Hi this Christmas Holiday season I felt lucky that I got a set of Ponniyin Selvan to start reading. Got addicted to it again. I'm reading this book for the fourth time and that too after 2 long years, so there is lots of excitement.

The story happens during the glorious days of the Chola empire and revolves around the younger days of Raja Raja Chola (Aruzhmozhi Varman). Its so good to read about the days when people lived happily, the days of wisdom, the days of heroism, the religious glory.

I know there are lot of People in the forums who are a hard core fans of Ponniyin Selvan. So I'm starting this post to see the ideas flowing.

Hi Saravana, many thanks for this. Not being acquainted with the beautiful Thamizh language, I am one of those unfortunates who haven't been able to read this epic historical novel. Which makes me all the more eager to know as much about it as possible.

Of course, there's now a good English translation available and I intend to correct my lacuna soon!

Meanwhile, tell us more: Is it one of those historical novels which covers everything from battles to boudoirs, court room intrigue to courtyard clashes? Or is it more narrator-based, with greater emphasis on intellectual comments, historical details, etc?

Hi Ashok - Here's a brief intro on the history and story of this book

The name Ponniyin Selvan literally means "The dear son of Ponni" - Ponni is another name of the river Cauvery which makes the Chola region(The area rules by the Chola kings) fertile. It should be noted that during the time of the story (1500 Years ago) religion growed on an exponential scale in south India - when temples in north india were continuosly being destroyed by attackers. Great kings were born who had great interests in benefit of people. The south indian kings travelled by sea and had under control even places like Singapore, malaysia, sumatra. They built huge temples that touch the sky, marvelous sculptures that depict the history and culture, for eg: Mahabalipuram is an standing evidence to how much the pallava kings had respect for Mahabharatha. One among the great kings who made south india a place in the ancient map was Raja Raja Chola. He has built huge temples like Brhadeeswara temple.

The story is based on facts that are recovered from temple carvings - but the story itself is not just history. Kalki has created one of the best novels in tamizh by including so many factors in it anyone will find it interesting. It brings before you history as though you are really involved in it, you are transported in time and culture. the characters sooo good you should read it to make it believe.

Saravana, thanks for the info. I've ordered the first volume already, and am eagerly awaiting it now. I can't read it in the original thamizh but I won't let that keep me from what sounds like a really good historical story!

Having been to Mamallapuram and seen some evidence of the glory of the Chola dynasty, I find that age fascinating.

Well, I got the first part of Ponniyan Selvan in English translation today. It's a plain but professional-looking large-paperback edition, the translation seems to be very good, and there are a great many pages of introductions, prefaces, and a long essay, all of which I love! I note that at one point the editor uses the term "India's Gone With The Wind". I don't know if that's quite accurate--I would think it's more along the lines of India's Arthurian legend, or medieval heroic tales or somesuch, but it's not really important.

Have already dipped into the first couple of chapters and am really looking forward to it, but first I have a half-dozen books on Gandhi and the Freedom Struggle to get through. The First Floods (which is what this volume is called) will make a welcome change from those.

Ashok unlike you, I'm very selective in the range of books I read. I'm sure when you are half past this book 'First Floods' you would be totally under the control of Ponniyin Selvan, what more can I say about the last two parts, they chill you to the bones.

btw Ashok - whats the story soo far ...

i just finsihed 3 volumes of the series and its so amazing!!!!!!!!Kalki has described the whole era in such beautiful words! i was always curious about the tamizh kings, and this is a brilliant introduction to one of the most famous kings of our times. i bet the tamizh original book is so muhc more colourful and lyrical! i really enjoyed the names! it took me a couple of days to pronounce them correcty, but u don't forget such names! ok i could go on and on and on about these books, but i still have 3 more volmes to finish!