Title: “The Tiger Throne: Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan Retold”
Author : Preetha Rajah Kannan
Paperback : 688 pages
Publisher : Jaico Publishing House
Language : English
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Intro:
The Chola kingdom needs a strong ruler and the Tiger Throne a new master.
Rival factions stake their claim to the Chola throne as a power struggle ensues with Emperor Sundara Chola’s failing health.
The air is thick with political intrigue. On one side stands Prince Madurandaka, supported by the ruthless Pazluvur chieftains. On the other is Prince Arulmozlivarman, the future Raja Raja Chola, one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. The Pazluvur chieftains take the emperor hostage and civil war looms over the Chola kingdom.
History and fiction merge to weave a story of vengeance and romance, disguised princes and beautiful princesses, secret passages and dark dungeons, evil sorcerers and master spies…
Who will emerge victorious in this dangerous and thrilling game to seize the throne?
About the Author:
Preetha Rajah Kannan has written five books on Indian mythology, edited a translation of the Telugu Navagraha Purana, and contributed to several newspapers and magazines. A homemaker and mother to two sons, she lives in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
My Views:
I thank myself to read the forgotten tales of the legendary Chola Dynasty. Fertile “Chola Naadu” rich in culture, heritage, and wealth is being ruled by Pranathaka Chola’s younger son Emperor “Sundara Chola” who falls ill and deems to handover the throne to his younger son, Arulmozhlivarman is popularly known as Ponniyin Selvan which translates as “Wealth of River Ponni”, however political issues and vengeance brings the name of Madurandaka backed by Pazhuvettaraiyar’s. To add fuel to this internal politics, the in-house Nandini weaves her plot to take revenge for the injustice that happens in her life, and it adds to the Pandya kingdom’s vengeance to destroy the Chola’s ruling domination.
The Tiger throne is a perfect amalgamation of politics and conspiracies with the motive to attain the throne between the two teams: Madurandakan backed by Nandini, Ambalavan, and Kaalanthakan (Pazluvur Clan) Vs children of Sundara Chola (Karikalan, Arulmozhlivarman, and Kundavai). Unlike many tales, Ponniyin Selvan’s story has given equal weightage to the women in the story. Commendable effort in portraying the women characters like Kundavi, Nandhini, Vanathi, Poozungali, Manimekalai, Mandakini Devi, and Sembiyan Madevi where they carry the emotions of love, hate, betrayal, affection, enmity, vengeance, pride, heartbreak, depression, Not to miss my two favorite characters in the story “Vallavaraya Vandhiya devan” and “Azlvarkkadian Nambi” who plays respective vital roles throughout the story. Every character in the plot plays a vital role and gives us a perfect inspiration to take from the characters they display and also throws a serious message on stratagem throughout the play. Many encounters between those characters will leave you to spell bourn and will give you a visual screenplay by reading the lines in the book and make you addicted till its completion.
Accolades:
Being a south Indian, I grow up reading/listening to the tales of kings/kingdoms who played a vital role and contributed almost everything to the development of our country and the upliftment of people, Ponniyin Selvan is one of those, Kalki’s narration style will never leave you the question of “Historic Fiction” but will make you feel the essence of the reality. My heartfelt thanks to Smt. Preetha Rajah Kannan, author of “The Tiger Throne” did a perfect re-telling of the legendary tale without disturbing the feel and gist of Kalki’s interpretation. The author fulfilled my dream of making this literation available to the world of non-Tamil readers and to adore our heritage, culture, and bygone kingdoms.
Spelbound writing of English retelling of “Ponniyin Selvan” is an exemplary tribute to venerable storyteller Shri Kalki Krishnamurthy. I strongly feel this book should be made available to the entire world to show the greatness, emotions, politics, and tactics of the bygone kingdoms and Clans. Crystal clear vocabulary, tactful storytelling, elegant flow, and many more plus to count as author accolades in this book.
Mentions:
1. You will never put down this book once you start the book, due to the story advancement and alluring plot.
2. Now I have a strong English book recommendation for the 50+ episodes of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan.
3. Pen, highlighter, and Paper must whenever you read this book for story flow and follow-up.
4. Read the book before you watch the movie for both PS-I & PS-II, “The Tiger Throne” has more to offer.
5. Thanks to the author for making me read a 670+ pages book by sacrificing a few nights.
வாழ்க தமிழ்
வளர்க தமிழ்
Regards
Kiran K Adharapuram
