Sivakamiyin Sabadham Book 1: Paranjyothi's Journey

by Kalki

Tyranny and cruelty may accomplish a great many things, but surely not such beautiful works of art? One may force his subjects to till the land; weave cloths or even pay taxes – but by no means can anyone be forced towards creativity. A child may cry at being beaten, but never sing; blow upon blow may make it run, but never dance.

Countless empires and cities have flourished before this and crumbled into dust. Pataliputhra, Ujjaini, Hasthinapura – all these were renowned in their time and yet, where are they now? The Pallava Empire may vanish into nothingness some day – but your empire of art, the one you have created in stone and carved so richly, will never be destroyed, will it? As long as Thamizhagam exists, as long as divine Thamizh flourishes amidst its people, your sculptures will rule a magnificent empire of their own!”

there will be a thousand sculptors like me in the future, able to chisel with extraordinary talent, but our names will not stay in history; they will vanish into the mists of the past, just like those of others before me. But your blessed name, Sire, and that of your son, Kumara Chakravarthy, will stay etched in the annals of history forever!”