Radhika

[thereader-radhika]

Bangaram your theme is just tooo pretty and beautiful I am in love !!!!

Thanks

[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?"

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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.’

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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]

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]

Shoot at Sight

Ravidasan : "Friends! Listen! We have work to do in Kanchipuram as well as in Lanka. We have sworn enemies in both places. But our greatest enemy, one more dangerous than these two, is Thirumalai, who calls himself Azhwarkadiyan. He is capable of destroying us and our cause completely. He's been trying to abduct Devi, our incomparable leader. The next person who meets him, no matter where it is or under what circumstances, must stab him in the chest with any weapon he has at hand and kill him. If you don’t have a weapon, strangle him, or trick him into consuming poison, or push him into a place where a crocodile can eat him up. Or persuade him to come with you to the top of a hill and push him down. Kill him without compunction as you would kill a scorpion, or a snake or a centipede. As long as he's alive, he’ll be a stumbling block to us.”

[thereader-radhika]

Karuthiruman, the Saviour of Cholas and Pandyas

If Kariya Thirumal/Karuthiruman hadn't heard the cries of baby Senthan Amudan, mute-deaf Vani Ammal would have buried the baby. He took Vani to Thirumaraikadu where they brought up Senthan Amudan. They returned to Pazhayarai after a few years (around 5 years) and Karuthiruman disappeared from their lives. It is a pity that Senthan had no recollection of the man who saved him.

Like other associates of Veera Pandyan, he too shows freakish amount of loyalty and he wanted to take little Maduranthakan to his father. He says he visited Veera Pandyan in the battlefield to report Mandakini's mental breakdown and pregnancy. Obviously this is how Ravidasan and Soman too learned about it. Karuthiruman was waiting to talk to the child and take him away quietly as forcefully kidnapping Kandharadithar's only (adopted) son was almost impossible.

It was only to tell you this that I came here many years ago. I was waiting for an opportunity to meet you alone and talk to you. Unfortunately, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar saw me in the palace garden, caught hold of me and threw me into the dungeon.

Karuthiruman stayed imprisoned for around 17 years because he couldn't give any reasonable explanation for sneaking around in the royal palace complex. He tried to escape by giving hints about Pandya crown jewels but everyone thought he is mad. One can say that he single-handedly reunited the Pandya prince with his people and the Chola prince with his family.

Magizhchi

Karuthiruman's story brings up a few questions too.

• Vanthiyathevan tells Kundavai that he overheard Azhwarkadian threatening him and Karuthiruman confessed that he is the father of Maduranthakan. Is there a possibility that  Karuthiruman too raped Mandakini? We don't know but everyone earnestly believes that the twins are Veera Pandyan's.

Moreover if Karuthiruman just wanted his own son, he didn't have to stay in the dungeon. He could have presented Senthan Amudan to Sembiyan Madevi and taken away the other boy.

• How could have Ravidasan explained this to his people? He was going with the narrative that Veera Pandyan accepted Nandini as his consort on his deathbed and the relatively new loyalists like Devaralan (Parameswaran) don't know anything about their messed up history. Ravidasan doesn't even look surprised when Alwarkadiyan tells Nandini about Mandakini's death. Just royal family things?

[thereader-radhika]

"If any of your cherished companions has a desire to marry me and sit on the Chozha throne, it will never come to pass. Tell them that is certain.” Ponniyin Selvan glimpsed Vanathi, who was hiding behind a pillar for a moment.

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Arulmozhi: If I agree, will you consent to my marrying the girl I like?

Kundavai: What are you saying? For twenty years, our wishes have never differed. Why do you ask my permission for this now?

Arulmozhi: Akka! I have a reason. Shouldn’t the girl I marry help me to realize my dreams?

Kundavai: Thambi! You want a girl to help you realize your dreams?

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Arulmozhi: Vanathi! Let us make a pact. Before I leave, I will place a garland around your neck, as you wish. In return for that marriage garland, you must wait for me with a flower garland every time I come back from a foreign country. You must greet me with a garland of victory every time I return to the beat of the victory drums after I have planted the tiger standard in far off countries across the seas.

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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Arulmozhi realised that his sister will not allow 'a girl' to grow more influential than her. Kundavai herself has many dreams which she hopes to fulfill through her brothers and she wants to be the main influence in their lives. She will be forced to live as a normal (privileged) woman like her mother or the numerous wives of other powerful chieftains without the liberal support and endorsement of the men in her family.

Arulmozhi also adjusts his 'concepts' accordingly. His dreams about his wife go from an active partner who helps him to realise his goals to someone who fulfills traditional gender roles like welcoming him when he returns from campaigns. The active political roles will be handled by the sister of course.

Arulmozhi - Kundavai relationship and the underlying dynamics are based on Kalki's own family. We have no historical record about the personal equation between Rajaraja Cholan and his siblings. Arulmozhi Varman is a self-insert with a lot of wish-fulfilment fantasies on the side.

Kalki was the youngest child of Ponnu (official name: Ramasamy) Iyyer, the one who almost drowned as a child in a water tank and the father of a Rajendran.

Kalki's kutti Rajendran

As he saw himself as the prachara ezhutthaalar (propagandist) of Gandhian politics, Arulmozhi Varman too behaves in uncharacteristic ways for a 10th c. prince.

Kalki was engaged to another woman in his youth but that alliance was cancelled due to his political activities (independence struggle). Later at 25, he married a 14 year old girl who was illiterate at the time of marriage. He had to become not only her husband, but a teacher and guide too.

[thereader-radhika]

8-CHERAMAR PERUMAL

Chapters 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7 || Character Index

Though the coronation was conducted on small scale without the usual celebrations, they all were in a festive mood. Veera Pandyan's pattamahishi Panchavan Madevi and junior queens distributed pearl jewellery and silk clothes to the soldiers. Ravidasan too got a few necklaces, rings and clothes. Jatilan's sisters' marriages were fixed and the attendants of the princesses distributed specially made sweets to everyone. It was the first time that he met the princesses who were usually looked after by the female guards.

Even when he received a birudam, Ravidasan was unable to enjoy it or concentrate fully on the festivities. Sundara Cholan was living rent free in his head. The Emperor introduced Ravidasan and other guards to his grandfather who gifted them gold bangles and red silk shawls which they tied to their waist on the behalf of his son, the reigning Perumal.

Ravi Varmar joked that Ravidasan should be suspended from service because people might think that Veera Pandyan has no respect for his grandfather if they hear him calling out for "Ravi". He almost burst into tears but Ravi Varmar laughed and assured him that it was just a joke. Sometimes the old king dispensed wisdom like a seasoned statesman and behaved like a not-so-cute puppy at other times.

Nonetheless, when Menandros said that Ravidasan should go ahead of the main contingent and make arrangements to escort Ravi Varmar in his journey across the Pandya nadu, he felt very proud. But his enthusiasm turned to confusion when he saw the itinerary. Cheramar will conduct prayers for Uttama Seeli's salvation and Sundaran's safety. After that, they need to go to the northern border where the old king will be recieved by Cholas. Can't he pray for Cholas from their territory? Whose side is he really on?

"I guess he will then visit Iratta Mandalam and exchange pleasantries with Kannara Devan too".

"Right. Perumal is planning to go to Thirumunaipadi after paying a visit to Paranthakan".

"Forgive me if I am wrong. There are no permanent friends and enemies in politics. Yet . . . isn't this a bit excessive?"

"When Maravarmar first wore the crown, I was younger than you. Chakravarthy too was young and longing to conquer the whole world. Do you know what did we do first?"

"Sacked Kodumbaloor?"

"No, first we went to Kongu and plundered Vanchi. This Ravi Varmar was a prince then. We were successful, but he chased us away. At last we had to go to the same man begging for asylum ".

Everyone knew that story. After Paranthakan defeated him, the Emperor fled to Lanka and deposited the crown jewels there. Later he went to Ravi Varmar, who had ascended the throne by then. He was given asylum and a younger princess in marriage.

"So, behave. Don't utter anything disrespectful".

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

"It is Iravi Kothai, not Goda Ravi. When you are making the proclamation in Tamil, you must use the Tamil form of the name".

"I know".

"Is the abhishekanamam still applicable even after abdication? Is it right to call him the King of Kings of all nadu from Kolathu Nadu to Ay Nadu? "

"Yes".

"Don't forget to call our Veera Pandyar 'Ugra Chakravarthy' and 'Veera Keralan'.

"Anipathi, why don't you do your duty and let me do mine? I know how to make a proclamation", the annoyed herald was throwing a tantrum. Ravidasan asked him to write down the complete announcement and show it to Pallavaraiyar. He was hoping that the herald was worth all this trouble because he too was unsure about the titles.

The village head returned with the girls who are supposed to take arathi and shower flowers when the dignitaries enter the village.

"Children, show this annan how will you welcome our Emperor's grandfather".

Oh god! They were holding plates filled with leaves. Before he could say anything, they started their rehersal by throwing leaves everywhere.

"Fabulous! Perfect! Now my sweet angels, please sweep the floor and clean all these".

Another irksome matter that perturbed him was the lack of curd. As they didn't give enough notice to the villagers, they were unable to produce enough curd to feed the troops. Though he made sure that there will be enough curd and buttermilk for the dignitaries, it will be embarassing if Perumal's aayiram tell this to their Chola brethren.

He stationed the guards across the border and some villagers near the adjacent forest area. Let the soldiers with Pallavaraiyar perform the ceremonial duties. Luckily, the visit was uneventful and pleasant. There was a group of girls and soldiers performing the Guard of Honour to welcome the king at the other side. The Chola herald announced the titles of their King, guest and the dignitaries who were present to welcome him- Ravi Varmar's sister, Paranthakan's Udaiya Pirattiyar Kilanadigal and a Perumpatai Nayakan Velan Kumaran.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as the Cheramar's retuine and the Chola troops disappeared into the distance. Tired soldiers and the villagers who made the arrangements sat down to have dinner. Ravidasan was so tired that he felt like lying down right there and sleeping. But he couldn't forget Perumal's parting words.

"We will never meet again".

@willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior @sampigehoovu @sambaridli @celestesinsight @sakhiiii @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa

Aayiram (The Thousand) - Bodyguard regiment of Chera Perumal

Pattum Valayaum - Gifting silk cloth and gold bangle to honour people participating in rituals, priests, soldiers and martial arts teachers is a custom in Kerala. After independence, only private entities give such gifts.

[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 *********

[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]

India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States . . .

Why are we 'abandoning' India and our legacy? We can't pretend that we will go back to some imaginary golden age if we stop calling our country 'India'. The poverty, caste divisions, class oppression, gender issues, infighting, colonisation, etc are the part of our history and will continue to be so. Yes, some mythical characters or historical people who had the backing of people in power might have enjoyed exceptional privileges but that doesn't mean that everyone had an idyllic or even comfortable life.

Those who want India to be called Bharat, only Bharat and nothing else, claim that they are reclaiming some tradition or past they are proud of because they are ashamed of the ground realities.

They are not particularly bothered about about Greeks calling Sindhu Indós and the people Indoi. By that logic we can't have names like 'Sikkander' (Alexander) either. They are pissed off that real India isn't and wasn't the utopia of their dreams. We can develop our country further only by fostering a secular society with scientific temper. That needs decades or centuries of collective effort. No individual, political party or government will get credit for that. Such a population isn't going to dance to the tunes of reactionary politicians who thrive by promoting hate and fear. Gimmicks like this can be conveniently used to impress people who can then convince themselves that they are living in the legacy of their dreamland.

Some people need justifications from Hindu texts for anything and everything. This is for them:

The mythical King Bharata, the son of Shakuntala, rejected his own 9 sons because they were unworthy to become the rulers of the country he painstakingly developed. I wish all the people who claim his legacy had the courage to reject the ridiculous proposals of the unworthy idiotic* politicians and stop electing them. You know, just like the great Bharata, not 'evil secularists' or 'dirty commies'.

Edit:

*Most politicians aren't idiots like their 'subjects'. They know what they are doing. The desire to fill their pockets and bolster their power takes precedence over working for the welfare of the people. As genuine social workers and politicians are seldom rewarded, they don't have much incentive either.

[thereader-radhika]

I am going mad . . .

When I read Ponniyin Selvan, I imagined Aditha Karikalan to look like this but with expensive clothes and gold jewellery.

This is a still from the 1991 Malayalam movie Perumthachan. He 👆🏽played Kannan, the son of Raman Perumthachan who was probably the Chief Architect of Tanjai Temple. The master carpenter (Perumthachan) is a legendary figure in Kerala and many temples and other structures are attributed to him.

See, we Malayalis always had trendy hairstyles.

Kannan is a great craftsman and a rebel who questions the existing norms and social hierarchy. He is also involved in an intercaste, inter class love affair to the disapproval of all families.

Reverse Nandini-Karikalan situation as he is a carpenter and she is nobility.

I am a kid, but I am going to lecture you.

I am sexy and I know it.

I am feeling feelings and I don't know what to do with them.

I am a lost cause.

Isn't Kunjikkavu stunning?

Kannan's muse and ladylove, Kunjikkavu Thampuratti (Princess) 😍 She was played by Monisha Unni who passed away in 1992. She won the National Award when she was just 16.

But you know what? I always thought that this actor is Sanjay Mitra, who played Rishyashringan in another Malayalam movie.

I know I am dumb, but you really can't blame me. These guys share the same moodboard.

But yesterday I realised that I was wrong. How the hell could this happen? This is Prashanth!!!

Prashanth was the first Tamil superstar from the 90s. Perumthachan was his second movie and he was just 17 years old in it. 'Top Star' Prashanth grew up into a young man and always had a very suave urban look in his Tamil films. That's why I couldn't recognise him. Unfortunately, his career fizzled out due to some career missteps and the rise of Vijay and Ajith.

And the most funny thing about this is that Prashanth is the cousin of Vikram who ended up playing Aditha Karikalan.

I am not joking. Prashanth's father Thiagarajan and Vikram's mother Rajeshwari are siblings. The families aren't on talking terms for some reason. I heard that it is because Rajeshwari had an inter-religious marriage without their permission. Meanwhile, Prashanth had to get his marriage annulled because that lady was married to another man all along.

😮

Was this role always meant to go to someone in this family? Prashanth too was a Mani Ratnam hero, way back in 1993 (Thiruda Thiruda).

Now I want to check Santosh's family tree and see if he is related to them in any manner.

My sense of reality is shattered. It might take some time to recover from this. How do I deal with this?

@willkatfanfromasia @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher

[tranquilsightseer]

How My Mutuals See Me!

Game Idea: @girlbloggerbby

Tag 6 mutuals and they have to post 6 pictures (things, animal, place, character, food and song), portraying how they view/imagine/think of you.

No pressure Tags:

@dancingpotato @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @willkatfanfromasia @harinishivaa @cheolliepdf

And anyone and everyone, if interested.

Tag me back if you want me to do this for you.

[thereader-radhika]

Cat is the niece 🥰

[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.

[sowlspace]

unnai kaatilum enakku yaarum perudu alla.. ❤️‍🩹 (you mean more to me than my own life)

[kaalbela]

Bandhani (Hindi: बांधणी, Gujarati: બાંધણી) is a type of tie-dye textile decorated by plucking the cloth with the fingernails into many tiny bindings that form a figurative design. The term bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word bandh which means "to bind or "to tie"). Today, most Bandhani making centers are situated in Gujarat and Rajasthan in India and Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. Earliest evidence of Bandhani dates back to Indus Valley Civilization where dyeing was done as early as 4000 B.C. The earliest example of the most pervasive type of Bandhani dots can be seen in the 6th century paintings depicting the life of Buddha found in the caves of Ajanta.

The process involves dyeing a fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points. Dyeing is done by hand and bright primary colours like red, yellow and green are predominantly used. A meter length of cloth can have thousands of tiny knots known as bheendi. These knots form a design once opened after the dye has dried.

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[kaalbela]

Baluchari (Bengali: বালুচরী) is a type of sari, a garment worn by women in Bangladesh and Indian States of West Bengal. Baluchari is known for depictions of scenes from Indian mythology and epics on the sari cloth. It originated in Murshidabad in West Bengal but presently Bishnupur and its surrounding areas of West Bengal are the only place where authentic Baluchari saris are produced.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century Baluchari was developed in a small village called Baluchar in Murshidabad district, from where it got its name. After a flood of the Ganga river and the subsequent submerging of the Baluchar village, the industry moved to Bishnupur. The specific art forms inspired by the temples of Bishnupur and the scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted on their walls started to influence Baluchari weaving. During the Mughal and British eras they also often depicted scenes satirizing the decadent lifestyles of the Nawabs and officers of the East India Company.

The production process of one Baluchari takes up to one week to finish. The yarn is boiled in a solution of soda and soap and then dyed in acid colour, according to the requirement of the sari. The yarn is stretched from both the sides in opposite directions putting some force with both palms to make the yarn crisper. Making of the motifs for 'pallavs' and other part of Baluchari is in itself an intricate process. The design is drawn on a graph paper, it is coloured and punching is done using cards. After punching, these cards are sewed in order and fixed in the jacquard machine. After the jacquard loom has been introduced, the weaving of a Baluchari sari takes five to six days.

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[kaalbela]

Kalamkari is a type of hand-printed or or block-printed cotton textile produced in Isfahan, Iran, and in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Only natural dyes are used in Kalamkari. Dyes for the cloth are obtained by extracting colors from various roots, leaves, and mineral salts of iron, tin, copper, and alum. Various effects are obtained by using cow dung, seeds, plants and crushed flowers to obtain natural dye. To create design contours, artists use a bamboo or date palm stick pointed at one end with a bundle of fine hair attached to this pointed end to serve as the brush or pen. This pen is soaked in a mixture of jaggery and water; one by one these are applied, then the vegetable dyes are added.

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