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First Flood
A SCINTILLATING NEW TRANSLATION OF THE CLASSIC TAMIL NOVEL.
Vallavarayan Vandiyadevan, a scion of the Vaanar clan, sets out across the Chozha land to deliver a secret message from Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan. Does he manage to safely deliver this message? Or does he get trapped in the sinister royal conspiracy that he unwittingly uncovers on his journey?
The interest that Ponniyin Selvan generated when it was first serialised in Kalki, and the manifold increase in circulation of and subscription to the magazine, saw it published in multiple volumes soon after. Critics used the term ‘Kalki Tamil’ to describe its style where slang alternates with scholarship, wordplay with ecstatic prose and vivid imagery.
Kalki’s words are crafted with care, his prose is lyrical and his linguistic manipulations are difficult to move into another tongue. Nandini Krishnan rises to the challenge by going back to the original text and rendering it anew without condensing or paraphrasing the narrative—devices that are apparent in the existing translations.
For ease of reading, and because every chapter is a cliff-hanger, with plot twists and turns befitting an airport read, each of the original five volumes has been divided further, into shorter books that are easy to hold and carry around.
Volume One, The First Flood, introduces us to the world of the Cholas and quite incredibly marries a page-turner of a story with travelogue and history.
‘Kalki’ is the pen name of Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy (1899-1954), whose career in writing and journalism began as activism during the struggle for Indian independence. He served as editor of the popular Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan before launching Kalki. The magazine—and eventually its founder—was named for the mythological tenth avatar of Vishnu to symbolise a vision to ‘destroy regressive regimes, express radical thoughts, take readers into new directions, and create a new era’. Kalki wrote several novels, including Parthiban Kanavu and Sivakamiyin Sabadam, as well as political essays, film reviews, dance and music critiques and scholarly work.
Vallavarayan Vandiyadevan, a scion of the Vaanar clan, sets out across the Chozha land to deliver a secret message from Crown Prince Aditya Karikalan. Does he manage to safely deliver this message? Or does he get trapped in the sinister royal conspiracy that he unwittingly uncovers on his journey?
The interest that Ponniyin Selvan generated when it was first serialised in Kalki, and the manifold increase in circulation of and subscription to the magazine, saw it published in multiple volumes soon after. Critics used the term ‘Kalki Tamil’ to describe its style where slang alternates with scholarship, wordplay with ecstatic prose and vivid imagery.
Kalki’s words are crafted with care, his prose is lyrical and his linguistic manipulations are difficult to move into another tongue. Nandini Krishnan rises to the challenge by going back to the original text and rendering it anew without condensing or paraphrasing the narrative—devices that are apparent in the existing translations.
For ease of reading, and because every chapter is a cliff-hanger, with plot twists and turns befitting an airport read, each of the original five volumes has been divided further, into shorter books that are easy to hold and carry around.
Volume One, The First Flood, introduces us to the world of the Cholas and quite incredibly marries a page-turner of a story with travelogue and history.
‘Kalki’ is the pen name of Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy (1899-1954), whose career in writing and journalism began as activism during the struggle for Indian independence. He served as editor of the popular Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan before launching Kalki. The magazine—and eventually its founder—was named for the mythological tenth avatar of Vishnu to symbolise a vision to ‘destroy regressive regimes, express radical thoughts, take readers into new directions, and create a new era’. Kalki wrote several novels, including Parthiban Kanavu and Sivakamiyin Sabadam, as well as political essays, film reviews, dance and music critiques and scholarly work.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
290 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2023
33 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 21, 2024
This was so gooood! It’s like GoT set in South India and with almost all real characters! Nandini Krishnan’s impeccable translation helps so many of the non-Tamil readers to access this magnum opus.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
June 24, 2023
Ponniyin Selvan stands as prime example of how overlooked brilliant Indian literature is. Though the series is hugely popular in Tamil readers, it deserves greater audience. A political-historical fiction, the story is set against the Chola empire of a millennium back and revolves around the plotting and planning that goes into empire making. The first book in the series primarily traces the path of a quick-witted , battle-ready messenger entrusted with the task of relaying messages between the members of royal family and a much deeper political conspiracy he un-wittingly unspools. Not only is the narrative deeply engrossing in itself, the detailed and lyrical writing style keeps the reader entertained. It is packed with a plethora of characters, beautiful descriptions of the countryside and palaces, a dash of speculative astrology and cleverly written dialogues and yet makes for an quick and easy read. My only complain would be that the greyness of characters is not sufficiently brought out and I will let it pass trusting that it will go away as the story gets more intricate in subsequent installments.
As for the translation, although this is the only version I have read, it leaves me happy and satisfied. There should however be a list of major characters or dynasty charts to aid the reader as books of this kind usually do. The only major concern the reader should have is that only the first installment is out yet and given the publisher and author plan to break the original 5 volume series into 10 parts, it will be few years at least before you get your hands on all of them. So one might want to explore other translated versions.
As for the translation, although this is the only version I have read, it leaves me happy and satisfied. There should however be a list of major characters or dynasty charts to aid the reader as books of this kind usually do. The only major concern the reader should have is that only the first installment is out yet and given the publisher and author plan to break the original 5 volume series into 10 parts, it will be few years at least before you get your hands on all of them. So one might want to explore other translated versions.
May 15, 2023
-Of Warriors & Palace Intrigues-
Written by Kalki almost 60 years ago, Ponniyin Selvan was published as a five part series. The book one here is translated by Nandini Krishnan.
As is the central conflict behind so many landmark historical works of fiction, this one too has a throne and many people hatching plans, backstabbing friends or simply waiting in line to get hold of it.
Chola (Choza in book) ruler is not well and his ailment has led to a lot of suspicion and intrigues.
Vandiyadevan, a friend of the Crown Prince Aditya , is entrusted with a task of delivering a message. His journey becomes the reader's journey and through his eyes we see the story unfold.
The men here are mostly warriors, the yardstick of their character and strength are the wars they have fought and number of scars they carry on their bodies.
Kalki has written quite powerful characters too. The chief antagonist, Pazhavur Queen, is said to have mesmerizing beauty. Yet, as described by Vandiyadevan, when he looked at her face not delight but a profound terror and revulsion came upon him.
Kundhavai, the daughter of Chola empire, is a political mastermind, a badass at work to thwart the scheming ministers and cousins.
The study is dotted with passages upon huge temples that still stand on the soil, making the reader want to go and have a look at the monuments.
This one is epic in both, conception and execution.
Written by Kalki almost 60 years ago, Ponniyin Selvan was published as a five part series. The book one here is translated by Nandini Krishnan.
As is the central conflict behind so many landmark historical works of fiction, this one too has a throne and many people hatching plans, backstabbing friends or simply waiting in line to get hold of it.
Chola (Choza in book) ruler is not well and his ailment has led to a lot of suspicion and intrigues.
Vandiyadevan, a friend of the Crown Prince Aditya , is entrusted with a task of delivering a message. His journey becomes the reader's journey and through his eyes we see the story unfold.
The men here are mostly warriors, the yardstick of their character and strength are the wars they have fought and number of scars they carry on their bodies.
Kalki has written quite powerful characters too. The chief antagonist, Pazhavur Queen, is said to have mesmerizing beauty. Yet, as described by Vandiyadevan, when he looked at her face not delight but a profound terror and revulsion came upon him.
Kundhavai, the daughter of Chola empire, is a political mastermind, a badass at work to thwart the scheming ministers and cousins.
The study is dotted with passages upon huge temples that still stand on the soil, making the reader want to go and have a look at the monuments.
This one is epic in both, conception and execution.
June 1, 2024
Kalki's first part of Ponniyin Selvan follows Vandiyadevan of the Vaanar clan, who's on a mission to give an important message to King Sundar Chola in Thanjavur. The message was by Aditya Karilan, the king's son, leading the northern army.
To reach the king, Vandiyadevan has a long way to go, and to his surprise, the revelations of secrets and conspiracies startle him. The appearance of a shooting star invites speculations concerning the King's health.
During Vandiyadevan's stay at his friend's place, he learns about the conspiracies of Pazhuvettaraiya. His paths cross with Kundavai, the King's daughter, but he is unaware of her identity. Through Azhwarkadiyan Nambi, Vandiyadevan understands that the young wife of Pazhuvettaraiya is Azhwarkadiyan's sister.
Vandiyadevan reaches the palace in Thanjavur, all thanks to Nandini, but will he be able to meet the king and give him the important message?
The first part of Ponniyin Selvan introduces the King's children, Aditya Karikalan, Kundavai, and Arunmozhi Varman. The plot revolves around the idea of who would be the next king. First Flood sets a beautiful narrative for the readers to go ahead, and understand the next parts.
Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/f/first...
To reach the king, Vandiyadevan has a long way to go, and to his surprise, the revelations of secrets and conspiracies startle him. The appearance of a shooting star invites speculations concerning the King's health.
During Vandiyadevan's stay at his friend's place, he learns about the conspiracies of Pazhuvettaraiya. His paths cross with Kundavai, the King's daughter, but he is unaware of her identity. Through Azhwarkadiyan Nambi, Vandiyadevan understands that the young wife of Pazhuvettaraiya is Azhwarkadiyan's sister.
Vandiyadevan reaches the palace in Thanjavur, all thanks to Nandini, but will he be able to meet the king and give him the important message?
The first part of Ponniyin Selvan introduces the King's children, Aditya Karikalan, Kundavai, and Arunmozhi Varman. The plot revolves around the idea of who would be the next king. First Flood sets a beautiful narrative for the readers to go ahead, and understand the next parts.
Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/f/first...
October 15, 2024
My best read this year. It’s so poetic and so good that it’s very hard to put it down. Given a chance I would’ve completed it just in one day.
Ponniyin Selvan is like one of the Greatest Indian epics. It is in the lines of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Given it’s historical fictional setting, it’s a must read for everyone.
I’ve seen the movie already but can vaguely remember anything. I could hardly remember few shots and actors. Maybe that’s the reason I find the book more compelling to read although very little to relate. However the few characters’ faces just popup whenever I come across their names.
Got to know that the author is planning to make the entire series as a set of 10 books. However only three were released. I just can’t withstand the thought of waiting for few more years to get my hands on all the others.
It’s one series which you can maintain in your library for ever.
Plot - 5/5
Setting - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Translation - 5/5
Looks like there’s nothing could go wrong with this epic series. 😍
Ponniyin Selvan is like one of the Greatest Indian epics. It is in the lines of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Given it’s historical fictional setting, it’s a must read for everyone.
I’ve seen the movie already but can vaguely remember anything. I could hardly remember few shots and actors. Maybe that’s the reason I find the book more compelling to read although very little to relate. However the few characters’ faces just popup whenever I come across their names.
Got to know that the author is planning to make the entire series as a set of 10 books. However only three were released. I just can’t withstand the thought of waiting for few more years to get my hands on all the others.
It’s one series which you can maintain in your library for ever.
Plot - 5/5
Setting - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Translation - 5/5
Looks like there’s nothing could go wrong with this epic series. 😍
February 20, 2025
At the beginning I had some trouble getting into the world of the book. All the talk of kings, the collectiveness of people and pride felt alien. But this book has a lyrical quality to it, so I was deep in the story after a point. That being said it felt a bit compressed, there were too many characters and too many things happening together. I have a feeling there is room for better pacing, the translator might've tried to do a lot in one go.
I'd need to read it once more to really get the story.
I'd need to read it once more to really get the story.
May 25, 2023
This was a very exciting read. I could barely put it down.
Vandiyadevan, a warrior of the Vaanar clan, sets out on a horseback journey across the Chozha (Chola) country to deliver a secret message to the king. On the way, he encounters strangers both compelling and suspicious, verdant country, and complex intrigues.
Kalki’s original is known for its beautiful blend of language and its soundscapes. I have not read this in Tamil, but the translator, Nandini Krishnan, has certainly managed to achieve some of this effect using evocative language. The translator’s Notes were a great way to bring out additional nuances of Tamil expressions without breaking the flow of the plot or language.
The plot itself is tight and rife with thrilling cliffhangers. The characters were etched with depth, and the atmosphere of the time was brought to life vividly. The original Ponniyin Selvan was released in serials. The division of these editions into volumes is a nice touch because it maintains the dramatic suspense of the serialised format. This was my first reading of Ponniyin Selvan, and I’m looking forward to the remaining volumes.
Vandiyadevan, a warrior of the Vaanar clan, sets out on a horseback journey across the Chozha (Chola) country to deliver a secret message to the king. On the way, he encounters strangers both compelling and suspicious, verdant country, and complex intrigues.
Kalki’s original is known for its beautiful blend of language and its soundscapes. I have not read this in Tamil, but the translator, Nandini Krishnan, has certainly managed to achieve some of this effect using evocative language. The translator’s Notes were a great way to bring out additional nuances of Tamil expressions without breaking the flow of the plot or language.
The plot itself is tight and rife with thrilling cliffhangers. The characters were etched with depth, and the atmosphere of the time was brought to life vividly. The original Ponniyin Selvan was released in serials. The division of these editions into volumes is a nice touch because it maintains the dramatic suspense of the serialised format. This was my first reading of Ponniyin Selvan, and I’m looking forward to the remaining volumes.
October 9, 2023
I admire Maniratnam movies and that's really how I got introduced to this Tamil epic. To simply state, the movie does no justice to the literary wilderness displayed by Kalki I'm his books. I'm currently reading the 3rd book and the reason it is taking time is only because I get lost in the beautiful trip that Kalki takes us with his expression of those times. Pause and wonder at this marvel. That's the best way to relish this masterpiece.
November 5, 2025
Loved the intense world-building and the charm of Tamil literature and lore brought forth by the one and only Kalki.
Want to read
May 7, 2023Mine is not a review and more of a question before I pick up this book. Why is there a 'hindutva flag' clearly at the center of the cover? What does this symbolism mean when there was possibly a different banner during the time of the Cholas. Is this again one of those books compromised by the re-written falsified history by the RSS ? Want to understand the clear context before I waste my time on this book. I am skeptical about this one as there already exists a translation by Karthik Narayanan. What is different about this translation?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews