All About Son of Ponniyin Novel Story Summary & Plot Summary, Main Character Names
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The five volumes of the Ponniyin Selvan tell the story of the early days of Arulmozhivarman who later became the great Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I and who takes the title of the novel Son of Ponni.
A few of the powerful characters in this book include Vandhiyathevan, Nandhini, Azhvarkadiyan, Paluvetarayar, and Poonguzhali.
In addition to these, there are other characters like Kandaraditha's son Maduranthaka Thevar, who the conspirators desire to be crowned king, and Anirudha Brahmarayar, Sundara Chozhar's Prime Minister.
In the history of the Chola dynasty, As Parantaka Chozha's first son Rajaditha had perished in battle, Kandaraditha, his second son, succeeded him. When Kandaraditha passed away, his son Maduranthaka was a young child, thus Arinjaya, Kandaraditha's brother, took the crown. After Arinjaya's death, his son Parantaka II aka Sundara Chozha was coronated, who is the father of Aditha Karikalan, Kundavai, and Arulmozhi Varman.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with the setting of the emperor Sundara Chozha being ill and bedridden. Aditha Karikalan is the chief of the Northern Command troops residing in Kanchi, Arulmozhi Varman in Sri Lanka for a battle, and their sister Kundavai Piratti lived in Chola royal household at Pazhayari and where the story leads with the introduction of Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan, a charming young warrior was supposed to be the prince of the Vana clan in the Chozha dynasty and friend of Aditha Karikalan who was the crowned Prince of Chozha kingdom as he is the elder son of Sundara Chozhan.
The story is set in motion with Vandiyathevan sets out as a trustworthy messenger sent by the reigning Prince Aditha karikalan to the emperor Sundara chozhan and later on to princess, Kundavai, sister of Aditakarikalan and Arulmozhivarman. And so, the travel starts from Kanchi to Tanjore and to Sri Lanka, where Arul mozhi varma resides.
Notable characters of Ponniyin Selvan:
(Ponnaiyn Selvan = Son of River)
(Ponni = river; Selvan = Son)
Vallavaraiyan Vandiyathevan:
Though the hero of the novel is Arulmozhivarman the story takes its travel with Vallavarayan Vandiyadevan. His friendship with both princes especially with Arulmozhivarman is highlighted and his poetic romance and love with Kundavai, the princess adorning the novel. In order to support Princess Kundavai and the crowned head, the author oversees the role of a shrewd personality.
Aditha karikalan:
Aditakarikalan, the firstborn of Sundara Chozha king defeated Veerapandyan of Pandya dynasty at the Chevur battlefield at a young age claiming the title of Veerapandiyan Thalai Konda Kopara Kesari. After this triumph, Aditakarikalan was appointed the prince of the Empire, and he plays a pathos role in PS because of the mystery surrounding his death, which may have been the result of murder or suicide. Aditakarikalan fell in love with Nandini earlier when he was young prior to going in for a battle against Veerapandyan who the father or brother of Nandini is. He is unknown of the relationship and is claimed head of Veera pandiyan. Aditakarikalan, a great warrior who won his first war in Chevur at the age of 16 ends his life on a tragic note.
Arulmozhivarman – the Ponniyin Selvan
Historically known as Rajaraja Chozha I and all been well known him after Tanjai periya kovil. Arulmozhivarman is a favorite among the Chozha people. The people are crazy about the idea of having him take over as the Chozha Emperor and rule their country in place of Sundarachozha, but Arulmozhivarman will only accept the throne under his sister's coercion.
Kundavai Pirattiyar:
Although all of the female characters in PS are given equal attention throughout the book, the heroine Kundavai, the sister of Aditha Karikalan and Arulmozhivarman, is perhaps the most prominent one. She was widely regarded as the most powerful woman among the three Kundavai Pirattiyars mentioned in the Chozha literature. She was given the title Vallavaraiyar Vandhiyathevar Pirattiyar Aazhvar Parantakan Kundavai Pirattiyar in the Thanjavur temple inscriptions. Regarding the book's romantic subgenre, the author made a wise choice in selecting the most well-developed love couple, Vandhiyathevan and Kundavi.
Nandini – the Pazhuvur Queen:
Nandini, a made-up fictional created by Kalki for Ponniyin Selvan, the imaginative novelist explores the myriad mysteries that surround her life story. she is the most beautiful but complex character narrated in this literature.
The twins Nandini and Maduranthagan were born to mute women Mandagini (Sundarachozha's daughter in Sri Lanka) and Veerapandiyan.
Poonkuzhali:
Poonkuzhali also nicknamed Samudhirakumari by Arulmozhivarman, is brave, and beautiful, and turns out to be the queen of the Chola Empire after wedlock with Utthamachozhar.
Vanathi
Vanathi the princess of Kodumbalur and wife of Arulmozhivarman.
Aazhvaarkadiyan (Thirumalai Appan)
Aazhvaarkadiyan (Thirumalai Appan) is an ardent devotee of God Vishnu and spy of the minister, Anirudha Brahmarayar.