#maduranthakan

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

Track List

Armageddon

Arunmozhi’s Dilemma

Chozha’s Bravery

Conspiracy

Exotic Queen

Life at Lanka

Nandini’s Fortress

The Guardian Angel

The Pandiyan’s Oath

The Thirst for the Throne

The Wise King

VT’s Play

Oo Rey Sooriyare

Saaya Sanjale

Soodanathu Rattham

Parts 1 , 2

It was midnight but it looked like morning due to the light of all lamps that were lit in and around the temple. Floral garlands of several colours decorated its walls and pillars. Cool breeze from the nearby river blew into the temple but the lamps miraculously stayed intact. Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan gazed into the temple as he heard a sweet song.

Aazhi mazhai kanna! Onrum nee kai karavel Aazhiyul pukku mugarnndhu kodaarththeri Oozhimudalvan uruvam pol mei karuthu Paazhiyan tholudai Padmanabhan kaiyil ...

Some old women danced before the idol of Muraleedharan, holding flower garlands. Has he gotten so old that young beauties won't grace him even in his dreams? He closed his eyes and slowly massaged his aching neck. The women or the decorations were nowhere to be seen when he looked again.

A abstruse fear gripped his heart as he walked away, so he decided to go back. But a garland made of white lotus buds was floating against the current of the river. How is this possible? It stopped floating and sunk into the bottom of the river as Vanthiyathevan stood there transfixed. Then the dancers' prayers were answered and the rain drenched him.

No, it was his nephew, the crown prince, who poured a pot of water on him.

***********

". . . Ravikulamanikyam, Mummudi Chola devar, Kandhaloor Salai Kalamarutta Keralanthakan, Pandiya Kula Sani, Cholendrasimhan, Korajakesari, Tribhuvanachakravarti Konerinmaikondan Raja Raja-devar . . . "

Mama's and his titles were too announced as the royal entourage entered the captured palace. Appa squirmed as he heard the name 'Maduranthakar' again and again. Who asked paatti to name him after her runaway son? Young Maduranthakan still doubted if this was an elaborate prank they all pulled on him. How could a Pandya king grow up as the Chola emperor's son?

Appa asked mama to deal with the officials and ordered Madu not to disturb him unless it is an emergency before retiring to some chambers he claimed for himself. He pretended not to care but mama's nightmares have scared him too. Could this be a vision about impeding heavy rains and flooding? If it rains now, it will affect the movement of their reinforcements and supplies.

Madu entered his father's room and sat beside him. Why isn't he talking to the soldiers and commanders and cheering them up as usual? Is he upset about the the other Maduranthakan?

"Are you alright, appa?"

"I am. Give me a quick update on today's developments".

"Half of the aabathudavigal have escaped with the women and a prince who might lay claim to the throne. Velakkara padai met an old woman at the eastern boundary of the palace complex asking for 'Ponniyin Selvan'. People here really hate us but don't worry. Mama has written to athai to send reinforcements and supplies. I suggest a system of food - rationing until they calm down and more supplies arrive".

"Old woman?"

Maduranthakan was already regretting reporting it. It reminded him of the Singala Nachiyar who saved appa in his youth. Her story was so sad and unsettling. He stopped talking to girls after learning about her death. Hasn't Poonguzhali paatti too said that these girls have the bad habit of building castles in the air if handsome men treat them nicely? Though he isn't that handsome, what if they catch unnecessary feelings for him?

"Bring her here. No, it is impossible. I will order rationing until we secure our holdings. Don't mention a word to your mama. These aabathudavigal manage to do it every damn time".

What has come over his usually calm and composed appa? He might not be used to people turning against him but they will overcome this. Madu had no idea how to deal with this situation but what will the common soldiers think if their emperor is flustered like this?

"You are rambling, appa. Everything will be fine".

A strange expression appeared on appa's face. He looked naughty like the times when they used to sneak away from amma and athai and go on small adventures with mama.

"My son, it is the logistics and supplies that win wars. I have sent Aprameyan to take account of the food and grain reserves. Further orders will be issued on the basis of his report. You too assist him and learn to make such calculations. If I want any help from you, I will send for you".

If Maduranthakan had any doubts, they were quickly dispelled. Now he was sure that Appa is definitely up to some mischief. Does he expect him to make the list of rice and vegetables in the kitchen? He will show him!

‌Maduranthakan is the son of Vanathi and Arulmozhi. He would later take the name Rajendran. He is 14/15 years old in this fic.

‌Aprameyan is a general of Rajarajan.

Part 4

Sembiyan Madevi is hailed as the epitome of virtue, piety and chastity throughout the novel, but we can see that her history is quite dark.

Mazhavarayars were chieftains at one time. During the wars at the time of Vijayalaya Chola, they joined the Pandyas. As a result, they were disgraced when Cholas thrived and Pandyas vaned. According to herself, Sembiyan Madevi grew up as a devotee of Natarajan, without bothering to befriend other young girls or engage in usual childhood - teenage passions. It could be a lie too.

One day, 40 year old Kandharadithan visited the temple and met this teenager. As she is narrating the story to Maduranthakan to curb his ambition, she presents it as getting enamoured by his presence. He too falls in love with her, just like Pazhuvettaraiyar fell for Nandini (I think 'lust' will be more appropriate). There was a very important political aspect to this marriage,

Soon we got married. As a result, your grandfather regained his old influence and the title, “Mazhavarayar.”

Basically, the Mr. Mazhavarayar regained his lost title and glory through this alliance. It was only after the marriage that Kandarathithan revealed that they he didn't have any plans to elevate them any further. His nephew Sundara Cholan was his crown prince and he wasn't planning to have any more children. What was he thinking? Even now, contraceptives aren't 100% efficient.

Young crafty Sembiyan Madevi wasn't willing to give up without a fight. When she first tells this story to Maduranthakan, she says that she just yearned to become a mother. But when she reveals about the baby swapping, she confesses that her desires weren't just personal.

Sembiyanmadevi had wanted to have a baby as soon as she was married, a child who would become the Emperor of the Chozha country.

Then the infamous baby swapping happened and she had to reveal everything to her husband, who insisted that an outsider can't ascend the throne and Sembiyan Madevi needs to make sure that it doesn't happen. She feels immense guilt, and forces Maduranthakan too to become an ardent devotee. In my opinion, Sembiyan Madevi fears her own ambition and cunningness that "caused" the succession crisis. Perhaps she sees herself in Nandini too.

Then she publicly acknowledges her biological son. Her adopted son who turns out to be a Pandya prince conveniently removes himself from this equation. And she is back to her 'old ways'  😏

. . . a voice choking with emotion, Poonkuzhali said, “I don't know why wars are fought! Why cannot human beings love each other and be happy?” “My daughter! That will never happen. As long as the world is in existence, we will not be free from war. Even Siva and Parvati had to wage war. Those who are born to uphold Dharma in this world always have to wage war.” When the infinitely gentle Sembiyanmadevi, the learned Saivite, said this, everyone was wonderstruck.

The salais were institutions of higher education associated with temples (Kanthallur salai, Parthivapuram salai, Thiruvalla salai, Moozhikkulam salai etc.). Established by the Ay kings, they followed gurukula system (students living in proximity to the teacher) Though the royalty provided free food, clothing and accommodation to the students, the administration of salas were mostly autonomous.

Known as 'Dakshina Nalanda', Kanthallur salai is believed to have been founded by the Ay king Karunthadakan (857-885 AD). Later, this salai gained world fame as a center of learning. Students from foreign countries like Sri Lanka too came to Kanthallur salai for higher studies. This mahashala provided training in multiple branches of knowledge including martial arts. What set Kanthalloor apart from other ancient Indian universities of that era was the diversity in the subjects it offered. In Kanthalloor, students were taught subjects such as atheism which were considered taboo in other universities.

There are conflicting opinions about the exact location of Kanthallur salai. KV Subramania Iyer speculated that Kanthallur salai may have been located in a village called Kanthallur, seven miles from Neyyatinkara in present-day Thiruvananthapuram district. T. Gopinatha Rao quotes records dating back to the 9th century which refer to the deity in present day Valiyashala as Kanthallur Chalai Mahadeva.

Kanthalur salai appears repeatedly in the Chola inscriptions. There are several references to Kanthallur salai in Rajarajan's inscriptions about the attacks on Ay, Mahodayapuram and Mooshika kingdoms. It is thought that Ay rajas have become the vasals of Pandyas by that time. His inscription from the 4th year of his reign mentions 'Kanthalur Salai kalamaruthu aruli'. In fact, this is his first achievement listed in the chronology of events. Rajarajan was obviously very proud of this achievement.

Since 'kalamaruthu' can have many connotations, there were arguments that this means that the ships at Kanthallur were destroyed or that only the free food distribution for the students was stopped.

However in 2009, a hero-stone (veerakkal) belonging to the reign of Rajarajan was unearthed. It has a eulogy in Tamil that talks about the king “beheading the Malai Alargal (chera warriors)”, settling the long-standing debate about what he did at Kanthallur Salai. It is evident that Cholas destroyed the salai, annexed the port of Vizhinjam and killed the warriors. The salai is mentioned in the records of his successors too, showing multiple Chola invasions across generations.

Later, Vizhinjam was renamed as Rajendrachola Pattanam. Due to the incessant attacks of Cholas, the importance of Vizhinjam port and Kanthalloor Salai (if it survived Rajarajan's attacks in the first place) gradually deteriorated. Between the 10th and the 12th centuries Kanthalloor Salai and the port of Vizhinjam, were completely destroyed in war.

=======

In my upcoming fanfiction about Ravidasan, he and Parameshwaran will be Kanthallur Salai alumni and they will send little Amarabhujangan for higher education in this place.

In historical inscriptions, his name is Ravidasan Panchavan Brahmadhirajan. Brahma arayan/Brahmadhi rajan were titles given to high class Brahmin officials in administration and military. Another person of similar status mentioned in the novel is the Prime Minister of the Chola Kingdom, Aniruddha Brahmarayar.

The above picture is purely for aesthetic purposes.

Nappinnai in Ponniyin Selvan. Read here.

When Vanthiyathevan reaches Kadambur on the 18th day of Adi, people are celebrating the monsoon festival of Adi Perukku. But that year, there is something more special about Aadi Perukku.

Yes, today is the birth star of Andal. And it coincides with the eighteenth day of Adi, which is why there is such jubilation.

He starts dreaming about Krishnan, Andal pasurams and a death in the royal family even before he knows about the conspiracy, Nandini or her history.

A priest armed with a scimitar emerged from behind the statue of Kali, whose mouth was a gaping gash . . . “That means you’re unfit to be sacrificed. Go on, run,” said the priest. Kannan suddenly took Kali’s place. Two girls holding garlands danced in his shrine, singing Andal’s pasurams.

After this, Alwarkadiyan tells him about his sister Nandini and her extreme devotion. When Vanthiyathevan exhorts her to return to Krishna bhakti, she replies that she doesn't deserve it.

Then he goes to Pazhayarai to give Karikalan's message to Kundavai and people are celebrating another event there.

Aha! That’s what it is! It is Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Krishna’s birthday, that they are celebrating with such joy.

He sees and hears various songs, plays and even plays Kamsa in a street performance. Funnily, none of these are about the birth of baby Krishnan. Rather, all are about Mayavan (the Tamil equivalent of Mohana), the Great Enchanter.

Vanthiyathevan as Kamsa: Adel Krishna. Your magic won’t work with me. I am going to kill you right now. I am going to kill your brother Balarama. And your father Vasudeva too.

(Foreshadowing about Uncle Maduranthakan's Conspiracy and Pandya Murder conspiracy, together)

Kundavai's companions dancing to Aachiyar Kuravai (Nappinnai dancing with Krishna):

If that Mayavan [enchanter], Kannan, who once Used a calf sent to kill him :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: If that Mayavan who once Broke the tree which was but a demon

Another one:

The great Lord, Mayavan, who appeared as a god and clasped the entire world in his navel with its flowering lotus . . .

When Vanathi is lost in a song about a girl waiting for Kannan, Kundavai scolds her. We will revisit this later.

Initially one would think that this is about Vanthiyathevan's adventures but after Vanthiyathevan goes to Lanka with Arulmozhi's scroll, there are no notable mentions of the Great Enchanter until Karikalan makes an appearance again.

Nandini starts talking about Mayakkanan who enchants and disappears (see the post about Nappinnai for details). When Karikalan asks Manimegalai to sing non-religious love songs, she sings about another (secular) enchanter, moving Nandini to inconsolable tears.

Is that all a dream, my friend The time we spent together On the slopes of the mountain Besides the waterfalls Beneath the shadow of fruit-laden trees When he held my hand And we were both lost in happiness Is that all a dream, my friend Or just a thought in my mind?

In the grove of punnai trees Under the golden rays of the evening sun He called me near And whispered words of love In my ears Is that all a dream my friend Is that miracle nothing but a lie?

Defying all security Like a thief he walked in stealth And with boundless love Held me in embrace And smothered me with kisses Did it happen? Weren’t we happy? Is that all a dream, my friend Or just a thought in my mind?

If this one isn't enough, Kalki says that she sang multiple songs like this. Seriously, Manimegalai? 😤  And why is Nandini crying when she heard about some lovers making out in secret? Very fishy.

Rational Kundavai absolutely hates this enchanter aspect of Krishnan. When Vanathi is listening to such a song on Janmashtami, she scolds Vanathi and disses Mayavan.

Good Lord! And he came to Tamilnadu as our God! If he has been stealing butter, playing the flute and spending time with the women, where will he have time for other things in life? . . . Why are you so silent? Have you too become enchanted with Kannan’s flute?

She has the same opinion about her brother.

But now I have lost hope. Adithan is a great warrior. One of the most valiant men of our times. But he can’t keep his mind under his control.

This Greater Enchanter disappears from the novel after Karikalan's death. Nandini is frequently labelled as the enchantess, the Mohini. If Nandini is Mayamohini, then Karikalan is Mayavan. Though both accuse each other of enchanting them and disappearing, the irony is that Mayavan and Mayamohini aren't different - they are just two aspects of the same God.

N. B. Another person Aditha Karikalan is constantly compared to is Aravan, Mohini's husband. In Tamil versions of the Mahabharatam, by Peruntevanar and later by Villiputtur and Nallappillai, Arjunan's son Aravan offers himself as a sacrifice to Kali to ensure victory for the Pandavas. He asks for three boons before he dies, of which one is that he should be married before his death. Since no parent would give a daughter to one who is about to be killed, Krishna appears as Mohini and marries Aravan for a night.

Parts 1 , 2 , 3

Arulmozhi Varman tried to think about the matters of current importance but his mind raced ahead of him. Is this a trick by the Pandya loyalists to get him alone? But they can't be that foolish to do this after killing Mandakiniamma right before his eyes.

It really stung when the panar sang that Rajarajadevar deprived the Pandyar of their world-renowned glory *. Was his uncle always this talented? If he was appreciated for his skills, would he have left even if he was a devakumaran? But he never belonged with them. Isn't that what they always told themselves?

Madu said it was a very old woman who was enquiring about him. But Nandini is barely older than akka. Has she come to avenge her twin? He looked like the ever young Markandeyan even when he attained the veeraswargam. He often remembered her these days after Vanthiyathevan opened up about his nightmares. Vanthiyathevan might not be the happy-go-lucky adventurer he once was but he is still Ponniyin Selvan.

***********

If her parents were in love, she would have been born and brought up a palace like this. "We wouldn't have met then", Karikalar whispered in her ears. "Wait", she admonished him playfully. How will she enter this huge palace and find Arulmozhi? Amma, how did you do it?

No, one soldier noticed her. If she lets him capture her, they might not want to disturb their emperor at night. What if this fever takes her before she can meet him? She will try after sometime when it gets darker. She tried to run away but the soldier was faster.

"Nandini, akka, please stay", his voice sounded familiar as he overtook her and stopped her by spreading his hands before her. Ponniyin Selvan. Hasn't she waited for this all these years? This is it! Tell him.

"How did you recognise me?"

"What is this? Let us go inside. Are you sick?"

"I didn't kill him".

"I already guessed. Calm down!".

"He offered to renounce everything for me. But this sinner had to tell him about the secret of my birth. That man . . . my amma . . . "

"We know about Veera Pandyan. Vanthiyathevan is also here. Don't you want to see my son?"

"I thought he would kill me and move on. But, but he he . . . ".

Why was she expecting him to move on? She could never move on without him in her life. But she will move on today. Nandini felt a bout of energy she hasn't experienced in years. She wiped her face and stood straight.

"Arulmozhi, sorry, arase, I have a request. When Thirumalai returns from your mission, give this to him", she forced a palm leaf on him. She had kept a similar olai in her hut and given one to her caretaker.

"Stop these formalities, akka. Can you walk? I will call for a bed or palanquin."

***********

Why is that soldier talking to her? Hasn't he ordered to arrest her immediately if she is spotted? Only Parameswaran knows if appa too is sneaking around in this darkness. Maduranthakan trained his eyes on the emaciated lady as they approached them. Suddenly the soldier turned around and untied his turban. Appa!

"Stand down, brave men. You two, bring Vallavarayar here". Two of them ran to mama's camp and others remained awkwardly in the kneeling position waiting for orders. That woman seemed to have slipped away when they distracted each other. Appa too noticed her absence.

"Rise and search for that lady".

The soldiers dispersed to four sides with torches in their hands. Is that a message from athai? The emperor scolded him as he tried to read the olai.

"Why are you standing here? Go and search. No, come here. Can you read this?"

He too found it difficult to read the olai in the dim light. It was full of mistakes. Can't people put some effort into their writing?

"Vasudeva married 16000 women. When the time came, they submerged into the Saraswati. Casting off their human bodies there and transforming into apsaras, they returned to him**. If you want to read Bharatam, there must be a good copy somewhere here".

Appa looked like he is in another world. The soldiers who were sent to summon mama returned.

"Chakravarthy, Vallavarayar isn't well. Senapati thinks he saw a woman in the river and he is going to take a look at the downstream. Should we stop him?"

What!

As mama followed by his bodyguards approached them, appa asked one of them to get down from the horse and rode with them. Madu ordered one of his men to bring a horse and another to keep the olai safely in his room. Who was she?

THE END

* deprived the Sēlinār(the Pandyas) of their splendour at the very time when their greatness, which was adored everywhere on earth, became conspicuous - From a meikeerthi of Rajaraja I

** ṣoḍaśastrīsahasrāṇi vāsudevaparigrahaḥ  nyamajjanta sarasvatyāṃ kālena janamejaya  tāścāpyapsaraso bhūtvā vāsudevamupāgaman - Swargarohana Parvam, Mahabharata