瘚喈む瘉 喈瘑喈班喈� 喈曕瘚喈掂喈侧瘓 喈喈班瘝喈曕喁佮喁�),喈む疄喁嵿畾喁�-喈曕瘉喈瘝喈畷喁嬥喁嵿喁�,喈曕喁傕喁�-喈む疄喁嵿畾喁� 喈掂喈� 喈喈｀喈む瘝喈む瘉 喈喈班瘉喈權瘝喈曕喁�.喈疅喈苦畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁� 喈瘚喈む瘉 喈曕喁嵿喈┼瘓喈曕喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮畷喁� 喈曕喁嵿疅喈苦喁嵿喈距畷 喈夃喁佮喁佮喁堗喈距畷 喈囙喁佮畷喁嵿畷喁佮喁�.
(喈囙喁嵿喁佮喁� 喈氞喁嵿喁� 喈掂喈班喈掂喈� ... )
August 26, 2019
PART 1:
OH. MY. GOD! Why did I not start this before??
Ponniyin Selvan is one of the most popular oldest epics in Tamil literature. Kalki has mixed his imagination to the real Tamil dynasty in this book. In olden days, Tamil Nadu, in India, has been ruled by three emperor dynasties called Chera, Chola and Pandya. Our story takes place when Chera dynasty ruled the land. Our hero, Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan plays a pivotal role in that time when he was sent as a messenger to the King Sundara Chola, from the Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan. Meanwhile, internal politics takes place between the ministers to usurp the King.
I loved this book. It's soo good to read a book in your native tongue and feel the emotions it evoke directly into your heart. And Kalki has done a spectacular job in describing the events. It's so lyrical and the metaphors he used are so good that you are swept away by the feeling it provokes, that you want to dive into the book and live in that gorgeously descriptive world he wrote. The characters and the plot are really good and I loved Kundavai Pirattiyar, the Princess of Chola dynasty. She's a strong woman, who was idolized by her people.
Thank all the Gods and Goddesses that I finally took the book and read it. I am very eagerly waiting to see the movie and how they adapted it. One part is done and on to the next one!
Part 2:
I am loving this series sooooooooo much and it's becoming my all-time favorites!!
The story takes place right after where it ended in the first book. I will start gushing if I talk about the plot. The pace is so fast, full of beautifully descriptive language which will make you swoon. The characters are so human, so wonderfully developed, so complex. Now, I had to finish the next book!
Part 3
OMG!!! This is getting better and better and better and better. On to the next one!
Part 4
Part 4 is done and only one more big book to finish this epic novel! This is becoming my all-time favorite. I don't want this series to end!
Part 5
HOLY FREAKING GODS!!!!! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME !!! I REALLY REALLY LOVED ALL THE 5 PARTS AND THIS SERIES BECAME MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES!!!!!
OH. MY. GOD! Why did I not start this before??
Ponniyin Selvan is one of the most popular oldest epics in Tamil literature. Kalki has mixed his imagination to the real Tamil dynasty in this book. In olden days, Tamil Nadu, in India, has been ruled by three emperor dynasties called Chera, Chola and Pandya. Our story takes place when Chera dynasty ruled the land. Our hero, Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan plays a pivotal role in that time when he was sent as a messenger to the King Sundara Chola, from the Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan. Meanwhile, internal politics takes place between the ministers to usurp the King.
I loved this book. It's soo good to read a book in your native tongue and feel the emotions it evoke directly into your heart. And Kalki has done a spectacular job in describing the events. It's so lyrical and the metaphors he used are so good that you are swept away by the feeling it provokes, that you want to dive into the book and live in that gorgeously descriptive world he wrote. The characters and the plot are really good and I loved Kundavai Pirattiyar, the Princess of Chola dynasty. She's a strong woman, who was idolized by her people.
Thank all the Gods and Goddesses that I finally took the book and read it. I am very eagerly waiting to see the movie and how they adapted it. One part is done and on to the next one!
Part 2:
I am loving this series sooooooooo much and it's becoming my all-time favorites!!
The story takes place right after where it ended in the first book. I will start gushing if I talk about the plot. The pace is so fast, full of beautifully descriptive language which will make you swoon. The characters are so human, so wonderfully developed, so complex. Now, I had to finish the next book!
Part 3
OMG!!! This is getting better and better and better and better. On to the next one!
Part 4
Part 4 is done and only one more big book to finish this epic novel! This is becoming my all-time favorite. I don't want this series to end!
Part 5
HOLY FREAKING GODS!!!!! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME !!! I REALLY REALLY LOVED ALL THE 5 PARTS AND THIS SERIES BECAME MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES!!!!!
August 27, 2016
This book is just amazing. It has everything in it. It gives one hell of a roller coaster ride where you can come across art, history, philosophy and more. You will end up loving all the characters whether its protagonist or antagonist.
Kalki's words and use of language is just mind blowing. I wonder how he had such an amazing knowledge about history, literature, psychology etc.,
This is my first book that I read in my Tamil Language and I am very much happy about it.
Kalki's words and use of language is just mind blowing. I wonder how he had such an amazing knowledge about history, literature, psychology etc.,
This is my first book that I read in my Tamil Language and I am very much happy about it.
July 5, 2020
A perfect magnum opus for anyone who likes to read historical fiction. It is my first foray into Tamil literature, thanks to the recommendation by my friend Ashish. He not only recommended the book but made sure that I bought it and start reading it and it was totally worth it.
Kalki ji is a master storyteller and the English translation is done without losing the essence of the original writing. However, I still felt that reading it in Tamil would be pure bliss. The author has described the beauty of the southern lands, the majesty of the temples, the culture of the bygone era and each of these threads were woven like a delicate craft into the story of the Chola dynasty. I could almost hear the music and imagine myself in that distant past the words were so alive. Not once I felt reading this hefty book that its too long or the story is dragging rather I felt I have been cheated when I reached the end.
The characters were so vivid and lifelike, and the added bonus of illustrations in the version, that they will stay with me for time to come. The book has all the flavor that one could ask for and then some more - political intrigue, romance, betrayal, assassination, friendship, family drama, wars, et al. And all these painted at the backdrop of the life-giving revered Kaveri and the beautiful verdant land of Tamil Nadu.
Kalki ji is a master storyteller and the English translation is done without losing the essence of the original writing. However, I still felt that reading it in Tamil would be pure bliss. The author has described the beauty of the southern lands, the majesty of the temples, the culture of the bygone era and each of these threads were woven like a delicate craft into the story of the Chola dynasty. I could almost hear the music and imagine myself in that distant past the words were so alive. Not once I felt reading this hefty book that its too long or the story is dragging rather I felt I have been cheated when I reached the end.
The characters were so vivid and lifelike, and the added bonus of illustrations in the version, that they will stay with me for time to come. The book has all the flavor that one could ask for and then some more - political intrigue, romance, betrayal, assassination, friendship, family drama, wars, et al. And all these painted at the backdrop of the life-giving revered Kaveri and the beautiful verdant land of Tamil Nadu.
April 20, 2013
喈嗋喈� 喈呧喁嵿喈喈侧瘝喈侧喈� 喈曕喈� 喈掂瘑喈赤瘝喈赤喁嵿喈苦喁� 喈曕喁嵿喈┼瘓 喈撪疅喈む瘝喈む喈侧瘝 喈忇喈� 喈ㄠ喁嵿喁佮疅喈┼瘝 喈氞喈编喈む瘉 喈ㄠ瘒喈班喁� 喈喈班喈距喈瘝 喈氞瘑喈瘝喈瘉喈喈编瘉 喈ㄠ瘒喈喁嵿畷喈赤瘓 喈呧喁堗畷喁嵿畷喈苦喁嬥喁�.
When I read this first line and subsequently a chapter of this epic in Tamizh, I immediately realised how lame I had been to read the English translation. The greatness of the Tamizh culture and heritage and the awe-inspiring dynasties that ruled over Tamil Nadu in the 10th century form the very core of this book, and it is almost unjust to have not read it in Tamil. The translation by Karthik Narayanan is what I picked up(bound by the inadequacies of my Tamil reading skills) and nevertheless, it is by far the most engrossing historical novel I have read. The historical facts and characters and the fictional plot are so seamlessly intertwined that I honestly had to check from multiple sources of it was indeed a work of fiction. It paints the greatness and the prosperity of the Chozha empire to such detail that one is completely transported to that era while reading the book and yearns to get back there long after completing it. The characterisation is extremely powerful, with each character so unique and not without his share of weaknesses and cunning that it is hard to pick a favourite(if I had to, I would pick Poonkuzhali - the embodiment of free spirit). Deceit, love, treachery, passion, power-lust and the other sentiments that form the backbone of the plot are so timeless that the story seems relevant despite being set in another era. The intriguing politics surrounding the succession of the Chozha throne make for a compelling page turner. The translation is a very fair attempt, though I am sure language being the essence of the book, the intended beauty in many parts is lost( the many many poems and pasurams quoted, to cite an example). The translation is very literal, and hence the language leaves a lot to be desired. However the attempt is laudable, more so the intent to reach the greatness of the Chozha dynasty and such an interesting novel to the Tamil illiterate.
When I read this first line and subsequently a chapter of this epic in Tamizh, I immediately realised how lame I had been to read the English translation. The greatness of the Tamizh culture and heritage and the awe-inspiring dynasties that ruled over Tamil Nadu in the 10th century form the very core of this book, and it is almost unjust to have not read it in Tamil. The translation by Karthik Narayanan is what I picked up(bound by the inadequacies of my Tamil reading skills) and nevertheless, it is by far the most engrossing historical novel I have read. The historical facts and characters and the fictional plot are so seamlessly intertwined that I honestly had to check from multiple sources of it was indeed a work of fiction. It paints the greatness and the prosperity of the Chozha empire to such detail that one is completely transported to that era while reading the book and yearns to get back there long after completing it. The characterisation is extremely powerful, with each character so unique and not without his share of weaknesses and cunning that it is hard to pick a favourite(if I had to, I would pick Poonkuzhali - the embodiment of free spirit). Deceit, love, treachery, passion, power-lust and the other sentiments that form the backbone of the plot are so timeless that the story seems relevant despite being set in another era. The intriguing politics surrounding the succession of the Chozha throne make for a compelling page turner. The translation is a very fair attempt, though I am sure language being the essence of the book, the intended beauty in many parts is lost( the many many poems and pasurams quoted, to cite an example). The translation is very literal, and hence the language leaves a lot to be desired. However the attempt is laudable, more so the intent to reach the greatness of the Chozha dynasty and such an interesting novel to the Tamil illiterate.
August 14, 2012
Excellent ...
First read it to understand the plot.
Sencond time, for deeper plot understanding
Third time, read it completely with narrations of even silliest things.
Fourth time and subsequent times, to answer your doubts and for the happiness that this book provides you.
How did the author taught me about Chola a branch of chola dynasty?
How did the author tell that there is no good or bad. There are only views and actions based on views ?
I would have read many novels and will read many more. However, nothing can even come closer to the experience I had when I read this.
Still I have the characters living in my mind and I will have them forever.
First read it to understand the plot.
Sencond time, for deeper plot understanding
Third time, read it completely with narrations of even silliest things.
Fourth time and subsequent times, to answer your doubts and for the happiness that this book provides you.
How did the author taught me about Chola a branch of chola dynasty?
How did the author tell that there is no good or bad. There are only views and actions based on views ?
I would have read many novels and will read many more. However, nothing can even come closer to the experience I had when I read this.
Still I have the characters living in my mind and I will have them forever.
August 14, 2012
Best book I have ever read. All tamils please read this book atleast once
June 23, 2022
If I had to tell you in one sentence what I thought of 鈥楶onniyin Selvan鈥�, it would have to be this - One hell of a thrilling rollercoaster ride! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall in those times! History, mysteries, intrigue, conspiracies, secrets, romances, philosophy, art鈥� it has everything.
This was my first step into Tamil literature, and I cannot think of a better book to start off with. The Chola empire is a familiar name, but my knowledge of Tamil history is confined to the very restricting pages of high school textbooks. Who were the Cholas, what were the kings鈥� names? Who were the kings鈥� families and friends? Who were their subjects? How did they live? The author has skillfully blended answers to these questions and more with his vibrant imagination and woven them all so intricately and beautifully into the story, and this in my opinion is the reason why it makes such a compelling read.
There isn鈥檛 much I can say about this series that hasn鈥檛 been said already by readers who have loved this story from the beginning when it was published as a serialized novel. I started off with the first book slowly, expecting it to be just another historical fiction, but soon ended up devouring all the six books in the series one after the other in just under a month.
I cannot read the book in original Tamil by Kalki, but enjoyed the English translation by Karthik Narayanan nevertheless. It鈥檚 not the polished language that an original English book would usually be written in, but I think that鈥檚 a good thing, because it very satisfyingly conveys the 鈥渕annina suvaasane鈥� feeling (can鈥檛 think of a better way to say it) of the Tamil people and their glorious, ancient history.
This was my first step into Tamil literature, and I cannot think of a better book to start off with. The Chola empire is a familiar name, but my knowledge of Tamil history is confined to the very restricting pages of high school textbooks. Who were the Cholas, what were the kings鈥� names? Who were the kings鈥� families and friends? Who were their subjects? How did they live? The author has skillfully blended answers to these questions and more with his vibrant imagination and woven them all so intricately and beautifully into the story, and this in my opinion is the reason why it makes such a compelling read.
There isn鈥檛 much I can say about this series that hasn鈥檛 been said already by readers who have loved this story from the beginning when it was published as a serialized novel. I started off with the first book slowly, expecting it to be just another historical fiction, but soon ended up devouring all the six books in the series one after the other in just under a month.
I cannot read the book in original Tamil by Kalki, but enjoyed the English translation by Karthik Narayanan nevertheless. It鈥檚 not the polished language that an original English book would usually be written in, but I think that鈥檚 a good thing, because it very satisfyingly conveys the 鈥渕annina suvaasane鈥� feeling (can鈥檛 think of a better way to say it) of the Tamil people and their glorious, ancient history.
July 12, 2019
Read this book 2 years back. One of the best Tamil literature i have come across. Those who can read Tamil should read in original language. I read the translated one, it was really good. Highly recommended.
October 9, 2012
Lot of information about the activities of various kings came from inscriptions like these as well as copper plates like the Anbil one. The Thiruvalangadu copper plates state, 鈥淭he Chozha people were very keen that after Sundara Chozhan, Arulmozhi Varman should ascend the throne and rule their country. But Arulmozhi Varman respected the right of his Uncle Uttama Chozhan, the son of his father鈥檚 younger brother, Kandaradithan, to the throne and crowned him King鈥�.This was my first Indian historic novel and it gave a good idea of the Chola dynasty in a non-boring way.
Ponniyin Selvan is a Novel of the century. It should be treasured and passed on to generations. It is our onus to appreciate and spread its greatness. There is a wonderful active community in the orkut for this book. Please do check it out .This book hasn鈥檛 been made in to movie yet, because of the budget constraint. However, Kalaignar TV has taken initiative to make it as a mega serial. 鈥淢armadesam鈥� Naga is directing the serial. I am hoping that someday it will be made in to a movie too and captivate millions of people. It is awesome even to imagine PS in the lord of the rings style on the big screen. "I will keep my fingers crossed鈥�!.
Ponniyin Selvan is a Novel of the century. It should be treasured and passed on to generations. It is our onus to appreciate and spread its greatness. There is a wonderful active community in the orkut for this book. Please do check it out .This book hasn鈥檛 been made in to movie yet, because of the budget constraint. However, Kalaignar TV has taken initiative to make it as a mega serial. 鈥淢armadesam鈥� Naga is directing the serial. I am hoping that someday it will be made in to a movie too and captivate millions of people. It is awesome even to imagine PS in the lord of the rings style on the big screen. "I will keep my fingers crossed鈥�!.
August 25, 2016
Good.. At the end of every chapter,there is a suspense.
March 14, 2012
I am not even a worthy person to write a review about the greatest historical novel I have ever read in both tamizh and english put together. For those who are curious to know the premise, it is basically about the life of a great chola(kingdom in south india circa. 1000 AD) king 'Raja Raja Chola' before he ascended the throne. It is narrated by a Vandhiya thevan who is also one of the protagonist. The story takes place during the time of political instability in the chola kingdom or to put it precisely the time before they discover about the impending threats to the kingdom.
There are a lot of cultural references in this book about the various religions that existed during that period. The most interesting part is the fight between a vaishnavite priest and shivites. The first two volumes of the book have a very fast pace with spying, flashbacks, intros, love etc.
The story toggles between Tamilagam and Sri lanka. And author has beautifully and vividly illustrated the places like dhanushkoti, northern parts of srilanka, thanjavur, and places near karaikal. I guess some of the places exists even today.
Well, I would run out of time if I keep talking about this book. I would say people who are interested in reading historical novels will definitely like this book.
I would advice you to read this book in tamil but people who don't know tamil can read the english translation of this book. In any case this book is definitely worth reading and is a kind of book that you would read over and over again.
There are a lot of cultural references in this book about the various religions that existed during that period. The most interesting part is the fight between a vaishnavite priest and shivites. The first two volumes of the book have a very fast pace with spying, flashbacks, intros, love etc.
The story toggles between Tamilagam and Sri lanka. And author has beautifully and vividly illustrated the places like dhanushkoti, northern parts of srilanka, thanjavur, and places near karaikal. I guess some of the places exists even today.
Well, I would run out of time if I keep talking about this book. I would say people who are interested in reading historical novels will definitely like this book.
I would advice you to read this book in tamil but people who don't know tamil can read the english translation of this book. In any case this book is definitely worth reading and is a kind of book that you would read over and over again.
December 24, 2012
Many thanks to Kalki for bringing me the habit of reading books!!. When I was pursuing my Master's degree at Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, it was happened to read Kalki's "PARTHIBAN KANAVU" (thanks for my room-mate a good reader then), ofcourse I started the novel by 7.10 pm as a short time pass until the dinner 7.30 pm. But I was trapped by his writing and I lost my dinner that night and finally put down the book after 12.00. I never thought of reading a full book before, but it had happened by his fascinating narrating of the story. I could visualize the scenes, characters ofcourse every instants delivered in the book and hailed by the surprise almost in every page. Immediately I bought his other books, ponniyin selvan and sivagamiyin sabatham they are astounded then I switched to similar kind of novels and grew frantic in reading. I always believe "A good book can change your life". I don't want to review these three books (Parthiban Kanavu, Sivagamiyin Sabatham and Ponniyin Selvan)because these three books are such an extraordinary and exceptionally written in Tamil.
August 19, 2013
喈囙喈掂畾喈喈曕瘝 喈瘖喈┼瘝喈┼喈喈┼瘝 喈氞瘑喈侧瘝喈掂喁� 喈喈苦喈苦喈曕瘝喈曕喁� 喈氞瘑喈瘝喈�
Welcome to Ponnyin Selvan Group
The best Tamil Historical novel about Chola dynasty. Most of the story based on Archaeological findings, Ancient Tamil poems, Stone and brone inscriptions, the great Thanjai Periya kovil (Temple) built by the Great Raja Rajan Chola,and folks.
No one can beat the story telling and presentation of this novel. Whenever the author introduce a character or a place in this story, he make me to visualize them through his description. So no more I'm reading the novel but I just start travel with it and can see what is happening in the story.
Every book lovers and Tamil History lovers must read this novel at least once in their life time.
Welcome to Ponnyin Selvan Group
The best Tamil Historical novel about Chola dynasty. Most of the story based on Archaeological findings, Ancient Tamil poems, Stone and brone inscriptions, the great Thanjai Periya kovil (Temple) built by the Great Raja Rajan Chola,and folks.
No one can beat the story telling and presentation of this novel. Whenever the author introduce a character or a place in this story, he make me to visualize them through his description. So no more I'm reading the novel but I just start travel with it and can see what is happening in the story.
Every book lovers and Tamil History lovers must read this novel at least once in their life time.
October 22, 2022
One of the best books in Tamil literature. When I am about to buy this book, I had hesitation, Can I go ahead and buy because of the obvious fear, will I read 1500 or more pages of this book? will I ever complete? It's only until I have started reading, but then I was extremely happy with my decision to buy this book. The very first page took me into the plot and with each page, I am more and more thrilled and excited to know what's next. To my surprise, I completed the book over a weekend.
The story of ancient Tamil kings and the politics that they have played to reach the throne is the crux. Beautifully woven characters with very interesting narration.
Anyone who is still thinking to read, please march ahead, you will definitely not be disappointed.
The story of ancient Tamil kings and the politics that they have played to reach the throne is the crux. Beautifully woven characters with very interesting narration.
Anyone who is still thinking to read, please march ahead, you will definitely not be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2016
One of my most favorite books. Read all the 6 volumes about 3 times and I still cant get enough of it. I live in USA and whenever I miss my days in Pudukkottai(thats where I started reading this) I start reading a couple of pages from this. The characters are so well justified and every character is unique. My favorite is vandhiyathevan :-)
January 29, 2021
Took me 4 full months to finally finish this. But I am glad I revised this book.
July 6, 2016
A spectacular novel on medieval cholas. I can now understand what that hype was all about. This is one of the best historical fiction that I have ever read, the other best being 'Sivakamiyin Sabatham' by the same legend. The characters here are strong, dynamic and have an ulterior motive. One even sympathizes with the anatagonist, Nandhini. Sometimes I even suffer from Stockholm syndrome wishing good ending for her. Such is her beauty, charisma and brains. The characters on the other end of the spectrum are Vandiyathevar and Arulmozhivarmar - brave, chivalrous, witty & fun to be with. The different perspectives around why Arulmozhivarmar is named 'Ponniyin Selvan' is fantastic. The story also progresses as the different points of view flows in. I have always been a fan of such narrative style. And ofcourse there are lots of love, lots of romance and lots of sacrifices. It consumes you like it consumed Kundhavai, Vanadhi, Poonkuzhali, Nandhini & Manimekalai :P There comes multiple points wherein the author compares his adorable women and they are sweet. Like honey-sweet. The women here are way progressive & revolutionary. Such a women empowering & bold novel. There are also more bolder moments on religion comparison, Vishnu & Shiva comparison. It comes even as a surprise that this was widely accepted in 1950s. And finally we learn love and let love. Revenge can tear a whole dynasty apart and take you to the brinks of extinction.
Kalki trilogy is now over and then there is void :)
Kalki trilogy is now over and then there is void :)
April 17, 2013
I am seriously out of words to describe this EPIC of a novel by the GREAT Amarar Kalki..!! But if there's one word to describe this book, it would be "BRAMMAANDAM"..!!! This novel would make its readers want to travel to all the places mentioned in it. I'm so proud to be a Thamizhian..!!
Reading this book took me to a whole new world where I saw myself with the characters of this book.
My favourite charcters from this book are:
1. Vanthiyathevan
2. Kundhavai
3. Poonguzhali
4. Oomai Rani
5. Arulmozhi Varman
6. Aazhvaarkadiyaan
7. Aadhitha Karikalan
8. Manimegalai
It's a MUST MUST read for everyone. If you're someone who can read Thamizh, plz plz plz do read this novel..!!
"YAAM PETRA INBAM INDHA VAIYAGAM PERAVENDUM" ;-)
-->SPOILER<--
The author takes care to tie up almost all the loose ends. One thing I've learnt from reading this book is that everyone has a point of view and that we should not be judgemental about anyone. At first I hated the character Nandhini for all her doings. And then there came a part where the author justifies (atleast from her point of view) her actions.
This book also taught me to use my brain to its utmost. (courtesy: Vanthiyathevan)
Reading this book took me to a whole new world where I saw myself with the characters of this book.
My favourite charcters from this book are:
1. Vanthiyathevan
2. Kundhavai
3. Poonguzhali
4. Oomai Rani
5. Arulmozhi Varman
6. Aazhvaarkadiyaan
7. Aadhitha Karikalan
8. Manimegalai
It's a MUST MUST read for everyone. If you're someone who can read Thamizh, plz plz plz do read this novel..!!
"YAAM PETRA INBAM INDHA VAIYAGAM PERAVENDUM" ;-)
-->SPOILER<--
The author takes care to tie up almost all the loose ends. One thing I've learnt from reading this book is that everyone has a point of view and that we should not be judgemental about anyone. At first I hated the character Nandhini for all her doings. And then there came a part where the author justifies (atleast from her point of view) her actions.
This book also taught me to use my brain to its utmost. (courtesy: Vanthiyathevan)
January 20, 2023
Thankfully I read this epic before watching the movie. Book is way better than movie.
October 12, 2012
It took me months to wake myself out of Thanjai, Ilangai and basically out of the Ponniyin Selvan world. It was Fantasy as never experienced before. The characters are still alive even years after reading this master-piece. Thibika Shanmugam's illustrations brought the whole Chozhan dynasty to life. Poonkuzhali is one awesome lady and she has earned my admiration through out the novel. LOVED HER!!
March 2, 2011
For the first 10 to 20 pages, i wondered why everybody likes this book. but after that, i gone mad about this ,I never felt like closing the book.
i suggested to all of my friends.
Basically i am from thanjavur (where the story belongs to), felt like how did i missed this till the time?
i suggested to all of my friends.
Basically i am from thanjavur (where the story belongs to), felt like how did i missed this till the time?
March 1, 2012
One of the best novels which i read. Amazing description of the characters and perfect plot of the story.
Arul Mozhi varman will wander around our mind and heart even after we completed this Epic. Not only him, Vanthiya thevan and many other characters will also capture some good quantity of flesh from our heart.
One of the very few novels which i have planned to read it again.
Arul Mozhi varman will wander around our mind and heart even after we completed this Epic. Not only him, Vanthiya thevan and many other characters will also capture some good quantity of flesh from our heart.
One of the very few novels which i have planned to read it again.
January 18, 2011
Ponniyin selvan is one of the finest historical fiction in tamil,you can't shelve this book in one genre has loads of everything - historical facts,romance,action,comedy,thriller....many of them tried this novel to cinema but could'nt,thats shows the scale of this masterpiece...A MUST READ!!!!!
August 16, 2017
Unbelievable novel. A masterpiece. Makes you want to go back by centuries and live in the Chola era. A rare gem of a novel. Must-read!!
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