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பொன்னியின் செல்வன் #5.1
Ponniyin Selvan - The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1
The first volume of the fifth part in the series Ponniyin Selvan, deals with the life of Prince Arulmozhivarmar who is Ponniyin Selvan and the younger brother of crown prince Aditha Karikalan.
274 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
207 people are currently reading
2439 people want to read
About the author
Kalki Krishnamurthy
294 books894 followersTamil language Novel Writer, Journalist, Poet & Critic late Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy also known as ‘Kalki’. He derived his pen name from the suffixes of his wife name Kalyani and his name Krishnamurthy in Tamil form கல்யாணி and கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி as Kalki (கல்கி). His name also represents “Kalki avatar”, the tenth and last avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy’s witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of ‘Kalki’, ‘Ra. Ki’, ‘Tamil Theni’, ‘Karnatakam’ and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki’s circulation touched 71,000 copies – the largest for any weekly in the county then – when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy’s witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of ‘Kalki’, ‘Ra. Ki’, ‘Tamil Theni’, ‘Karnatakam’ and so on.
The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki’s circulation touched 71,000 copies – the largest for any weekly in the county then – when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 15, 2016
Wow !! That was a massive stretch of 2000+ pages altogether !! Totally worth the time and pure bliss to read it in Tamil coz it has the Kalki's touch !!
November 11, 2012
One of the best book I have ever read... Its really unbelievable how the author has maintained the suspense and intrigue for over 2000 pages.... Hats off to Kalki.. One of my friends told me that this book deserves a place in our Pooja shelf... And after reading it I would say that its by no means an exaggeration..
May 29, 2021
The plot is excellent, but omg so much repetition in the story telling :(
April 4, 2022
Some jaw dropping stuff happens... This volume has so much heart-rending action and I can't believe there is still one more volume to go.
December 14, 2012
Even translated this whole series of Ponniyan Selvan gets a 4.5 for plot, odd & diverse character development, and a sense of humor throughout! This is a -- in occidental comparison a chivalrous romance novel a la style de Dumas, but is set in the 10-11th century Southern India and has all the components of court/country intrigue, interior heart plots of vengeance and love, and lush scenery -- novel by Kalki a 20th century master of story telling & reformer of identity for Tamil Nadu & Tamils after mind-numbing Colonial civilizing influence back into integration with a new identity based on past glorified history of the region & it's literature (as this novel series depicts, the region was always divided with different identities with Tamil-ness being a post-independence work in progress). What I wish Kalki had done is be more explicit about how much factual historical research versus imagination went into this series.
I am told Kalki's language is gorgeous & appropriately different for each character's background in the original Tamil & would love to read it one day, if found, in the original. For now this is the most immediately accessible way for non-Tamil readers to discover the beauty & complex nature of life in the southern tip of Indian sub-continent over 10 centuries ago -- from which we have gorgeous bronzes, temples, and literature to substantiate existence of those interesting societies. Could we learn from them if we stopped romanticizing them?
I am told Kalki's language is gorgeous & appropriately different for each character's background in the original Tamil & would love to read it one day, if found, in the original. For now this is the most immediately accessible way for non-Tamil readers to discover the beauty & complex nature of life in the southern tip of Indian sub-continent over 10 centuries ago -- from which we have gorgeous bronzes, temples, and literature to substantiate existence of those interesting societies. Could we learn from them if we stopped romanticizing them?
December 9, 2015
A must read series for the people who wants to know about chola dynasty
August 23, 2025
reading ponniyin selvan every summer is a ritual like to me. each volume feels like returning home, to the days where my mom will sit with me and read every athiyayam, her voice ever so gently narrating the story like music. she is my first audiobook, my first entry into this world. now that i’m a grownass kid, she won’t narrate it to me anymore, so i pick it up myself. and still, i get awestruck by this saga, its grandeur, its characters, its essence. honestly, no words are enough to capture what this series means to me.
side note: nandhini is such a diva, if i were a character from this book, i too would lose my morals, my mind, and d word for her… maybe even destroy a whole kingdom 🚬
side note: nandhini is such a diva, if i were a character from this book, i too would lose my morals, my mind, and d word for her… maybe even destroy a whole kingdom 🚬
November 29, 2022
Even better than the movie (and I thought the 2022 PS1 was amazing!) This is must read Indian historical fiction and thanks to the English translation, Kalki’s masterpiece is available to audiences outside the Tamil-speaking world. With beautiful descriptions, vivid characters, and a swiftly progressing plot, this is a classic that stands the test of time. Perfect to read if you’re looking to something to help bridge the wait between the two new movies based off the novel.
June 2, 2023
Reread to contradict my impression that the Maniratnam/Jeyamohan/Kumaravel script for PS-2 had too much new, made-up action. Turns out, they stuck astonishingly close to the key events and details of Kalki's masterpiece, only making some mysteries more explicit than in the book.
The book itself is absurdly (in a good way) densely-packed with action and pivotal events. Interestingly, it relies heavily on Nature (tsunami, floods, fires) to create key confluences of characters (something missing from the movie).
Yet another confirmation (like with Agatha Christie) that a great storyline will outlive its genre writing and can be readily reused with rounded characters and snappier dialogue.
The book itself is absurdly (in a good way) densely-packed with action and pivotal events. Interestingly, it relies heavily on Nature (tsunami, floods, fires) to create key confluences of characters (something missing from the movie).
Yet another confirmation (like with Agatha Christie) that a great storyline will outlive its genre writing and can be readily reused with rounded characters and snappier dialogue.
June 19, 2017
Excellent book every tamil speaking person should read. If you can read Tamil,then please read it Tamil. From here onward assuming you are reading in Tamil. A captivating novel by Kalki that takes you places from India to Sri Lanka to the south and eastern islands. Extraordinary articulation of ancient times but at the same time using words that you can understand from current age. Everything is there, love, trust, obedience, betrayal, friendship, hate, anger, lust etc. Recommend to anyone if they had only one book to read in their lifetime. Ramanan Arampamoorthy
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June 14, 2014Pinnacle of sacrifice
October 12, 2015
Evergreen Tamil classic with fantasy and historical accuracy intertwined appropriately
October 15, 2015
Great Historical novel!!!
January 28, 2016
The fifth book (Part 1) of Ponniyin Selvan
January 25, 2017
Such a great book.... no words to explain it...wonderful twist... great people... undeterred enemies... vengeance... and what not ...
May 28, 2017
That moment of joy and sadness that a book series you love ended...
June 2, 2017
Great book of kalki. My first book in entire life. I'm so impressed
August 28, 2022
Book 1 and Book 5 has been the best of the series, a gripping ending to the series
May 22, 2025
Ponniyin Selvan: The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1 is more than the beginning of a great tale—it's an introduction to a vast empire, a complex web of ambition, love, revenge, and loyalty. As the opening installment of Kalki Krishnamurthy's classic Tamil masterpiece, this volume lays the groundwork for one of the most engaging and long-standing historical sagas ever written in Indian literature.
From the very first chapter, the reader is hurled into the pulse of the Chola dynasty, a powerful South Indian empire on the brink of transformation. Kalki’s mastery of narrative pace is evident as he unveils the court’s political unrest, rival factions, and dangerous ambitions through the eyes of Vandiyathevan—the charming, clever, and often impulsive messenger-knight. Vandiyathevan is the perfect vehicle for us to be transported into the majesty and mystery of the Chola kingdom. His interactions are natural, his queries our own, and through his mischief and bravery, we gain access to palace intrigue that would have remained hidden behind palace gates.
It is what makes this edition so thoroughly engrossing that it does so seamlessly merge historical fact and fictional imagination. Kalki does not reduce history to a mouldy backdrop; instead, he breathes life into it. The cities, the temples, the royal courts, and even the rivers have body and presence. The reader is immersed not only in sights and sounds but in the politics of inheritance and the burden of royalty. Every character—from the vain and hot-headed Aditya Karikalan to the regal and steel-sharp Kundavai—embodies the struggle between personal desire and dynastic duty.
One of the highlights of this volume is the figure of Nandhini, a woman of overwhelming beauty and intellect who stands at the crossroads of revenge and ambition. Kalki eschews cliché—Nandhini is no two-dimensional villainess but a deeply etched character shaped in pain, betrayal, and brilliance. She is a fine foil to Kundavai and presents a silent conflict of intellect and ideology between two vastly different women vying for power in a male-dominated court.
Despite being the beginning of a much larger epic, The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1 already raises the stakes high. Themes of loyalty versus ambition, truth versus perception, and sacrifice as a political and emotional currency are all woven into the dialogue and character choices. Kalki’s language—elegant, often poetic—is elevated further by a skilled translation that retains the rhythm and richness of the original Tamil while making it accessible to modern readers.
It's significant that while this book is replete with palace intrigue, strategic marriages, and mounting tension, it demands the reader's investment. The tale is intricate, with numerous plot threads set up early that won't unfurl and intersect until later books. Some readers may find the pacing deliberate, especially if they're new to historical epics. But patience is richly rewarded. Every dialogue is laden, every minor-seeming character potentially vital to a future plot twist.
One of the other strengths of the book is how it honours women as change-makers. Whether it is the subtle manipulation of royal policy by Kundavai, or Nandhini's silent power plays, the book grants dignity and space to its women characters—a luxury in most retellings of history.
Final Verdict:
Ponniyin Selvan: The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1 is a dense, cerebral, and profoundly moving introduction to a story that moves through not just kingdoms but interior worlds. For lovers of Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo, or Indian mythology and royal history, this book is an invitation to a world you will never wish to leave. Kalki's genius lies not only in spinning an unforgettable yarn, but in also making us realize that history's greatest sacrifices were not always on battlefields—they were in silence, in corridors, in hearts torn between love and loyalty.
From the very first chapter, the reader is hurled into the pulse of the Chola dynasty, a powerful South Indian empire on the brink of transformation. Kalki’s mastery of narrative pace is evident as he unveils the court’s political unrest, rival factions, and dangerous ambitions through the eyes of Vandiyathevan—the charming, clever, and often impulsive messenger-knight. Vandiyathevan is the perfect vehicle for us to be transported into the majesty and mystery of the Chola kingdom. His interactions are natural, his queries our own, and through his mischief and bravery, we gain access to palace intrigue that would have remained hidden behind palace gates.
It is what makes this edition so thoroughly engrossing that it does so seamlessly merge historical fact and fictional imagination. Kalki does not reduce history to a mouldy backdrop; instead, he breathes life into it. The cities, the temples, the royal courts, and even the rivers have body and presence. The reader is immersed not only in sights and sounds but in the politics of inheritance and the burden of royalty. Every character—from the vain and hot-headed Aditya Karikalan to the regal and steel-sharp Kundavai—embodies the struggle between personal desire and dynastic duty.
One of the highlights of this volume is the figure of Nandhini, a woman of overwhelming beauty and intellect who stands at the crossroads of revenge and ambition. Kalki eschews cliché—Nandhini is no two-dimensional villainess but a deeply etched character shaped in pain, betrayal, and brilliance. She is a fine foil to Kundavai and presents a silent conflict of intellect and ideology between two vastly different women vying for power in a male-dominated court.
Despite being the beginning of a much larger epic, The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1 already raises the stakes high. Themes of loyalty versus ambition, truth versus perception, and sacrifice as a political and emotional currency are all woven into the dialogue and character choices. Kalki’s language—elegant, often poetic—is elevated further by a skilled translation that retains the rhythm and richness of the original Tamil while making it accessible to modern readers.
It's significant that while this book is replete with palace intrigue, strategic marriages, and mounting tension, it demands the reader's investment. The tale is intricate, with numerous plot threads set up early that won't unfurl and intersect until later books. Some readers may find the pacing deliberate, especially if they're new to historical epics. But patience is richly rewarded. Every dialogue is laden, every minor-seeming character potentially vital to a future plot twist.
One of the other strengths of the book is how it honours women as change-makers. Whether it is the subtle manipulation of royal policy by Kundavai, or Nandhini's silent power plays, the book grants dignity and space to its women characters—a luxury in most retellings of history.
Final Verdict:
Ponniyin Selvan: The Pinnacle of Sacrifice, Vol. 1 is a dense, cerebral, and profoundly moving introduction to a story that moves through not just kingdoms but interior worlds. For lovers of Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo, or Indian mythology and royal history, this book is an invitation to a world you will never wish to leave. Kalki's genius lies not only in spinning an unforgettable yarn, but in also making us realize that history's greatest sacrifices were not always on battlefields—they were in silence, in corridors, in hearts torn between love and loyalty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
Catch Ponniyin Selvan fever after watching the film? You're not alone. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the movie adaptation, the original text is rich, nuanced, and definitely worth the read. Kalki Krishnamurthy‘s magnum opus is an intricate tale of palace intrigue, romance, and adventure loosely based on the ascension of Chola King Rajarajan. And, despite being first published over 65 years ago, it stands the test of time.
The story opens with Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan as he travels along the Ponni River (known today as the Kaveri), through the Chola kingdom, bearing a special message for the emperor from the Crown Prince. Before he makes it to Tanjavur, the Chola capital, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot to challenge the line of succession.
In the first novel of the five part series, Kalki masterfully sets the stage and introduces dozens of characters, each with their own competing interests. Interspersed throughout the story are flashbacks that flesh out the characters further and contextualizes the power struggle. Even the "villains" have understandable, even relatable motivations. Equal attention and care is given to the female characters, who have their own agency. Though they are bound by the societal rules of their time, they are not solely defined by the men around them.
Kalki balances the progression of the plot with detailed descriptions of each city and village you visit along the way. You really do feel transported to a bygone era, with lush riverbanks and soaring palaces (and if you're anything like me, it will make you want to book a flight ticket and follow Vandiyadevan's path - road trip anyone?). However, at no point do the descriptive passages or characterization work cause the story to drag. The novel moves at a brisk pace from the first scene and the suspense builds as you get deeper into the plot and the threat to the emperor heightens. I can't wait to begin part two!
*A note on translation: While the translator Pavithra Srinivasan did a fantastic job, I recommend reading or listening to the original Tamil version if either is accessible to you.
The story opens with Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan as he travels along the Ponni River (known today as the Kaveri), through the Chola kingdom, bearing a special message for the emperor from the Crown Prince. Before he makes it to Tanjavur, the Chola capital, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot to challenge the line of succession.
In the first novel of the five part series, Kalki masterfully sets the stage and introduces dozens of characters, each with their own competing interests. Interspersed throughout the story are flashbacks that flesh out the characters further and contextualizes the power struggle. Even the "villains" have understandable, even relatable motivations. Equal attention and care is given to the female characters, who have their own agency. Though they are bound by the societal rules of their time, they are not solely defined by the men around them.
Kalki balances the progression of the plot with detailed descriptions of each city and village you visit along the way. You really do feel transported to a bygone era, with lush riverbanks and soaring palaces (and if you're anything like me, it will make you want to book a flight ticket and follow Vandiyadevan's path - road trip anyone?). However, at no point do the descriptive passages or characterization work cause the story to drag. The novel moves at a brisk pace from the first scene and the suspense builds as you get deeper into the plot and the threat to the emperor heightens. I can't wait to begin part two!
*A note on translation: While the translator Pavithra Srinivasan did a fantastic job, I recommend reading or listening to the original Tamil version if either is accessible to you.
March 22, 2020
Just finished the Ponniyin Selvan series. Phew! what a series! 2000+ pages 😓about the Chola dynasty. Amazing writing and the story is full of intrigue and mystery. If the translation is this good, I wonder how good the Tamil literature would be. The description of the places is literally so good, I am really hoping to travel to Tanjore and Sri Lanka and the complete route. The character building and the world building is excellent literally makes you time travel. My favourite character is the flawed Peria Pazuvatriyar, his character is so crazy good in the series.
I enjoyed Pavithra Srinivasan's translation a little better compared to Karthik Narayanan. Since she has not released the last 3 books, I picked up Karthik's books. Dont get me wrong, Karthik's translations are extremely good, somehow Pavithra has a bit of a poetic edge in the first 3 books. Must read book guys, Highly recommend it. ✊🏼
For non Tamil readers, the names are really difficult and I don't understand why in Tamil to English 'La' is substituted with 'Z'. I read half of the series wrong and realized it only after the audiobook.The romance is very corny, over dramatic and cringy...almost skipped those pages.
I enjoyed Pavithra Srinivasan's translation a little better compared to Karthik Narayanan. Since she has not released the last 3 books, I picked up Karthik's books. Dont get me wrong, Karthik's translations are extremely good, somehow Pavithra has a bit of a poetic edge in the first 3 books. Must read book guys, Highly recommend it. ✊🏼
For non Tamil readers, the names are really difficult and I don't understand why in Tamil to English 'La' is substituted with 'Z'. I read half of the series wrong and realized it only after the audiobook.The romance is very corny, over dramatic and cringy...almost skipped those pages.
May 2, 2021
Aha! I thought this would happen.
The unexpectedly brave characters turned out to be Vanathi and Manimekalai.
The unexpectedly brave characters turned out to be Vanathi and Manimekalai.
Currently reading
September 20, 2022Here’s an excerpt from the first volume which you can see take its form in Kallai Mattum Kandal song from Dasavatharam..
Katroonaip pootti kadalir paaichinum
Natrunaiyavadhu Namachivayave!
Even though the praise by Saivaite in the novel addresses him being tied to a stone pillar; the movie adapted version has Kamal tied himself to a sculpture of Siva since that will enable the portrayal of the true Saivaite be able to live in the presence of Siva himself! Brilliance, Kamal!
Katroonaip pootti kadalir paaichinum
Natrunaiyavadhu Namachivayave!
Even though the praise by Saivaite in the novel addresses him being tied to a stone pillar; the movie adapted version has Kamal tied himself to a sculpture of Siva since that will enable the portrayal of the true Saivaite be able to live in the presence of Siva himself! Brilliance, Kamal!
April 17, 2023
The entire anthology should be titled Pinnacle of historical fiction. The amount of historical research that went to it is momentous and warrants special plaudits. Interesting to think that both LotR and Ponniyin Selvan were completed in 1955 and both ended with extended epilogues (Scouring of the Shire) explaining the fate of our beloved characters.
10/10 would recommend and want to read it all over again.
10/10 would recommend and want to read it all over again.
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November 4, 2022One of the all time best reads !!! this is a classic that very vividly brings the Chola rule in India - right in front of our eyes ... Published before many decades - this book would challenge any best seller for sure !!! a must read for those who want a thriller weaved in the politics of the yester years !!!
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June 8, 2020One the best book but it may make our patience to lose and Vandhiyadevan nailed it by his travel, comic sense n entertain the people n with love of Kundavai they both form a quiet cute couples along with Amuthan and Ponguzhali .....
It's worth to read more than once 😍
It's worth to read more than once 😍
March 29, 2022
Just worth the hype ❤️
A complete roller coaster ride of 2000 pages.
I am still stuck in the Chola era. Just blown by the way the author has maintained the suspense at the end of each chapter …. A true masterpiece
A complete roller coaster ride of 2000 pages.
I am still stuck in the Chola era. Just blown by the way the author has maintained the suspense at the end of each chapter …. A true masterpiece
August 25, 2022
Volume 1 of the final part is frenetically-paced but doesn't go light on character buildup. Brief sojourns into the past draw interesting strokes on many major players. The stage is set for a final showdown with all but two (☹️) departed characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 8, 2020If you want to get the best experience about reading a good book then you have to read this magic book
June 19, 2020
என் வாழ்வில் எத்தனை புத்தகங்கள் படித்தாலும் என்றும் முதல் இடத்தில் வசிக்கும் புத்தகம் பொன்னியின் செல்வன்
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews