Amarar Kalki’s name still brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm among the elders of most of the Tamil households. The first thing that comes to our mind while hearing the name ‘Kalki’ is none other than his great novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. Not only among elders, but Kalki Krishnamurthy’s works are also arguably the most read even by the youngsters of this generation. Reading the historic fiction of Kalki was the most common pastime of the elders of our house. I remember few elders saying that they were eager to grab the next edition of the magazine just to quench their curiosity of what’s happening next in the series.
This post is exclusively about the ‘Trilogy of Kalki’ (Tamil). Those are namely ‘Sivagamiyin Sabadham’, ‘Parthiban Kanavu’ and ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. (Recommended to be read in the same order).
The plot of these titles are as follows:- Sivagamiyin Sabadham is about the Pallava-Chalukya war, which was happening in the mid-7th Century CE. Pallavas were in constant war with the Chalukyas for at least three generations.
- Parthiban Kanavu is slightly connected to the previous series, depicts an understanding between Pallavas and early Cholas (7th Century CE).
- Ponniyin Selvan as we all know, is the story about the greatest King of Tamil country, Rajaraja Cholan. The plot revolves around the crowned prince Adithya Karikalan defeating and killing the Pandiyan king Virapandiya and the latter’s loyal servants planning for revenge. (Late 10th Century CE)
We know as many elders in most of the Tamil households have read and reminisced about this historic-fictional classic and now I'm part of the esteemed club. This epic collection had created a huge impact and is still arguably the most sought and read books even among the youngsters of the current generation.
The simple yet captivating writing style of Kalki Krishnamurthy takes us into the world of these stories. It also helps us to picturise the place that has been mentioned in these novels. Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, Thanjavur, Sri Lanka and few other places are prominently mentioned in these novels. Aadi Perukku festival is incomplete without the mention of the opening scene of Ponniyin Selvan, in which the protagonist of the novel is introduced to the readers.
Though this is a classic work, the Tamil language used here is kept simple throughout the story. It also brings the character alive in front of us. I was swayed over by the charm of Mahendravarman that I’ve felt throughout reading Sivagamiyin Sabadham. Also, it still haunts me whenever I go to Kanchipuram or even going to the temple that dates back to those periods. The writing makes us feel connected to the individuality of the characters. Also, there is no bias or discrimination towards any characters or any other elements. The way the author describes the characters in the story lets the readers empathize with them. I believe that only a few others can establish such a connection and Kalki makes us feel for every character in these novels. Be it the emotions, description of the natural scenery, twists and turns that are felt while I read these were so real.
Prominent works of Kalki Krishnamurthy
All the 3 novel teaches us few things in common.
The valour of the kings expressed through the words of Kalki is something that we will remember forever. I still can’t get over the charm of Mahendravarman that got me since I read the Sivagamiyin Sabadham. But the description of Arulmozhivarmar is also no less. We will feel so captivated by the way every character is best described for their great deeds. Also, the King’s kindness, love and respect towards the people of their country is appealingly managed and justified through the decisions that are being made as the story flows.
Obeying the orders of parents. It has become one difficult thing in the current times where the young generation merely listens to their parents. Imagine the situation of Arulmozhi Varman, who was ordered to be arrested by his father and stays calm. Narasimhavarman, despite being a great wrestler becomes restless when his father Mahendravarman orders him to be within the palace until the war ends. Imagine the intensity of the situation and those princes obeyed their orders of their parents.
The loyalty of the subjects of the country. Loyalty is something that is an essential characteristic for any kind of relationship during that period. Many small yet significant characters are portrayed as the common people of the country in these novels. Loyalty depicted through these characters creates a long-lasting impression. Being loyal towards their duties, towards the country, be it with a friend or for relationship all these are beautifully brought out through the small characters of all kind.
Friendship is beautifully portrayed in these three novels in common. The trust and understanding that these characters share sets a standard for the beautiful bond. The respectful bond that is shared between Narasimhavarman and Paranjyothi, Arulmozhivarman with Vanthiyadevan makes us admire and yearn for such friendship. The jealousy among best friends is also portrayed in an adorable way. When Maanavanman feels jealous about Narasimhavarman being so close with Paranjothi, when Adithya Karikalan trusts Vanthiyadevan more than Parthibendra Pallavan, these instances prove that best friends also feel jealous.
With all these things that create a great impact amongst the readers, we also learn about disguising and spying, strategic planning on war times, beautiful description of the landscapes and few other spine-chilling experiences. Also not to forget how the author was truly secular when the story involved characters that belong to different religion and different classes. All the characters, even the ones who played a minimal role is given equal importance and was complete in their own way.
Apart from all these learnings, readers can also find new things as they read and perceive the characters and their deeds. Also, the twists and turns that the reader will experience while reading this is something to never miss and no other books will pull you into the story. I strongly recommend people to read all three and those who are slow in reading Tamil can also start reading without any doubts as it is written in simple style. Kalki Krishnmaurthy has handed down his magnum opus to the people of Tamil country with the perfect blend of historical facts and fiction that should not be missed at all.
Yours East Gaterr
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