This novel deals with the attempts of the son of (fictional) Chola king Parthiban, Vikraman, to attain independence from the Pallavaruler, Narasimhavarman.
Tamil 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.
Parthiban Kanavu is kind of succession of Sivagamiyin Sabatham and is a branch story that deals with Chola King Parthiban's son Vikrama who eventually will marry Kundavai, the daughter of Mamallar.
When compared to Ponniyin Selvan, neither of the above stories have the depth, even though they are good in their own rights.
Very interesting sequel to the part 1, The civilized behavior of Narasimha Pallaar Is very inspiring. He does not look upon the wife of Chola. Parthipan with hatred or contempt but with respect due to a queen. The secret of Sivanadiar continues. Incorgible pMarappan continues his vicious scheme. It looks like alli knows who is the sivanadiar.
This book is much appreciated after reading சிவகாமியின் சபதம். Although this book is awesome, it's certainly third best after சிவகாமியின் சபதம் & பொன்னியின் செல்வன்.
Kalki is one among the greatest storytellers Tamil literature has ever seen. One could visualise the scene while reading. Just like in Ponniyin Selvan.