#periya pazhuvettarayar

[willkatfanfromasia]

Aditha Karikalan vs Pazhuvettarayar -

Who's the better option for Nandini? by yours truly

1) PP married and owned up to their union publicly; he gave her titles, prestige and the respectability of marriage. 💲💵💰🏧

-AK couldn't because he was too young to overrule his family. However, he definitely would've thrown a fit to marry her had the beheading not happened.

2)Marrying a vassal king comes with several benefits (as discussed with @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher)

As the junior wife of the treasurer, she had tons of privilege and not much responsibility except showing up to events. Close enough to the throne (to make moves) but away enough to not deal directly.

- Nandini's already been burned by flying too close to the sun. AK's status as crown prince made the brides-shortlist very strict.

3) PP, till the flood, trusts her word easily. Even when confronted with doubts he thinks the best of her.

-AK is jealous af and accuses her of seducing all his friends. This is a result of his own insecurity- Had he married her, he wouldn't have been toxic and possibly been pretty decent as per 10th century standards.

4) Because we have bare minimum expectations, PP respects Nandini's wishes and doesn't force himself on her (she successfully gives excuses/alva always). AK is depicted as a thorough gentleman and would respect her wishes- but won't wait 3 years. Then again, Nandini won't give excuses if she were married to him😂

5) Nandini is forced into kundhavai's company sometimes due to her being PP's wife. As AK's wife she'd constantly be in her presence 🌚

6) Creeps like Parthi and Kandhanmaran presume they have a chance with her because she's married to an old man (who is either not her choice or can't *ehm*👀 satisfy her). As AK's wife they wouldn't dare flirt with her (no matter how tempting she may be) - lest they lose a limb or an eye.

Pls add your thoughts and analysis

@thereader-radhika @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher @harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @favcolourrvibgior @sowlspace @yehsahihai and anyone interested in my pointless musing

[ambidextrousarcher]

நந்தினி! சற்று முன் என் காதில் விழுந்தது உண்மையா? இந்தப் பல்லவன் என்ன சொன்னான்? பொன்னியின் செல்வனைக் கடல் கொண்டு விட்டதாகச் சொன்னான் அல்லவா? அந்த வீரகுமாரன் சின்னஞ்சிறு குழந்தையாயிருந்தபோது இந்தக் கைகளால் அவனைத் தூக்கித் தோளில் வைத்துக்கொண்டு மகிழ்ந்தேன். இதே கைகளினால்தான் அவனைச் சிறைப்பிடித்துக் கொண்டு வரும்படியான கட்டளையில் முத்திரை வைத்தேன். ஐயோ! சோழ நாடு என்னைப் பற்றி என்ன நினைக்கும்?" என்று பழுவேட்டரையர் தலையில் அடித்துக் கொண்டார். வயிரம் பாய்ந்த அந்த வீரக் கிழவர் அவ்விதம் மனம் கலங்கிப் புலம்பியதை அதுவரையில் நந்தினி பார்த்ததில்லை; யாருமே கண்டதில்லை.”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: Pazhuvettarayar faints after Parthibendran tells him news of Arulmozhi’s supposed death. After Nandini arouses him, this happens:

“Nandini! Are the words I heard a short while ago true? What did this Pallavan say? Did he not say that the sea has carried away Ponniyin Selvan? When that brave young man was a very young child, I delighted in lifting him with these hands and carrying him on my shoulders. With these same hands I stamped the royal seal on the order to imprison him. Alas! What will the Chozha country think of me?” saying so, Pazhuvettarayar hit himself on his head. Till then, Nandini had not seen the old man possessed of an adamantine will distraught and mumbling so; no one had seen him so before.

Playing Devil’s advocate here, but how much of the above outburst is due to concern for Arulmozhi? How much of it can be attributed to fear of repercussion?

He does seem concerned for the young Prince, sincerely, but equally he also seems very concerned about the repercussions he might face.

But, to be absolutely honest, my initial reaction at this paragraph was startled laughter. Like, this man had literally signed an arrest warrant against the child he is waxing poetic about. It’s probably not to arrest him in truth, but that was my unfiltered first thought.

Tagging my usual list! @whippersnappersbookworm @mizutaama @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @themorguepoet @willkatfanfromasia @racoonpaws @favcolourrvibgior @harinishivaa @deadloverscity and @humapkehaikaun

[thereader-radhika]

What does Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar want from Nandini?

When we read the novel, we observe see that Pazhuvettaraiyar acts like a fool when Nandini is involved. He often has an inkling of what's happening but he just can't resist when Nandini smiles or cries and demands something.

No, No, No. You can call in a thousand magicians. You can even make them live here in the palace. But please don’t go.

Is it just because Nandini is a beautiful woman?

. . . No, Pazhu is going through his midlife crisis.

Pazhuvoor brothers were born at the end of Adithan's reign and the beginning of Paranthakan's reign. Adithya I had some difference of opinion with his father-in-law (Rashtrakuta Emperor) that resulted in wars. There were constant fights with Pandyas which resulted in the Pandya king fleeing to Lanka. They grew up in this turbulent atmosphere and as career military men, they too participated in the campaigns from the time they were able to fight.

As the elder brother, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar might not have gotten many opportunities to be a carefree young man. He also had the 'misfortune' of not having a son despite marrying 8 times. He overlooked the dissatisfactions in his personal life and concentrated on his very demanding and important job. We know that he is actually a romantic at heart, but his Romeo days are half-a-century behind him or never happened at all.

Pazhu would have met thousands of beautiful women in his life. We have no reason to think that his other wives aren't stunning. But when he met Nandini, he was questioning his place in the universe. He says that Chola forces would have won even if he hadn't gone to Madurai. That was highly irresponsible considering his current position but he wanted to feel some adrenaline rush. Still that was only a small boring detour for him.

At first, I could not believe my eyes. I blinked repeatedly and you were still there. I came nearer you, thinking that you were a nymph of the woods, that you would vanish as I approached. But you didn’t vanish. I wondered whether you were a celestial being or a gandharva maiden who had been cursed to come down to earth, like in the stories I’ve heard in the puranas. I thought you might not know the language spoken by human beings. I asked you, ‘Girl! Who are you?” You replied in chaste Tamil, ‘I am an orphan, searching for refuge. Save me.'

After yet another boring war and usual success, he had a fresh thrilling experience - finding a lonely beautiful woman in the forest seeking asylum. Pazhu finally got the exciting opportunity to feel like a hero in the romantic stories he reads so vociferously! Aha! He fulfilled his nayakan part in this natakam perfectly. He fell in love, married the nayika, took her to the palace, gifted her fineries and acted amorously.

I have grown besotted with women in my old age . . . Why was she so special? Sometimes, the way she behaves and talks does give room for suspicion . . . And did he not have to consider the fact that she had dared to marry a man who was more than fifty years old? . . .  Why, she could easily have caught Sundara Chozhan's eye! . . . Why did she often sit by herself in the latha mandapam? What for? . . . And then, how long was she going to force him to be celibate, although he was married to her? . . .  It seemed like a ruse, the kind practised by cunning women one read about in stories.

At the same time, Pazhu isn't that delusional either. He feels insecure that he got to marry Nandini only on 'first come, first serve' basis. He constantly dreads youngsters mocking him. Even Sundara Cholan is younger than him despite having children of Nandini's age. Deep within, he also knows that Nandini doesn't actually love him (source: love stories of cheating women).

His heart filled with pride when he thought of Nandini picking up a sword to kill someone who insulted him. Her eagerness to protect his dignity elated him greatly.

Everytime Pazhu feels doubts or his brother warns him, he goes into deep denial despite his better instincts. When he realises that he had never seen Nandini being genuinely happy, he wants to hear her talking about harming Karikalan though he starts feeling the conflict and reminds her that he is former chief of Velakkara Padai.

He could have scolded or even raped Nandini if he just wanted to satisfy his lust. But he wants the full romantic package with intense love, small naughty talks, honeymoon trips and mind-blowing sex. She is his do-over wife, an opportunity to live out the book stories, feel younger, needed and above all, desired.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar (and others) is really baffled that this intelligent and responsible man is acting like a dumb teenager. He can't understand what is going on because he is at peace with the fact that he is an old grandfather in semi-retirement. In fact, it is youngsters not treating him like an old-man that offends him greatly.

Periya Pazhu finally breaks out of this fantasy and decides to behave like a man of his age and position. Unfortunately for him, it was too late and he had to pay for these fantasies with his life.

********* This might be the last in Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar analysis *********

[nidhi-writes]

Araki!!

Nandhini and her Vengeance make a perfect pair. Aditha and his Pain make a perfect pair. Their hearts bleed together.

Please like or reblog if you like!!

don’t repost or claim it as yours

Enjoyed editing this video!!! my new hobby!!

Suggest to me who should I edit next.

@whippersnappersbookworm  @harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites  @willkatfanfromasia  @yehshuhua  @arachneofthoughts  @vibishalakshman @nspwriteups  @thirst4light  @hollogramhallucination   @celestesinsight ​  @curiousgalacticsoul  @themorguepoet @tranquilsightseer

[vishnavishivaa]

A Brother’s Eyes

This is a two shot/TS. This is the first part. There is a continuation that will come eventually. 

---------------------------------

The silence between the three siblings was comfortable and comforting as well, all three basking in their united presence. 

“Anna,” Kundavai said softly, looking at Aditha Karikalan, who had a relaxed expression on his face, one that came due to being in Arulmozhi’s vicinity. 

“Sollu, thangaiye,” he smiled at her softly, curious expression on his face. 

“Please stay for a little longer with us,” she pleaded, her eyes filled with hope and despair in equal measure. Arulmozhi also looked at his elder brother with such hope that Aditha did not have the heart to say no, despite having to go. 

“Let me talk to Thirumalai,” he sighed softly. “I will lay false trails and stay for another day.” 

Both Kundavai and Arulmozhi brightened up, nodding their heads at his words cheerily. 

Aditha embraced his siblings once more tightly, before leaving to find Thirumalai. 

****

Aditha was walking back, when he heard his sister’s voice talking to another female. Curious, he moved closer to the sound, peering discreetly. 

“Vanathi…”

Ah! 

She was talking to the Kodumbalur princess, who was said to always be in Kundavai’s company. It was also rumoured that the elders wanted her to marry Arulmozhi, and he had heard this from numerous people. 

Wondering what they were discussing, he focused deeper. 

“Illai, Akka. I will not see your younger brother,” she said, sounding stubborn and tearful at once, causing Kundavai to sigh. 

“What did he do now?” 

Aditha had to smile at her tone, the exasperation such a characteristic trait of Kundavai when it came to her brothers. 

“He didn’t do anything Akka…” 

“Arulmozhi,” she groaned, apparently having seen the actual answer on her thozhi’s face. “Paathum paarkadhadai pola?” 

Aditha frowned. His brother had seen the Princess and turned his face away, not acknowledging her beyond that? That did not sound like Arulmozhi and his endless respect for women. Why was he seemingly cold with the Kodumbalur Princess? From all that he had heard, she is a very gentle soul. 

“Akka, I came to see him. I did not come for him to see me,” Vanathi responded softly. Aditha’s stone cold heart melted at the soft words of the Princess, whose tone seemed enough for him to be fond of. 

“Sembian Patti and I saw you lifeless, ready to drown yourself in the Kaveri because you heard my brother drowned in the sea. Face him, kanmaniye. You came for him, show him that his behaviour is not going to push you back.”

“Akka, I don’t like to bother Ponniyin Selvar…”

“You had no trouble standing up to the Ilaya Rani of Pazhuvoor, but you don’t want to face my brother?” Kundavai asked, her palm holding her thozhi’s. 

Stood up to Nandini?

His Nandini?

Aditha was frozen, but impressed as well. He knew just how Nandini was, and standing up to her was difficult for most, including his Thatha Periya Pazhuvettarayar. It showed the Princess had a very strong will power. 

“Akka, it was your teaching that helped me,” she responded instead. 

“Seri, if you don’t meet Arulmozhi, will you at least meet Karikalan Anna?” Kundavai questioned, and Aditha knew she had caught him the second he had come.

“I am here only, Kundavai,” he stepped around the pillar, smiling genially at his sister, whose eyes were narrowed in a mock glare. 

“Anna, idhu enna thiruttuthanam?” asked Kundavai, the smile spilling on her face cheerful. 

Vanathi had moved behind Kundavai, her natural bashfulness coming to play. 

“Anna, this is my uyir thozhi, Kodumbalur Ilavarasi, Vanathi. Kanne, this is my elder brother, who you have heard a lot about from me,” Kundavai introduced them to each other with a smile. 

“Vanangugiren, Ilavarase,” Vanathi said, bowing down. 

“Call me Anna, Ilavarasi,” he responded instead, smiling at Kundavai, knowing she would understand what he meant.

“Then you should call me by name, Anna,” she smiled, seeming to have understood that his acceptance was intertwined with his words. 

Aditha nodded, please with the gentleness of the Princess. His brother was a gentle soul at heart, and he needed an equally gentle soul to light the fire of love in his veins. 

“Will you both help me with something?” 

The asking look on their faces made him smile, and he started talking, faced with the delight of Kundavai and the growing shyness of Vanathi. 

****

“The bikshus want us to eat in a private dining hall?” Arulmozhi sounded dubious, and with good reason. Food was usually had together with everyone. 

“The bikshus gave your elder brother permission for a small, private dinner, Ilavarase,” Vanthiyadevan said instead, walking side by side with Arulmozhi, ready to help him at a moment’s notice.

Arulmozhi nodded, believing it, for his elder brother could do anything he had decided to do.

“Here, Ilavarase,” Vanthiyadevan said, turning into a hall, Arulmozhi following him. 

“Anna,” Kundavai’s voice, so cheerful that day, made Arulmozhi smile. “You have not heard Vanathi sing, have you? Outside me, the only person in this group of us who have heard her sing is your friend from the Vana clan.”

Arulmozhi stopped, his eyes immediately going to Vanathi unintentionally, who was seated on the small seat next to Kundavai, ever with her like a shadow. 

“Vanthiyadevan?” Aditha laughed. 

“Maya Kannanin paattai ketkamal irukka mudiyuma?” Vanthiyadevan decided to reply. 

Vanathi’s breath hitched when she turned to reply to Vanthiyadevan, seeing Arulmozhi standing next to him. 

“Maya Kannana?”

Vanathi had already stood up, all too respectful of Arulmozhi, who seemed to be refusing to see her then. She lowered her face in sadness, before looking back up at Aditha this time, who had a curious look in his eyes. 

“Yes, my Prince,” Vanthiyadevan said. “When I reached Tanjai, it was Krishnā Jayanthi, and celebrations were going on. I went to find the Ilaya Piratti, and came across the dance performance where Kodumbalur Ilavarasi plays Maya Kannan.” 

“I think you were very moved by it, Kamsa Mama,” Vanathi giggled softly. “So much so that you decided to join me as Kamsa Mama.” 

“Vanthiyadeva!” Aditha laughed, raising an eyebrow at the sly smile on the Vana warrior’s face. “Does this mean you also danced with Vanathi?”

Arulmozhi’s eyes snapped to his brother, unable to help himself. Since when had she been Vanathi to Anna? 

“I had to, Ilavarase,” Vanthiyadevan said, sitting on Arulmozhi’s side as Aditha indicated. The latter was watching his brother, who refused to meet anyone’s eyes, and understood the confusion in his body language. 

“I don’t think Aditha Anna is any less than you in spy work, Vanarthavare,” Vanathi said instead, and Arulmozhi’s eyes were suddenly and completely trained on her face. She smiled internally at this, and knew a blush was dancing on her face. However, she didn’t allow her eyes to stray to him, instead choosing to focus on Aditha’s feeble protests, overridden by Kundavai. 

“Naanum en thozhiyum pesuvadai kettadhu needhan Anna,” Kundavai said. “Arulmozhi, idhai kel. Vanathi and I were talking to each other about something, and Anna decided to spy on us. He came out only because I caught him. Or else he would have stayed there.” 

“It was very interesting, Kundavai. How else would I have found out that Vanathi had a word war with Pazhuvoor Ilaya Rani?” Aditha said, purposely looking at his brother for this, whose eyes seemed to find Vanathi’s face. 

Aha! 

There it was. The confusion and yearning in his younger brother’s eyes was clear to Aditha. He knew his brother felt something for Vanathi. 

Now to get him to admit it. 

Aditha knew the task before him was large, but he was up to it, as Kundavai coaxed Vanathi into talking about the confrontation. 

—-------------------------------

What confrontation is this? It is one I assumed in the movies :p 

Glossary:

Sollu, thangaiye- Tell me, little sister

Paathum paarkadhadai pola- He saw you but pretended he had not 

Anna, idhu enna thiruttuthanam- Anna, what is this thievery you are resorting to?

Vanangugiren- My respects to you

Maya Kannanin paattai ketkamal irukka mudiyuma?- How can I not listen to the song of Maaya Kannan?

Naanum en thozhiyum pesuvadai kettadhu needhan Anna- You were the one who heard what my friend and I were discussing, Anna

************

@vibishalakshman @rang-lo @dumdaradumdaradum @thelekhikawrites @kovaipaavai Whoever else wants me to tag them every time I update, please let me know.

[thereader-radhika]

Looking at Kandan Maran, Karikalan said, "My friend! How can we make the women wait for us? That's very wrong. Shouldn't we go and pay our respects to them?"

. . . Why are they in a hurry to go now to where the women are? Shall we follow?" By this time, Parthibendran who had gone up the stairs while the two friends talked, came back. He heard the last few words that Sambuvaraiyar said. "Ayya!" he said, "Whatever other doubts you may have about the Prince, you need have no doubts about his attitude to women. He does not even look at them…"

A smiling Pazhuvettarayar asked, "In that case, how can we accomplish the purpose for which he had been brought here?"

Pazhu is in for a very rude awakening.

[thereader-radhika]

What people expect Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar to do in his free time :

Pazhu's actual favourite pastime- reading about licentious men and beautiful women who cheat on their husbands .

And then, how long was she going to force him to be celibate, although he was married to her? She kept talking about austerities and vows but had never explained what they really were. It seemed like a ruse, the kind practised by cunning women one read about in stories.

When you were Ahalya, I was Indra. I abandoned my reign in heaven, faced the curse of the rishis and came in search of you. Then I was born as Santanu. I saw you while I went hunting along the banks of the Ganga. You were the Goddess Ganga in human form and I fell in love with you. Then, when I was born as Kovalan in Kaveripoompattinam, you were born as Kannagi. I forgot you for a time because of the maya that covered my eyes.

😆

[ambidextrousarcher]

“சக்கரவர்த்தி சம்மதம் கொடுத்ததின்பேரில் தனாதிகாரி தெரிவித்தார். "இலங்கைச் சிம்மாதனத்தைக் கவர்ந்து முடி சூட்டிக்கொள்ளச் சதி செய்ததாகக் குற்றம் சாட்டி இளவரசரைச் சிறைப்படுத்திக் கொண்டு வரும்படி கட்டளை பிறப்பித்து அனுப்புவோம். அத்தகைய கட்டளையைப் பூதி விக்கிரமகேசரி தடை செய்ய முடியாது. அன்றியும், இளவரசரிடம் நேரில் எப்படியேனும் கட்டளையைச் சேர்ப்பிக்கச் செய்துவிட்டால் இளவரசர் கட்டாயம் வந்தே தீருவார்!"

இதைக் கேட்ட சுந்தர சோழர் புன்னகை புரிந்தார். விசித்திரமான யோசனைதான்; ஆயினும் ஏன் கையாண்டு பார்க்கக் கூடாது? பொன்னியின் செல்வனைப் பார்க்க வேண்டும் என்ற ஆர்வம் சக்கரவர்த்தியின் மனதில் பொங்கிக் கொண்டிருந்தது. தம்முடைய அந்திய காலம் நெருங்கிக் கொண்டிருப்பதாக அவர் உணர்ந்தார். ஆகையால் தம் அந்தரங்க அன்புக்குரிய இளங்கோவிடம் இராஜ்யத்தைப் பற்றித் தம் மனோரதத்தை வெளியிட விரும்பினார். மதுராந்தகனுக்கே தஞ்சாவூர் இராஜ்யத்தை அளிக்க வேண்டும் என்ற தம் விருப்பத்தை அறிந்தால் அருள்மொழிவர்மன் மறுவார்த்தையே பேசாமல் அதை ஒப்புக்கொள்வான். பின்னர் அவன் மூலமாக ஆதித்த கரிகாலனுடைய மனத்தை மாற்றுவதும் எளிதாயிருக்கும்.

இவ்வாறு சிந்தித்துத் தனாதிகாரியின் யோசனையைச் சக்கரவர்த்தி ஆமோதித்தார். அதன் பேரில்தான் அருள்மொழிவர்மரைச் சிறைப்படுத்தி வரும்படி கட்டளை அனுப்பப்பட்டது. இளவரசருக்கு எவ்விதத் தீங்கும் ஏற்படக்கூடாது என்ற கண்டிப்பான கட்டளையும் மரக்கலத் தலைவனுக்குப் பிறப்பிக்கப்பட்டது.”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: Periya Pazhuvettarayar speaking to Sundara Chozhar when the former wants his sons with him.

Once the Emperor had given his consent, the Finance Minister proclaimed “Let us create a royal proclamation accusing the Prince of conspiring for the throne of Lanka and command his arrest as well as return. Such a command cannot be forbidden by Boothi Vikramakesari. Besides, if the command reaches the Prince somehow, he will definitely come for certes!”

Hearing this, Sundara Chozhar laughed. An unconventional line of thought for certain, however, why should we not try our hand at it once? The Emperor’s mind was brimming with the desire to see Ponniyin Selvan. He felt that his last days were nearing him. Hence, he wished to discuss his worries concerning the Kingdom with his younger son who he secretly held close to his heart. If (he) knew of his desire to cede the throne of Thanjavur to Madhurantakan, Arulmozhivarman would obey it without a word of dissent. Following that, it would be easier to change Aditha Karikalan’s mind through him.

Thinking thus, the Emperor gave his consent to the Finance Minister’s plan. In its (the plan’s) name was the command to imprison Arulmozhivarmar was sent. A firm command to the captain of the ships was also issued that there must be no harm to the Prince’s person.

I remember reading somewhere in either this chapter or the next that Pazhuvettarayar’s men were told to bring the Prince with them by force if needed, however. Should I assume that this was what the old man had commanded in front of the King and then secretly issued the other command, or is there any other explanation as well?

In another vein of thought, is it safe to assume that Arulmozhi is closer to his father than his elder brother is? And/or that Arulmozhi is closer to Aditha than Kundavai is? (If that is so, is the movie theory of Aditha still being bitter with Kundavai over what happened to Nandini something that might hold credence?)

Today’s snippet, finally beginning the third book!

Tagging @whippersnappersbookworm @mizutaama @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @themorguepoet @thelekhikawrites @harinishivaa @willkatfanfromasia @racoonpaws @deadloverscity @favcolourrvibgior @humapkehaikaun

[thereader-radhika]

Pazhuvettarayar . . .   reached Nandini's wing. At the entrance, he heard the sound of laughter. For some reason he felt irritated. Nandini had never laughed like this in the Thanjavur palace. What had made her laugh so much? Who was with her?

Entering the room he saw that her companion was Manimekalai. He felt more at ease. Manimekalai tried to smother her laughter with both hands when she saw him, but could not control herself. She rushed out of the room, laughing.

Nandini stopped laughing, regained her usual composure and said. "Ayya! Come in! Are the talks over?"

Pazhuvettarayar asked her, "Nandini, why was that girl laughing like that? Why did she run away?"

"Must I tell you that? I will. Manimekalai was in the next room and some of the conversation in the main hall fell on her cars. She was laughing at the way Prince Aditha Karikalar spoke so derisively of paattas and paattis."

🤯

Laughing about Karikalan calling her grandmother? Kinky Nandini!

Pazhu was the husband of eight other women and old enough to be Nandini's grandfather. From the beginning, he suspected if she is waiting for someone else like the women in stories. He also heard rumours that Karikalan distanced himself from his family because they didn't let him marry a poor bhattar's daughter. By the time he left Kadambur, he put two and two together. No one specifically told him that it was Nandini, but he knew when he saw the change in her.

Aditha Karikalan might be a ruffian, might be disrespectful to his elders. But he is a scion of the Chozha clan . . . As for Karikalan himself, he would never wrong a woman . . . But what about Nandini? Was he right to have trusted her implicitly, to have acted according to her wishes? How could anyone be sure her conduct was totally blameless? . . . Aha! Did treacherous women like those one heard about in stories really exist? Could Nandini be one of them?

Lol, Seriously Pazhu should stop reading these corny romance stories and get a treatise on economics or something.

As Pazhu's inner voice often reminded him, Nandini was only a stranger he picked up from the roadside. Though they weren't on good terms, he knew Karikalan from his birth and Chola family for generations. Old Pazhu pinned all his hopes on the boy's 'good' character.

Karikalan: Nandini! Don't tell me that story over and over again. In the eyes of the world, you may be the Pazhuvoor Ilaya Rani. But you didn't actually marry him.

Nandini: Here, cut open my heart and look! Use Veerapandyan's sword to tear it open. You will find nothing except your revered image in it. This is the truth! The truth! The truth!

Nibba-nibbi are on it again! 🙄

But his priorities changed by then. He realised that his sham marriage was just another drama. Nandini's love or lack of thereof was not a matter of concern anymore. For a man who ordered the death of Kandan Maran for calling Nandini his daughter, he showed great restraint that night. Vanthiyathevan sensed his presence in the room only when he was strangled.

That's why Nandini couldn't figure out that he knew her love story and birth story. She didn't know about Pazhuvettaraiyar bench-pressing a whole temple roof, fighting Pandyas and travelling the length and breadth of the country wearing a thin temple curtain. Above all, he failed in his duties. She panicked misunderstanding that old Pazhu remained in half-dead state for 3 days because he was 'shocked' to see her with another man. Probably he had a mini heart attack seeing dead Karikalan.

But by this point he was no longer interested in even talking about her personal life. The only thing he wanted to know was how was she planning to kill the prince. Still Pazhu felt some happiness when she consoled him that they will be a couple in the next birth. Finally he apologised for everything he said. Luckily Nandini never let him 'do' anything 💀

Give me at least some water with your hand, to let me know you've forgiven me and forgotten everything I said. Then you can leave me!

He doesn't forget to give a glowing conduct certificate to Adithan too before commiting suicide.

. . . I realised that Aditha Karikalar's conduct had been blameless.

except for the fact that he was telling inappropriate things to my wife, his grandma 💀

What would have happened if Karikalan didn't die then? Would he have kicked Nandini out and asked her to go away with anyone she liked? He was so determined to not act like an idiot after leaving Kadambur.

[thereader-radhika]

A warrior's self-oblation to ensure victory of the king and the kingdom's welfare is well known in a number of ancient traditions, particularly in medieval south India, where the king was seen as the guarantor of order and prosperity in his domains. Tamil culture, with its deeply embedded concept of martial suicide as the ultimate expression of loyalty to one's own sovereign or commander, abounds in such examples . . . Self-decapitation, underpinning multiple levels of symbolism concentrated in the image of the head, was considered to be not only the most precious and devotional offering, but also the most courageous. - ‘Slaves of God’: Extreme Religious Dependency in Medieval South India (800–1100 CE) by Tiziana Lorenzetti from Embodied Dependencies and Freedoms

This is the same relief worshipped by Pandya loyalists in the beginning. The sexy guy is Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar in case anyone is wondering.

What is the dude in the red circle doing? He is cutting off his own head and offering it to the goddess Kottravai or Korravai. As it is a zoomed-in screenshot, it is not clear. I will post another clearer relief in the same (Pallava) style.

Joining the bodyguard troops of kings was almost a death sentence for warriors. Most would die in battle or commit suicide with their dead kings. In the region which falls under modern day Kerala, it was a death sentence for the whole family as other family members were supposed to fulfil the kudipaka (blood feud under which families vowed to exterminate one another). Often warrior families fought each other for centuries until one family got extinct or the opposing faction lost power.

It is very apt that both Pazhuvettaraiyar and Aabathudavigal are shown before the self - decapacitaion relief because they all took the same oath.

Aditha Karikalan : The Apathudavigal . . . had taken an oath that they would never retreat, that they would give their lives to defend the king and that, in case this became impossible, they would cut off their own heads and offer them as a sacrifice. It was with such warriors that we fought.

Later we can observe that some of Veera Pandyan's Apathudavigal including their Senapati are alive. We know the reason only later - Veera Pandyan's heir was a baby and he couldn't recruit his own bodyguards. Even when they get an adult king (Maduranthakan alias Amarabhujanga Nedumcheliyan), they have to train the pampered young man to rule.

Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar: Nandini. What sort of words are these? I was once the commandant of the Emperor's Velakkara battalion. I've taken an oath to give up my life to protect the Emperor and his descendants."

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar : My life will end before such an accusation falls on my cars. When these Velakkara troops took an oath before Durga Parameswari in the temple, it was I who led them and took the oath first.

In the books, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar fulfills his oath. His initial plan was to commit suicide in private after exonerating Karikalan for he was found dead in Nandini's chambers. Pazhu lies that Adithan's conduct was blameless and he just confronted Nandini about her treacherous politicial alliances. He didn't even want to reveal Maduranthakan's paternity, fearing that it would affect his innocent brother. When Parthipendran and Kandan Maran accuse Vanthiyathevan of murdering the crown prince, he takes up that blame too and commits public suicide so that Vanthiyathevan's reputation too will remain unstained.

[thereader-radhika]

Malayaman: Then Kodumbalur Velan, Pazhuvettarayan who has become today the Shani of the Chozha country, Kadambur Sambuvaraiyan, Munayatharayan, Mazhavarayan, Vaidumbarayan and others had camped with their respective forces between these two rivers. . . . The news of how Rajadhithar had died, seated on an elephant, fell like a thunderbolt on the heads of everyone in our army. In a short while our army had to retreat. It's always easy, isn't it to chase someone on the run? I was one of those who fled like that.

Sundara Cholan: Amma! After my elder uncle Rajadithar rode out on an elephant and attained a warrior's heaven at Thakkolam, the decimated Chozha forces began to flee. If Periya Pazhuvettarayar, the great warrior, had not stopped them in their tracks that day, made an army out of them again and driven out the forces of Kannaradevan, there would be no Chozha kingdom today. His revered body sustained sixty-four wounds at the battle of Thakkolam. Even then, he did not tire but stood firm on the battlefield and achieved victory.

Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar won everlasting glory as the hero who saved Chozha empire in the aftermath of the Battle of Thakkolam. When everyone else fled after the death of Rajadithan, he and his army stopped Kannara Devan from advancing further. Out of reverence, he was made to retire from active military duties and given the post of the Finance Minister. Regardless of who sat on the throne, it was Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar's word that prevailed.

How could he even think about crowning Maduranthakan? It is quite obvious that he wasn't going to gain anything more by giving the throne to Maduranthakan. Not even his grandfather would have supported Karikalan if he moved against Pazhu for merely marrying his childhood sweetheart.

Bonus: Sarath Kumar's stills from the 2009 Malayalam movie Pazhassi Raja. He played Edachena Kunkan, the Commander-in-Chief of the eponymous character played by Mammootty.

Friendly match with the King

[vishnavishivaa]

Vanthiyathevan chronicles (Analysis series #1)

Aside from Pazhuvettarayar and host Sambuvaraiyar, there was Mazhavarayar, known by his proud title of MazhapadiThennavan; MummudiPallavarayar was present as well. Kandamaaran took care to whisper about other renowned guests in Vandhiyathevan’s ears, and point them out subtly: ThanthongiKalingarayar; VanangamudiMunaiyaraiyar, DevasenapathiPoovaraiyar, AnjaathaSingam, or the Lion-hearted Mutharaiyar, RettaiKudaiRajaliyaar and even the KolliMalai Peru NilaVelaar, amongst others.

These are the personages present at Kadambur for the secret meeting. They are all renowned warriors, and great men of repute, enjoying comforts as Kings, more than chieftains. Kalki describes this in detail.

The men assembled in Sambuvaraiyar’s palace were all warriors of repute; sporting numerous scars on their battle-hardened bodies as evidence of distinguished war service. Each had proven himself, time and again, as capable of guarding his fort and country with his life, if necessary. All had pledged their unconditional support and submission to Pazhaiyarai city’s SundaraChozhar, ruling their territories under his suzerainty. Some occupied positions of great authority in the Empire as well, and carried out their respective duties in administrative or other capacities.

This is about these chieftains, all present at the fort- they are lauded for everything they have done. And then there is our Vanthiyathevan:

By rights, Vandhiyathevan’s heart ought to have been leaping with wild joy at the sight of such august personages at the same banquet—but he felt not the slightest enthusiasm. 

Why are so many of these kings gathered here, he wondered, more than once. Why now? Vague suspicions and conjectures cropped up in his mind, confounding him.

Vanthiyathevan is not just a man of pure observation, but also of logic, sense, and instincts. He followed his instincts, and that led him to be dubious, because everything was that messed up- why were there so many kings at once? How were they all free at once, in an empire as large as the Chozha Samrajyam?

To note, neither the Kodumblaur chieftain, Periya Velar, nor the father of Vanavan Madevi, the grandfather of the three siblings, are involved in this. 

[thereader-radhika]

Ravidasan and Soman Sambavan at Tanjore, just before Ravidasan leaves for Kadambur

"What about Maduranthaka Thevan, then?" "Let him stay alive if he wants. It will be a good thing if an imbecile like him sits on the Chozha throne for some time. The Pandya Emperor has to come of age, isn't it?"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Soman Sambavan meeting Maduranthakan and recognising him as Veera Pandyan's son

I was wandering around the garden . . . He approached me and said, “Prince! I've come here with the sole purpose of seeing you. Periya Pazhuvettarayar and Kandan Maran sent me to fetch you. A big army is getting ready to support your claim to the throne." I became quite suspicious of him.

I replied, ‘Why should I come out if there's a big army waiting there? Why can't they come here, defeat the Kodumbalur forces and place me on the throne?’

“Prince! That's not all there is. There's a dangerous secret connected with your birth. No one else will dare to tell you about it, but I will,’ he said.

‘In that case, come, we'll leave at once,’ I said.

To which he replied, ‘I have to give the Prime Minister a piece of news. Let me first go and tell him, while you stay hidden in the tunnel.’

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Aha! Who was that fellow in Sundara Chozha's garden who said he would tell me the secret of my birth? . . . While making an attempt to kill Sundara Chozhar, he killed that mute woman. He cannot be blamed.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The New King

When Chinna Pazhuvettarayar fell into the chasm, cries of 'Long live Amarabhujanga Nedunchezhiyan!’ rose above the noise of the falls.

Imagine Soman Sambavan sharing his exciting discovery with Ravidasan

Ravidasan: Soma, how did the mission go?

Soman : Failure, as usual. What about you?

Ravidasan: Success 😁😁

Soman : What? (Hugs Ravidasan) Yay! Yay! The sinner who took the head of Veera Pandyar is dead. Yay! Yay! Did she do it? Really?

Ravidasan: Well, I am not sure. All those fools were behaving like they haven't met a woman in their entire lives. Hiding, shouting, pleading, crying, choking each other . . . She too was screaming her lungs out. Anyway, our meen-vaal pierced his evil heart. I saw it with my own eyes.

Soman : Oho! Now listen to this. I might not have killed the usurper but I discovered our lost treasure.

Ravidasan: In Lanka?

Soman: God! No! How do I explain this? There is one more - an adult man, the heir to our throne, no, no, I mean, our Emperor. That mute woman has two children.

Ravidasan (gasping) : Explain

Soman: Ravidasare, think. What was the reason for Veera Pandyar's confusion? How did we recognise Nandini Devi? The mother and children look like they were cast in the same mould. You just have to meet him once.

Ravidasan : Did he come there in search of his sister? Why didn't you bring him with you?

Soman: There is a small problem. You see, our Emperor is . . . is . . . how do I say this? Maduranthaka Thevanrrr. Yes, Maduranthaka Thevar is Veera Pandyar's and the mute woman's son.

Ravidasan: Get lost!

Soman: I know, we have to find a new name for him. You just have to see him once. Just once. That woman . . . what did she tell us? Girly? Idiot? Idiots are those blind morons. How come they didn't realise that she looks like our Emperor in a longer wig?

Ravidasan (to himself) : Perhaps that's why they sent her away and never let him come out. (Aloud) If what you are saying is true, the mute woman won't trouble us anymore. Any woman will support her own son over her cheater ex's son.

Soman : Yeah, about that . . . She had to jump in between and spoil everything. She couldn't have survived.

Ravidasan: Good riddance. WHAT! Oh no!

Soman : Don't worry about that. I am willing to accept any punishment our Emperor decides. That will console Devi too. Don't tell her anything now. (They don't know that Madu doesn't give a damn about Mandakini's death)

Ravidasan: Hell! Even yesterday, I told Paramu that she is Veera Pandyar's consort. First things first. We need to retrieve the Emperor and convince him. Then make arrangements for your execution. The little Emperor will stay hidden untill we can be sure of his safety.

Soman: We only have to give a hint, he will come running.

[thereader-radhika]

Nandini's Scroll

This post is about the books, not films.

When the Ponniyin Selvan novel begins, we see that Maduranthaka Thevar has won the support of the majority of the cheiftains in the country.  Veera Pandyan has been dead for 3 years but Aditha Karikalan is still alive. Why? Nandini has delayed the murder for as long as she could. After taking the oath with aabathudavigal to save her life, Nandini tried to escape by seeking asylum with Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. That didn't work as she expected.

He married her, Ravidasan caught up with her and tried to kill her again. She tells him that she will use her beauty and skills for their goal. And what is their goal? She slowly changes goal posts. Nandini too found pleasure in creating discord in the royal family. So pragmatic Ravidasan waits and lets Nandini work.

And that wait has ended.

You've still not told me what it is.

We have arranged to send people to Kanchi and Lanka.

When Ravidasan comes to visit Nandini after Vanthiyathevan leaves, Nandini still doesn't have a clear idea about what they are doing.

"Why did you take so long to say so? I had them ready even before you asked," said Nandini. She bent down, took a bag from under the bed and gave it to Ravidasan. "This bag is full of gold coins from Lanka..."

She knows that they are up to some mischief in Lanka and has arranged for the Lankan gold coins to finance their journey. But they are not going to Lanka alone. They are despatching some men to Kanchi too.

And Nandini panics badly. Their time is coming to an end. She can't sit back and let aabathudavigal work. She can't go to Kanchi either. So a letter it is. But how can she deliver it to him?

Vanthiyathevan doesn't come back. She doesn't have trusted messengers at her beck and call. The opportunity presents itself on that day itself in the form of injured Kandan Maran. Nandini treats him in her palace and decides to send it through him.

We see her writing and rewriting the scroll, sighing, trembling and sweating. This is their death warrant. Since Pazhavoor Ilaya Rani Nandini Devi doesn't have any reason to write direct letters to Koparakesari Aditha Karikalan, she makes it as "grandmotherly" as possible - your father (Emperor) is ill, forget all misunderstandings, come back.

She gives it to Kandan Maran, who tries to assault her by grabbing her hands. Pervert 🤢 Nandini can not respond but her situation is illustrated by an allegory.

A chained parrot was seated on a triangular perch suspended from the roof of the mandapam. In his haste, Pazhuvettarayar grabbed the bird without meaning to, the turmoil in his mind spreading to his hands. The bird fluttered its wings and screeched, unable to endure his vice-like grip.

I don't think I need to explain who is the chained parrot.

Nandini can not afford to send any secret letters through someone like Kandan Maran. So she is planning to use all her charm here.

She tells Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar that she is sending a letter to the crown prince. Obviously,  Pazhuvettaraiyar doesn't like that his wife is sending a message to another man. Nandini's reply is hilarious,

"If the Ilaya Piratti can send a scroll to her younger brother through his friend, why can’t the Pazhuvoor Rani write one to the elder brother and send it through this man?"

What kind of excuse is that? Still Pazhuvettaraiyar is temporarily distracted by the news of Kundavai's scroll. Mission half success. But Kandan Maran who was watching this interaction feels uncomfortable and seeks confirmation again.

"What should I tell my father? Can I tell him that this is the Pazhuvoor chief's desire?"

Of course. Nandini's desire is her husband's desire too, isn't it darling? Pazhuvettaraiyar couldn't do anything but agree to it.

After Kandan Maran leaves, Pazhuvettaraiyar grills Nandini again. She reiterates her excuse - she is planning to teach a lesson to Kundavai. Does her esteemed husband understand?

Well, he doesn't understand a thing but has to pretend like he did because he would look like a fool otherwise. Phew! Narrow escape! If Kandan Maran or Pazhuvettaraiyar read the letter or asked her relevant, objective questions, Nandini's story would have ended that day.