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The Battle of Vathapi #1
Battle of Vathapi: Nandi’s Charge
In Nandi’s Charge, the first book of the Battle of Vathapi series, author Arun Krishnan takes us through the riveting tale of preparations on the Pallava side for an eventual campaign against Pulikeshi and the Chalukyas. A young king, Narasimhavarman, is out to keep a promise made to his dying father. Can the young lion keep his word?
At the dawn of the 7th century CE, Bharat was a land in ferment, politically, socially and ideologically. It was a time of great religious revival. Santana Dharma was trying to reassert itself with the start of the Bhakti movement in the South. King Harsha at Kannauj, King Pulilekeshi at Vathapi and King Narasimhavarman at Kanchi loomed large over the Indian political horizon at that point.
At the dawn of the 7th century CE, Bharat was a land in ferment, politically, socially and ideologically. It was a time of great religious revival. Santana Dharma was trying to reassert itself with the start of the Bhakti movement in the South. King Harsha at Kannauj, King Pulilekeshi at Vathapi and King Narasimhavarman at Kanchi loomed large over the Indian political horizon at that point.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
507 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2021
15 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Arun Krishnan
4 books27 followersDr. Arun Krishnan has studied and lived in different cities across India, USA, Singapore and Japan, before putting down roots in Bangalore. He started off with a degree in Engineering and a doctorate, and went on to work in IT, High performance computing, Bioinformatics, computational biology and HR analytics. He has worked at various corporations, research institutes and also in academia as an Assistant Professor of Computational Biology. And then, just to shake things up, Arun went for an MBA and turned entrepreneur. He is a polyglot and is conversant in Tamil, English, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese and Kannada. He loves to sing and plays the guitar, keyboard and percussion instruments. He is also an amateur historian and enjoys visiting historical places. While he has over fifty articles in journals, conferences and book chapters, he has just written his first work of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 29, 2022
One of the best historical fiction, I have read after a long time. Last time i got the same feel when I was reading Ponniyin Selvan and Sivagymin Sabadham series by Kalki and Gujarat trilogy by K.M. Munshi. Now I am eagerly waiting for 2nd volume of Battle of Charge. I can't believe this is Arun Krishnan first book. It is evident that ample amount of research had gone into this and to weave fiction to historical facts. There are so many multi dimensions and multi layers which keep you on edge of your seat. Sometime you even sympathize with the antagonist. There are a lot of cultural references in this book about the various religions that existed during that period. Whenever the author introduces a character or a place in this story, he makes me to visualize them through his description. The way the author takes the story line makes us feel that we are actually passing through the historic period and the way he describes the seas and thick jungles are astonishing. Map is also provided in this book, which is very important considering the level of story is going on. Every page of this book keeps you glued. The narration of thriller moments in the story is the USP of this book.
March 12, 2022
A historical fiction set in the reign of Samrat Harshavardhan around 460 CE. It is the first book by the author, Arun Krishnan, and is the first part in the trilogy. If you have read Kalki ji’s Sivakimyin Sabadham or are aware of the famous siege of Kanchi by Pulikeshi, King of Chalukya dynasty, you have a basic premise of the book in that case.
This book is a tribute to Kalki ji and his magnum opus. It opens up where the defeated King of Kanchi, Mahendravarman is on deathbed and made his son to promise him that he will complete his unfinished business – a) Complete the construction of the temple town Mamallapuram, and b) take revenge on the Lord of Vatapi, Pulikeshi.
The mighty generals of Mamala, the young king of Kanchi, has chalked an intriguing plan to fulfil the late Maharaja’s second promise. Per the plan, now their chosen soldiers are going to span the land of Bharatvarsha from Maurya empire in the north to Lanka in the south, in a game of intrigue and political maneuvers.
The story traverses through the various might kingdoms, their vassals and key alliances. The author takes the readers from the empire of Maurya, Chalukya, Pallava, Pandya, Chola, et al, and they get to meet an array of interesting characters during this journey.
It has a fast-paced narration, and the story moves between different kingdoms and characters with each chapter. The author has shown his command over both the story-telling and character development making them come alive on the pages; and it is amazing to think that it is only his first book.
As the playground of the story is as vast as the Bharatvarsha, the writer demonstrates his ability in portraying the nature, each kingdoms’ mighty cities with their great architectural triumphs and humble villages; all with equal ease.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the word go and now waiting eagerly for the second one. If you are looking for a perfect book to unwind after a tiring week, this is the one. The writing style has a fun side to it which goes on to show that the author was enjoying himself writing it as much as I loved it while reading it.
Highly recommended, go for it and enjoy.
This book is a tribute to Kalki ji and his magnum opus. It opens up where the defeated King of Kanchi, Mahendravarman is on deathbed and made his son to promise him that he will complete his unfinished business – a) Complete the construction of the temple town Mamallapuram, and b) take revenge on the Lord of Vatapi, Pulikeshi.
The mighty generals of Mamala, the young king of Kanchi, has chalked an intriguing plan to fulfil the late Maharaja’s second promise. Per the plan, now their chosen soldiers are going to span the land of Bharatvarsha from Maurya empire in the north to Lanka in the south, in a game of intrigue and political maneuvers.
The story traverses through the various might kingdoms, their vassals and key alliances. The author takes the readers from the empire of Maurya, Chalukya, Pallava, Pandya, Chola, et al, and they get to meet an array of interesting characters during this journey.
It has a fast-paced narration, and the story moves between different kingdoms and characters with each chapter. The author has shown his command over both the story-telling and character development making them come alive on the pages; and it is amazing to think that it is only his first book.
As the playground of the story is as vast as the Bharatvarsha, the writer demonstrates his ability in portraying the nature, each kingdoms’ mighty cities with their great architectural triumphs and humble villages; all with equal ease.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the word go and now waiting eagerly for the second one. If you are looking for a perfect book to unwind after a tiring week, this is the one. The writing style has a fun side to it which goes on to show that the author was enjoying himself writing it as much as I loved it while reading it.
Highly recommended, go for it and enjoy.
August 18, 2022
It was only later while I was reading other books that I realised how much I truly enjoyed reading this one. It left me with a massive book hangover.
The whole book came alive for me. I was right there amidst all the strategising and the action. I could hear the pitter patter of the rain drops, no part of the book felt dreary at any point of time.
There was one minor minor track that I found super annoying and which I am royally ignoring because of how amazemax the rest of the book is.
While I did find the names of places and all the characters koncham tough to keep up with, the map and the list of main characters at the beginning of the book helped me stay on track. If not, I might have taken forever to finish this. Having said that, I do wish the maps given were a little more detailed.
AND. Completely surprised by how much the central male characters of the book appealed to me. Like 🫶🏾
Grateful for the dark skinned characters. Nothing against lighter skinned ones, just that as someone with a dusky skin tone, I have seen enough and experienced(ing) first hand, the whole ‘fair is lovely’ beauty trope. So, unabashedly celebrating the duskiness of the main characters here.
I wish this came out as a 1500-2000 paged epic, instead of parts 1, 2, 3 and all. Is that too much to ask for? 😔
#Indica1000ReviewerBookClub
The whole book came alive for me. I was right there amidst all the strategising and the action. I could hear the pitter patter of the rain drops, no part of the book felt dreary at any point of time.
There was one minor minor track that I found super annoying and which I am royally ignoring because of how amazemax the rest of the book is.
While I did find the names of places and all the characters koncham tough to keep up with, the map and the list of main characters at the beginning of the book helped me stay on track. If not, I might have taken forever to finish this. Having said that, I do wish the maps given were a little more detailed.
AND. Completely surprised by how much the central male characters of the book appealed to me. Like 🫶🏾
Grateful for the dark skinned characters. Nothing against lighter skinned ones, just that as someone with a dusky skin tone, I have seen enough and experienced(ing) first hand, the whole ‘fair is lovely’ beauty trope. So, unabashedly celebrating the duskiness of the main characters here.
I wish this came out as a 1500-2000 paged epic, instead of parts 1, 2, 3 and all. Is that too much to ask for? 😔
#Indica1000ReviewerBookClub
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April 17, 2022Battle Of Vathapi: Nandi's Charge
Author: Shri Arun Krishnan
Published by : Garuda Prakashan
Genre: Historical Fiction
What thought came to your mind when you read the words "Genre: Historical Fiction" above? Well, it might wary due to the different kinds of literature you have been exposed to. This trilogy of books is set around 640 CE, around the time frame of the actual Battle of Vathapi, which involved The Pallavas and The Chalukyas and their allies. This book is a set-up for the war. The Pallavan King, Mammalla (also known as Narasimhavarman), wants to fulfil two promises he has made to his dying father, the former king, Mahendeavarman. The first wish is to complete his dream project of building wonderfully sculpted temples along his kingdom's shorelines (present-day Mahabalipuram). The second wish is to reconquer Pullalur, which they had lost to the Chalukyas a decade or so ago. In this book, we see the Pallavas gathering all their allies and (re)building connections for the upcoming inevitable war against the Chalukyas. Commander Paranjyothi(Commander-in-chief of the Pallavas) sets Elango, Muthuvel and Kannan on different paths to meet with rulers of different kingdoms and others to build alliances. Their journeys and the setbacks they face is the plot of the book.
Every second book has an endorsement from someone well known and credible these days. I recognise some names and more often than not, I don't. What surprised me here was that I recognised all the names that have given an endorsement to this book and I respect them all very much. That made me want to read the book without even reading the blurb.
One of the author's biggest strengths according to me, is world-building. The book literally grabs and transports you to the 7th century along with the characters. The book is really descriptive, I remember reading about the ongoing constructions at Mahabalipuram and I felt as if I have been transported to the place. This is an incredible feat, especially as this is the author's first delve into fiction.
The book is a fast-paced multi-narrative, with a LOT of characters. If you are a beginner, you might have a problem keeping up with the characters and the characters list at the beginning of the book does help to an extent. But if you are a fairly advanced or even intermediate level reader who reads Song of Ice and Fire or Ponniyin Selvan, this should not at all be a problem. The book is mostly written in chronological order, but I did get confused where one incident is repeated from different perspectives.
The battle planning and strategy is something that blew my mind. I will not discuss this further, read the book to know what I am talking about.
The characters are fantastically written as well. The three central characters, their side characters, everyone is written about brilliantly. I personally liked the two female characters as well. Sanghamitra and Indumati, are actually very essential to the plot and don't only act as masala for the plot. Sanghamitra is kind of a bad-ass actually, pardon the language.
The book has everything, history, story, thrill, romance everything. But none of it seems forced. I have read books that try adding several elements to one book but the attempts are very half-hearted. This book on the other hand does not feel so. Even the romance (which in general I'm not a big fan of) builds naturally and doesn't feel forced.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and i am eagerly waiting for the next part. I can even see this trilogy potentially developed for the big screen, it certainly has the potential. Will Highly recommend it if you enjoy reading the genre.
Author: Shri Arun Krishnan
Published by : Garuda Prakashan
Genre: Historical Fiction
What thought came to your mind when you read the words "Genre: Historical Fiction" above? Well, it might wary due to the different kinds of literature you have been exposed to. This trilogy of books is set around 640 CE, around the time frame of the actual Battle of Vathapi, which involved The Pallavas and The Chalukyas and their allies. This book is a set-up for the war. The Pallavan King, Mammalla (also known as Narasimhavarman), wants to fulfil two promises he has made to his dying father, the former king, Mahendeavarman. The first wish is to complete his dream project of building wonderfully sculpted temples along his kingdom's shorelines (present-day Mahabalipuram). The second wish is to reconquer Pullalur, which they had lost to the Chalukyas a decade or so ago. In this book, we see the Pallavas gathering all their allies and (re)building connections for the upcoming inevitable war against the Chalukyas. Commander Paranjyothi(Commander-in-chief of the Pallavas) sets Elango, Muthuvel and Kannan on different paths to meet with rulers of different kingdoms and others to build alliances. Their journeys and the setbacks they face is the plot of the book.
Every second book has an endorsement from someone well known and credible these days. I recognise some names and more often than not, I don't. What surprised me here was that I recognised all the names that have given an endorsement to this book and I respect them all very much. That made me want to read the book without even reading the blurb.
One of the author's biggest strengths according to me, is world-building. The book literally grabs and transports you to the 7th century along with the characters. The book is really descriptive, I remember reading about the ongoing constructions at Mahabalipuram and I felt as if I have been transported to the place. This is an incredible feat, especially as this is the author's first delve into fiction.
The book is a fast-paced multi-narrative, with a LOT of characters. If you are a beginner, you might have a problem keeping up with the characters and the characters list at the beginning of the book does help to an extent. But if you are a fairly advanced or even intermediate level reader who reads Song of Ice and Fire or Ponniyin Selvan, this should not at all be a problem. The book is mostly written in chronological order, but I did get confused where one incident is repeated from different perspectives.
The battle planning and strategy is something that blew my mind. I will not discuss this further, read the book to know what I am talking about.
The characters are fantastically written as well. The three central characters, their side characters, everyone is written about brilliantly. I personally liked the two female characters as well. Sanghamitra and Indumati, are actually very essential to the plot and don't only act as masala for the plot. Sanghamitra is kind of a bad-ass actually, pardon the language.
The book has everything, history, story, thrill, romance everything. But none of it seems forced. I have read books that try adding several elements to one book but the attempts are very half-hearted. This book on the other hand does not feel so. Even the romance (which in general I'm not a big fan of) builds naturally and doesn't feel forced.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and i am eagerly waiting for the next part. I can even see this trilogy potentially developed for the big screen, it certainly has the potential. Will Highly recommend it if you enjoy reading the genre.
January 2, 2022
Move over Ashok Banker, slide over Ashwin Sanghi, roaring into this space with his historical fiction is Arun Krishan with Nandi’s Charge the first book of the trilogy “Battle of Vatapi”.
I just finished reading it and the plot is gripping and very well written. The simplicity and freshness of the story-telling style that he has adopted makes it an easy read.
He has also researched the book well and being from the region, I could actually relate to the places in the book.
His description of the events have sufficient details for the reader to form a picture but not overbearing so as to impinge upon the readers visualisation of the plot.
Can’t wait for the next one to be released.Battle of Vathapi: Nandi’s Charge
I just finished reading it and the plot is gripping and very well written. The simplicity and freshness of the story-telling style that he has adopted makes it an easy read.
He has also researched the book well and being from the region, I could actually relate to the places in the book.
His description of the events have sufficient details for the reader to form a picture but not overbearing so as to impinge upon the readers visualisation of the plot.
Can’t wait for the next one to be released.Battle of Vathapi: Nandi’s Charge
February 5, 2023
This is a historical fiction by Arun Krishnan, first of a series. The crux of the story is centred around 7th century southern part of Bharatha, when it was ruled by Pallavas, Pandyas, Gangas, Chalukyas etc. Though the author acknowledges that this book is tribute of sorts to Kalki’s books (Sivagamiyan Sabadham), I can observe an unmistakable influence of Kalki (Ponniyin Selvan) in the style of narration. Crisp, quick and gripping, the story proceeds at a fair pace keeping the reader engaged.
The liberal usage of colloquial words like Thambi, Gurukale, Palagai etc makes the read comforting. For those not familiar with these words, there are references provided with detailed meaning.
One observation about the Kindle version. The references in the form of numbers set as superscript are not uniform. In some cases, the numbers are plain text, while in others, superscript works fine.
The story is set in the time period where the famous temples of Mammallapuram / Mahabalipuram were being constructed. The characterisation is bound to draw comparisons with Ponniyin Selvan. For example, the description of Muthuvel could be compared with the initial characterisation of Madhurantakan. The story unravels as 3 major threads across the same timeline in 3 different geographies, all intricately connected with each other. Geographical descriptions are quite rich with quite a bit of local dialect added in for quite a good effect.
The story is told at a quite a good pace with no long monologues or dull periods. Historical fiction, specially set in southern India are bound to draw comparisons with the magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan. Though the complexity is not of the same order, the author has done a commendable job holding the narrative together. As the crescendo builds up towards the conclusion of the book, the 3 different narratives across various geographies, but in same timeline, are captured in an enchanting manner.
The book ends in an amazing, exciting crescendo with the reader wanting more and more. The ending of this book is almost perfect with various threads hanging in balance. I am not sure if it’s intended to be, but this is a movie material book. Eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
If you are fan of historical fiction, you should be reading this book. Excellent Read.
The liberal usage of colloquial words like Thambi, Gurukale, Palagai etc makes the read comforting. For those not familiar with these words, there are references provided with detailed meaning.
One observation about the Kindle version. The references in the form of numbers set as superscript are not uniform. In some cases, the numbers are plain text, while in others, superscript works fine.
The story is set in the time period where the famous temples of Mammallapuram / Mahabalipuram were being constructed. The characterisation is bound to draw comparisons with Ponniyin Selvan. For example, the description of Muthuvel could be compared with the initial characterisation of Madhurantakan. The story unravels as 3 major threads across the same timeline in 3 different geographies, all intricately connected with each other. Geographical descriptions are quite rich with quite a bit of local dialect added in for quite a good effect.
The story is told at a quite a good pace with no long monologues or dull periods. Historical fiction, specially set in southern India are bound to draw comparisons with the magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan. Though the complexity is not of the same order, the author has done a commendable job holding the narrative together. As the crescendo builds up towards the conclusion of the book, the 3 different narratives across various geographies, but in same timeline, are captured in an enchanting manner.
The book ends in an amazing, exciting crescendo with the reader wanting more and more. The ending of this book is almost perfect with various threads hanging in balance. I am not sure if it’s intended to be, but this is a movie material book. Eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
If you are fan of historical fiction, you should be reading this book. Excellent Read.
January 5, 2022
Nandi’s Charge by Arun Krishnan is an extraordinary piece of history fiction, where the author literally drives us through the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Pandyas, Chalukyas. The storyline is thrilling, the pace is fantastic, and the reader is on the edge of his/her seat absorbing the thrills, and imagining what next! At several places in the novel the author demonstrates his care for details that are nuanced and distinct. The writing is lucid and so vivid, readers can almost visualize the time, description of settings, the characters and mannerisms.
Having read this book, I look forward to the next in the trilogy planned by the Author!
I highly recommend this book for all
Having read this book, I look forward to the next in the trilogy planned by the Author!
I highly recommend this book for all
January 23, 2022
I loved the book....
Story (Fiction) is set to time where the Pallavas are begining their ascent of sorts....
Loved the play of characters.... Certain portions of the books , could see it play out infront of the eyes...
For folks not familiar with south Indian name (More so Tamizh & Kanada) it could take some time for the names to settle in your head....
Very well written and highly recomend it..... and I am so looking forward to the next two parts of the triology
Caveat: The author is a dear friend, and that bias notwithstanding , thoroughly enjoyed the book
Story (Fiction) is set to time where the Pallavas are begining their ascent of sorts....
Loved the play of characters.... Certain portions of the books , could see it play out infront of the eyes...
For folks not familiar with south Indian name (More so Tamizh & Kanada) it could take some time for the names to settle in your head....
Very well written and highly recomend it..... and I am so looking forward to the next two parts of the triology
Caveat: The author is a dear friend, and that bias notwithstanding , thoroughly enjoyed the book
January 8, 2022
Pallava, Chalukya, Pandya, Ganga Politico Action Thriller. Nandi's Charge is a Page Turner. Finished from 8 pm to 6 am. Well etched characters, lucid flow of events, good mix of strategy, action & emotions. Unobstrusively good english. Plot is rooted in reality. Mass Movie Material. Looking forward to next part. 👌👏
August 1, 2022
What a way to start a series! This book certainly does not appear to be the first book of someone 🙂. The principal protagonist appears only in a guest role, that makes it all the more eager for the second book. The flow of the story is easy to follow and easy to understand. I appreciate the author's choice of words for describing people, costumes etc in Tamil. The beauty of this book is in the way you can connect with the characters. The way the villages and towns are described takes you back to the 7th century South India.
This book is wonderful, and I cannot wait for the second one, and the third one, and the fourth one 🙂 .
This book is wonderful, and I cannot wait for the second one, and the third one, and the fourth one 🙂 .
March 15, 2024
A beautiful journey to 7th century India where the Chalukyas, Pandyas, Gangas and their foe- Pallavas dominated the south(of vindhya) whilst the Vardhana’s dominated the north!
Set in the backdrop of the Pallava-Chalukya conflict, this fast-paced historical fiction is filled with strategies, guerrilla warfare, espionage, vengeance and romance.
Loved the way the author has used the royal emblems of the kingdoms as the title of his books!
Set in the backdrop of the Pallava-Chalukya conflict, this fast-paced historical fiction is filled with strategies, guerrilla warfare, espionage, vengeance and romance.
Loved the way the author has used the royal emblems of the kingdoms as the title of his books!
August 13, 2024
An exciting storyline centered on several simultaneous subplots featuring different characters, set at a time, place, and empires in history that have been neglected. I found the compressed 2-month long timeline of the plot a bit odd, but otherwise a thrilling ride overall. Looking forward to reading part 2 and 3.
January 19, 2024
This is a beautiful historical fiction set up in the southern Indian region. The story has its twists that are woven together in a rhythm of political complications and entangling relationships.
I particularly enjoyed the rendering portion of the story that explains the different points of view without revealing the secrets instated for a later date. Rooting for the next book to engulf my brain
Thank you @harpercollinsin and @authorarunkrishnan for the ARC copy
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
I particularly enjoyed the rendering portion of the story that explains the different points of view without revealing the secrets instated for a later date. Rooting for the next book to engulf my brain
Thank you @harpercollinsin and @authorarunkrishnan for the ARC copy
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
May 27, 2022
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝙈𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚. 𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤, 𝙋𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙. 𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙠𝙮𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮,”
⚔️The book - 1st in the Battle of Vathapi trilogy - is an espionage thriller story, set on the backdrop of the historical Pallava-Chalukya conflict which shook the south Indian politics in the 1st half of the 7th century.
641 BC, south India. After a decade of defeat in the battle of Palluru, the Pallava king Narasimhavarman is all set out to keep his promise made to his dying father to restore his kingdom to its former glory. The preparations for the eventual campaign against the Chalukyas of Vatapi began and accordingly 3 Pallava captains were sent to different parts of the country - Elango to Vardhan kingdom, Kanan to Ganga kingdom, and Muthuvel to Pandya and Simhala kingdoms - to form new alliances and weaken the Chalukya allies. Their journey and the numerous setbacks they face on the way to fulfilling the mission is the crux of the book.
⚔️The book is Arun Krishnan's debut novel and I'm quite impressed by his writing. He had beautifully crafted the plot around the actual historical figures and events, referring it what might have happened in the author's note. There are 3 parallel storylines running side by side and the use of multiple POVs keeps you engaged with all of them. His fast pace narratives and the constant twist and turns always keep you on the edge of your seat to know what will happens next. And his vivid descriptions and the map provided in the book will take you to 7th century south India.
⚔️There are lots of characters in the book; all of them are well written and a character list is given at the beginning of the book to remember them. The plot revolves around 3 main characters, Elango, Kanan, and Muthuvel. Besides them, there are 2 females - Sanghamitra and Indumati - worth mentioning in running the plot. I find the romance between Elango-Sanghamitra and Kanan- Indumati is well written. The characters of Sadaiyan, the thief companioning Muthuvel, and Naganandi, the Chalukyan spy-master pulling all the strings fascinated me, and I would like to read more about them in the next book.
⚔️This book is a tribute to the legendary Tamil author Kalki Krishnamurthy. Those who have read his works - Sivagamiyin Sapatham and Ponniyin Selvan will definitely find an uncanny similarity in their writing style - be it screenplay-like narrative, use of native Tamil words, or the cultural references to the various religions prevailing at that time period. But I find one difference - whenever his character visits a new place Kalki used to give a short background history of it, rooting the reader to that place - which I miss in Arun's writing.
Overall, Nandi’s Charge is a good read. To me, it is a fine addition to Indian historical fiction and I'm eager to read the next book. Anyone who had read Kalki's novels or likes to delve into South Indian history would like the book. Highly recommended.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
April 5, 2022
A riveting fictional tale based on the rich southern history and its various dynasties - Pallava, Chalukya, Pandya and the likes. The author taps into the history of each kingdom and its integral personages for the book's setting to make the storyline very plausible. It is primarily about the young Pallava King trying to fulfil his father's promise of restoring his kingdom to its former glory. He employs his finest to bring this task to fruition and this forms the crux of the plot. The story makes for a good spy thriller, with a few plot twists and if familiar with the history makes for a great visual.
The characters go on a journey in different directions to secure their missions which makes for an engaging read. The plot shifts between different sub-plots, which could leave the reader confounded if not paying particular attention. Nevertheless makes for a great read and also great story/conversation starter at dinner table. The author makes use of factual history to his advantage to create a compelling narrative, and this is a great way to engage the young generation with the history of Bharath.
The characters go on a journey in different directions to secure their missions which makes for an engaging read. The plot shifts between different sub-plots, which could leave the reader confounded if not paying particular attention. Nevertheless makes for a great read and also great story/conversation starter at dinner table. The author makes use of factual history to his advantage to create a compelling narrative, and this is a great way to engage the young generation with the history of Bharath.
August 22, 2022
I have read the historic book after a long time " A wonderful addition the pantheon of historic fiction " The book is by arun krishanan at the dawn of 7th century king harsha at kannauh king pulikeshi at badami
January 31, 2022
There are 3 parallel stories that are told in a "web-series" kind of way. Once you start reading the book you are transported to the 7th century CE and its politics. The author uses lots of Indian words to deliver an Indianness in the story telling. Like how R.K.Narayan transported his reader to the fictional village of Malgudi, Arun Krishnan transports his readers to 7th century Southern India and Sri Lanka. He seems to have thoroughly researched the history and culture of that time and this is brought out in his book. A wonderful read that will lead you to a torturous wait for the next book.
January 4, 2024
My Views - The story is set in 7th Century South India. The young Pallava King Narasimhavarman promises his dying father, Mahendravarman, that he will avenge the humiliating defeat inflicted upon them by Chalukya nearly a decade ago. Now, 3 valiant Pallava soldiers - Elango, Kannan and Muthuvel , embarks on a dangerous quest to form strategic alliances and to weaken Chalukyan allies - the Pandyas, Gangas and the Lankan forces. But there are many obstacles in their way.
The 3 Pallava soldiers faces unexpected and life threatening situations in their journey. Battles are fought, shocking secrets are revealed and even love blooms amidst the chaos. But despite all these, will the Pallava warriors succeed in their mission? Will King Narasimhavarman fulfill his oath?
Being from West Bengal, we hardly have read about the history of South India, just the overview of the Cholas, the Pallavas etc. Now, living here in Chennai, I get to know more about the history of Tamilnadu. So, when I started reading this book,I was really intrigued and interested and the book did not disappoint at all. The book is full of historical events and interesting facts also. The author has built the storyline based on facts and with his narration skills, he has given an amazing story. There are 3 parallel storylines running concurrently where we can see unexpected twists, dangerous plots, guerrilla warfare, escape tales, spy stories, love angles and even lies.
The book is a fast paced, page turning historical fiction. All the characters are very well crafted. The book , being the first one in the trilogy, has certainly set the stage for the next two books.
This book is a must read for every historical fiction lover.
The 3 Pallava soldiers faces unexpected and life threatening situations in their journey. Battles are fought, shocking secrets are revealed and even love blooms amidst the chaos. But despite all these, will the Pallava warriors succeed in their mission? Will King Narasimhavarman fulfill his oath?
Being from West Bengal, we hardly have read about the history of South India, just the overview of the Cholas, the Pallavas etc. Now, living here in Chennai, I get to know more about the history of Tamilnadu. So, when I started reading this book,I was really intrigued and interested and the book did not disappoint at all. The book is full of historical events and interesting facts also. The author has built the storyline based on facts and with his narration skills, he has given an amazing story. There are 3 parallel storylines running concurrently where we can see unexpected twists, dangerous plots, guerrilla warfare, escape tales, spy stories, love angles and even lies.
The book is a fast paced, page turning historical fiction. All the characters are very well crafted. The book , being the first one in the trilogy, has certainly set the stage for the next two books.
This book is a must read for every historical fiction lover.
January 10, 2024
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/01/bo...
Nandi’s Charge is the first book in The Battle of Vathapi series by author Arun Krishnan. A historical fiction novel set in seventh century India, the story begins with the young Pallava King Narasimhavarman promising his father Mahendravarman on his death bed about two things — avenge the Chalukyas for the defeat from two decades ago in Pullalur and build magnificent temples along the shoreline.
While the world believed that the King was busy building temples in Mamallapuram(now known as Mahabalipuram), three of the most competent Pallava captains are sent on three missions — Elango to forge alliances with the Pandyas and Gangas, Muthuvel to secure support from the exiled Lankan King, and Kannan to infiltrate the Chalukya capital, Vathapi, as a spy. Each of them had a different journey ahead navigating diverse route, terrain, and mission at hand.
The story impresses as it is narrated from the point of view of the generals and soldiers than the Kings, as it builds on the themes of loyalty and duty, rather than the ambition and egos of the rulers alone. The world building is impeccable as the reader will be carried to seventh century India — the Kingdoms, the war and spy tactics used in those times, the transport facilities that existed.
The story also reflects the politics of those times, how alliances were built and who betrayed whom. Along with the political landscape, the author builds the characters highlighting their individual struggles and growth over the timeline of the story. The story also explores the religious atmosphere, trade practises, scholars travelling the length and breadth of the country, et al.
The only drawback is the substantial number of characters which can be difficult to keep track of for novice readers. I tend to stay away from big books and those with many characters, but this book is an exception. The author has an amazing style of writing which is easy to follow even when the story has multiple threads running in parallel.
Since this is the first book in the series, it establishes the characters and the road ahead for them, while more action can be expected in the next parts, the looming war between the two most powerful dynasties — Pallavas and Chalukyas.
Overall, Nandi’s charge is a very well written book, especially in the historical fiction genre. Highly recommended.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/01/bo...
Nandi’s Charge is the first book in The Battle of Vathapi series by author Arun Krishnan. A historical fiction novel set in seventh century India, the story begins with the young Pallava King Narasimhavarman promising his father Mahendravarman on his death bed about two things — avenge the Chalukyas for the defeat from two decades ago in Pullalur and build magnificent temples along the shoreline.
While the world believed that the King was busy building temples in Mamallapuram(now known as Mahabalipuram), three of the most competent Pallava captains are sent on three missions — Elango to forge alliances with the Pandyas and Gangas, Muthuvel to secure support from the exiled Lankan King, and Kannan to infiltrate the Chalukya capital, Vathapi, as a spy. Each of them had a different journey ahead navigating diverse route, terrain, and mission at hand.
The story impresses as it is narrated from the point of view of the generals and soldiers than the Kings, as it builds on the themes of loyalty and duty, rather than the ambition and egos of the rulers alone. The world building is impeccable as the reader will be carried to seventh century India — the Kingdoms, the war and spy tactics used in those times, the transport facilities that existed.
The story also reflects the politics of those times, how alliances were built and who betrayed whom. Along with the political landscape, the author builds the characters highlighting their individual struggles and growth over the timeline of the story. The story also explores the religious atmosphere, trade practises, scholars travelling the length and breadth of the country, et al.
The only drawback is the substantial number of characters which can be difficult to keep track of for novice readers. I tend to stay away from big books and those with many characters, but this book is an exception. The author has an amazing style of writing which is easy to follow even when the story has multiple threads running in parallel.
Since this is the first book in the series, it establishes the characters and the road ahead for them, while more action can be expected in the next parts, the looming war between the two most powerful dynasties — Pallavas and Chalukyas.
Overall, Nandi’s charge is a very well written book, especially in the historical fiction genre. Highly recommended.
December 11, 2023
Nandi's Charge is a captivating first novel in the Battle of Vathapi trilogy by Arun Krishnan. It is a historical fiction and dramatized version based on the Battle of Vathapi between Pallavas and Chalukyas in Seventh century CE after the battle of Pullalur.
King Narasimhavarman promised his dying father and previous king, Mahendravarman to avenge the humiliation faced by them when Chalukyas defeated Pallavas a decade ago in the battle of Pullalur. To fulfill the dying king's wish, three courageous and astute Pallava warriors, Elango, Kannan and Muthu are sent to three different routes strategically with one goal- debilitate Chalukyas' confederates, i.e., the Gangas, the Lankans and the Pandyas.
Reading about the events leading to the battle was a delightful experience againt the backdrop of beautiful landscapes and temples of Kanchi, Mammallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) and Madurai. It was captivating to read about the characters, specially the warriors and spies like Naganandi, Sidhdharma, Devadutta etc. Ancient names of the places and thier references were fascinating for me and I annotated and googled all of them!
I would recommend this to all readers looking to read something engaging, fascinating and historical.
For detailed review of this book check my blog: https://theoccasionalbibliomaniac.wor...
King Narasimhavarman promised his dying father and previous king, Mahendravarman to avenge the humiliation faced by them when Chalukyas defeated Pallavas a decade ago in the battle of Pullalur. To fulfill the dying king's wish, three courageous and astute Pallava warriors, Elango, Kannan and Muthu are sent to three different routes strategically with one goal- debilitate Chalukyas' confederates, i.e., the Gangas, the Lankans and the Pandyas.
Reading about the events leading to the battle was a delightful experience againt the backdrop of beautiful landscapes and temples of Kanchi, Mammallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) and Madurai. It was captivating to read about the characters, specially the warriors and spies like Naganandi, Sidhdharma, Devadutta etc. Ancient names of the places and thier references were fascinating for me and I annotated and googled all of them!
I would recommend this to all readers looking to read something engaging, fascinating and historical.
For detailed review of this book check my blog: https://theoccasionalbibliomaniac.wor...
May 15, 2024
Historical fiction set around the 7th century Dravida land. The major kingdoms of the time periods are intertwined in the plot and it is a difficult to task to maintain a balance in the narrative so that none of them are made out to be evil villains, which the author has done exceptionally well.
The narration style is so close & familiar to us South Indians that I felt like being ensconced in the soft folds of my Patti's devendra saree while reading chapter after chapter.
The most important aspect of historical fictions, in my opinion, is the usage of the language, which even the pioneer contemporary English language writers of Indian historical fiction have failed, Shri. Arun Krishnan has nailed perfectly. The language is respectful, not flippant, no frivolous word used - big uptick from me just for this. Very Kalki-esque.
Only one thing I feel could be different is - how the chapters are organised. Each of the 3 plots is gripping, but there are long gaps before the thread is picked up again. While reading the book over the period of time, one has to go back and refresh the memory to make sense of the continuity.
Looking forward to completing the second book of the trilogy soon.
The narration style is so close & familiar to us South Indians that I felt like being ensconced in the soft folds of my Patti's devendra saree while reading chapter after chapter.
The most important aspect of historical fictions, in my opinion, is the usage of the language, which even the pioneer contemporary English language writers of Indian historical fiction have failed, Shri. Arun Krishnan has nailed perfectly. The language is respectful, not flippant, no frivolous word used - big uptick from me just for this. Very Kalki-esque.
Only one thing I feel could be different is - how the chapters are organised. Each of the 3 plots is gripping, but there are long gaps before the thread is picked up again. While reading the book over the period of time, one has to go back and refresh the memory to make sense of the continuity.
Looking forward to completing the second book of the trilogy soon.
December 18, 2023
Nandi's Charge is set in the Seventh Century CE, with the story revolving around three dynasties: the Pallava, Chalukya, and Vardhana. The story begins with a young Pallava king promising his dying father that he will avenge the humiliating defeat inflicted upon their clan by the Chaulakya about a decade ago. His plan of vengeance includes three captains embarking on different routes with different missions to accomplish. Will they succeed in their conquest? Nandi's Charge is all about their errors and hurdles to achieve their mission.
Comprising 514 pages distributed across 54 chapters, the story seamlessly alternates between the lives of three central characters: Muthuvel, Elango, and Kannan. The chapters end on such cliffhangers that it feels like watching a TV series, arousing curiosity to its peak. The author's vivid description of the map and route along the storyline takes readers to 7th Century South India. I liked how, even though Muthuvel, Elango, and Kannan were the lead characters, the author has created equally fascinating supporting characters in Snaghamitra, Indumati, and Sadaiyan. Although the book's main theme revolves around war and vengeance, the side stories of love and friendship are quite enjoyable. The language of the book is easy, fast, and free-flowing. I found the cover of the book captivating, and endorsement by Amis Tripathi on the cover further highlighted my Interest. The author has also provided the title of the next book, definitely going to add them to my collection.
I absolutely loved the book. However, being someone who less acquainted with South Indian characters, I found myself going back and forth during the initial chapters to better understand the names of places and characters in the book. Having said that, the issue quickly resolved itself after the first few chapters. I would suggest other who has difficulty remembering South Indian names to persevere through the initial chapters to not miss out on the amazing storyline ahead.
Conclusion: I wholeheartedly recommend Nandi's Charge to all readers, particularly those who are infatuated with historical fiction. I rate it 4/5.
Comprising 514 pages distributed across 54 chapters, the story seamlessly alternates between the lives of three central characters: Muthuvel, Elango, and Kannan. The chapters end on such cliffhangers that it feels like watching a TV series, arousing curiosity to its peak. The author's vivid description of the map and route along the storyline takes readers to 7th Century South India. I liked how, even though Muthuvel, Elango, and Kannan were the lead characters, the author has created equally fascinating supporting characters in Snaghamitra, Indumati, and Sadaiyan. Although the book's main theme revolves around war and vengeance, the side stories of love and friendship are quite enjoyable. The language of the book is easy, fast, and free-flowing. I found the cover of the book captivating, and endorsement by Amis Tripathi on the cover further highlighted my Interest. The author has also provided the title of the next book, definitely going to add them to my collection.
I absolutely loved the book. However, being someone who less acquainted with South Indian characters, I found myself going back and forth during the initial chapters to better understand the names of places and characters in the book. Having said that, the issue quickly resolved itself after the first few chapters. I would suggest other who has difficulty remembering South Indian names to persevere through the initial chapters to not miss out on the amazing storyline ahead.
Conclusion: I wholeheartedly recommend Nandi's Charge to all readers, particularly those who are infatuated with historical fiction. I rate it 4/5.
February 11, 2022
Nandi's Charge is a fabulous action adventure tale from the southern kingdoms (empires)
the story revolves around 3 well trained men, and their mission for the Pallava King, in his attempt to avenge the Pallava defeat at the hands of the Chlukyas.
The era is circa the 7th century, and there are a fair few historical walk on parts. King Harsha, King Narasimhavarman, King Pulilekeshi et.al
but the story belongs to the 3 soldiers - Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan - and their valour and fortitude in delivering their mission of their King.
worth reading.
the story revolves around 3 well trained men, and their mission for the Pallava King, in his attempt to avenge the Pallava defeat at the hands of the Chlukyas.
The era is circa the 7th century, and there are a fair few historical walk on parts. King Harsha, King Narasimhavarman, King Pulilekeshi et.al
but the story belongs to the 3 soldiers - Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan - and their valour and fortitude in delivering their mission of their King.
worth reading.
January 7, 2023
This is a lovely book as it explores a little-known age of southern Indian history. It does not feel like a "first" book of the author. The narrative is brisk and keeps humming along. There is good character development and you would grow to like the key protagonists. The language does not feel contrived even though the timeline is 7th century. The author is able to successfully create the 'atmosphere' of this long-gone time. There is a bit of everything - action, adventure, romance, intrigue, politics etc. One does get the feel (in a good way) that this is written for a web-series. One flies through the book and there is never a dull moment. I would recommend it if you are into historical fiction.
February 16, 2024
transports the reader to the seventh century India, where two rival kingdoms, the Pallavas and the Chalukyas, are on the verge of a decisive war. The author skillfully weaves three parallel stories of three Pallava warriors, who undertake perilous missions to weaken the enemy’s allies and prepare the ground for the final assault on Vathapi, the Chalukyan capital. The novel is rich in historical details, vivid descriptions, and thrilling action scenes. The characters are well-developed, each with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations. The novel also explores the themes of loyalty, honor, revenge, love, and destiny. Nandi’s Charge is a captivating and enjoyable read for anyone who loves historical fiction and Indian history.
December 19, 2023
Dr. Arun Krishnan, the author of this book titled “Nandi’s Charge” is a polyglot and is conversant in Tamil, English, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese and Kannada. He has studied and lived in different cities across the world and settled now in Bangalore. He started with a degree in engineering and a doctorate, he has professionally indulged in different fields like IT, Bio-sectors, HR also worked at various institutes as an assistant professor. He can be reached through his Twitter @ArunKrishnan_ and Instragram @authorarunkrishnan. “The Battle of Vathapi Book 1 - NANDIS' CHARGE” is his first work of fiction.
Nature dominates in this entire work with beautiful narration of Mamallapuram and Kanchi of Tamilnadu, the wild destination Bannari Amman Temple, Kodimunai, Anuradhapuram of Sri Lanka etc.,, The Author makes the readers visualise the picturesque locations.
In this book, the author Arun Krishnan showed our nation’s ascendancy even after the stupor of many centuries can look back with pride on its history, religion and scriptures drawing not only spiritual solace but living courage for its future progress.
According to Sanskrit Poet Bharavi the author of Kiratarjuneeyam, the spies are considered as the eyes of the kings, having the key role for the betterment of governance of their own kings. In the verse, “Kriyasu vrutthair Nrupa chaara-chakshusah”, one can understand that the king had entrusted spy with an important mission and it would be the basest treachery on his part were he to deceive him in that matter. Spies form, it is said the eyes of kings and should therefore on no account deceive them. He then reminds the king that what is the wholesome is not generally palatable, the most beneficial medicines being often the most bitter. So, the readers of this book can easily understand that the three captains Kannan, Elango and Muthu seriously indulged in finding the secret of other kingdom and inform to their Master Narasimha Varman Pallava, through General Ilanthiraiyanar who was assistant to Commander-in-chief Paranjyothi, governing the armed forces of Pallava.
"Our experience from Pullalur has taught us that our intelligence was not very good then. Our spy networks in the Pandya, Ganga and Chalukya lands were almost non-existent. Without your good intelligence, we didn't stand a chance, as was born e out by the later events at Pullalur." Page 27.
In this context, the strategic considerations and the importance of effective intelligence networks seems that the speaker is acknowledging the shortcomings in their intelligence operations during a past incident at Pullalur. The mention of spy networks in Pandya, Ganga, and Chalukya lands being almost non-existent implies a lack of crucial information about potential threats or events in those regions.
The lesson learned from the experience at Pullalur is the significance of having reliable intelligence. The speaker suggests that without good intelligence, they were at a disadvantage, and this deficiency was evident in the subsequent events at Pullalur. This aligns with the broader principles of statecraft and military strategy outlined in the Arthashastra, which emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering for effective decision-making and strategic planning.
Mamallapuram was referred to in the Sangam age poem Perumpanatruppadai as Nirpeyyaru. Page 62
"Perumpanatruppadai" is a Sangam poem that celebrates the valor and heroic deeds of the Chera king, Uthiyan Cheralathan. It is considered one of the classic examples of Sangam poetry, providing insights into the social, cultural, and political aspects of the ancient Tamil society.
On the other hand, "Nirpeyyaru" is not a Sangam poem but a category of poems within the Sangam literature. "Nirpeyyaru" means 'heroic poetry' or 'warrior poems.' These poems often focused on the deeds of heroes and warriors, extolling their bravery and sacrifice in battle.
"Do you really believe that Narasimhavarman will not make attempts to encircle us, just as we encircled him without our allies" page 183.
This statement attributed to Pulakeshin II reflects a strategic concern about the potential actions of Narasimhavarman, a Pallava king. Pulakeshin II, who was the Chalukya king, seems to be expressing scepticism about whether Narasimhavarman would refrain from attempting to surround or encircle them, considering that the Chalukyas had previously employed similar tactics against him without the support of allies.
In essence, Pulakeshin II is highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of political and military strategies. The statement suggests a recognition of the cyclical and reciprocal nature of conflict, where a tactic used by one party may be employed by the other in response. It underscores the need for strategic foresight and an understanding of the potential actions and reactions of adversaries in the context of historical and geopolitical rivalries.
The statement of Sivanadiyan " I cannot abandon my duties just because some soldiers might want to harm me. If they do, they do. I will see that as my Karma. But I shall not serve from my Dharma." Page 308
The statement by Sivanadiyan reflects a strong commitment to duty and righteousness. Sivanadiyan acknowledges the potential danger posed by soldiers who might want to harm him, but he refuses to abandon his duties. He expresses a willingness to accept any harm that may come his way as a result of performing his duties, viewing it as his karma (fate or destiny). However, he is steadfast in his resolve not to deviate from his dharma (duty or righteousness). This statement highlights the importance of adhering to one's principles and responsibilities, even in the face of personal risk or adversity.
Soldier Kannan finally arrested King Paravikrama. Kannan's sword whistled out of its scabbard and its point nicked Paravikrama's throat. Page 449
The brief scenario described indicates that Soldier Kannan has successfully arrested King Paravikrama by drawing his sword. The use of the term "whistled out of its scabbard" suggests a swift and decisive action. The fact that the sword's point nicked Paravikrama's throat implies a tense and potentially dangerous situation, where Kannan has managed to physically subdue the king and is now in control of the situation. The brief description captures a moment of conflict and captures the gravity of the encounter between Soldier Kannan and King Paravikrama.
The statement of of Annamalai a young captain of the army of Durai Singam the king thagadur "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting" Page 485.
The statement by Annamalai, a young captain in the army of Durai Singam, emphasizes a crucial aspect of military strategy and leadership. By saying, "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting," Annamalai suggests that an effective military leader must possess the wisdom to recognize the appropriate moment to cease hostilities.
This perspective aligns with the idea that prolonged conflict can have detrimental consequences, both in terms of human lives and strategic objectives. A skilled general understands that continuing to fight without purpose or when the costs outweigh the benefits may lead to unnecessary losses. Knowing when to pursue peace, negotiate, or withdraw from a conflict can be as important as knowing when to engage in battle. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the broader context, diplomacy, and the strategic considerations necessary for long-term success in military endeavors.
The statement of Elang to KIng HarshaVardhan, "I have a duty to perform on behalf of my king. I thought it would be remiss of me not to do that. With that Elango took out the sealed olai that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him many moons ago, and handed it over to King Harsha" Page 512.
In this statement, Elango is expressing his sense of duty and loyalty to his king. He informs King HarshaVardhan that he has a responsibility to fulfill on behalf of his monarch and feels it would be negligent of him not to carry out that duty. Elango then takes out a sealed olai (possibly a document or message) that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him a long time ago, and he presents it to King HarshaVardhan. This act signifies Elango's commitment to his role as a messenger or representative, highlighting the importance of fulfilling obligations even in the face of changing circumstances or new allegiances.
In this way there are numerous incidences in the book featuring the various qualities of ruler which emphasis the need to learn a lot of things from history. Though the book is voluminous, it’s worth spending time with it.
It’s time to remember these words- “There is an element of truth in our thinking that the present age we live in is peculiarly an age of tradition and change. The whole conception of history of our country being the names of a large number of kings and emperors, and our learning them by heart, is long forgotten. I hope at any rate though it forgotten because anything more futile their children’s study of the record of kings’ reign and battles, I cannot imagine.”- says Jawaharlal Nehru in his book PROMISES TO KEEP.
Nature dominates in this entire work with beautiful narration of Mamallapuram and Kanchi of Tamilnadu, the wild destination Bannari Amman Temple, Kodimunai, Anuradhapuram of Sri Lanka etc.,, The Author makes the readers visualise the picturesque locations.
In this book, the author Arun Krishnan showed our nation’s ascendancy even after the stupor of many centuries can look back with pride on its history, religion and scriptures drawing not only spiritual solace but living courage for its future progress.
According to Sanskrit Poet Bharavi the author of Kiratarjuneeyam, the spies are considered as the eyes of the kings, having the key role for the betterment of governance of their own kings. In the verse, “Kriyasu vrutthair Nrupa chaara-chakshusah”, one can understand that the king had entrusted spy with an important mission and it would be the basest treachery on his part were he to deceive him in that matter. Spies form, it is said the eyes of kings and should therefore on no account deceive them. He then reminds the king that what is the wholesome is not generally palatable, the most beneficial medicines being often the most bitter. So, the readers of this book can easily understand that the three captains Kannan, Elango and Muthu seriously indulged in finding the secret of other kingdom and inform to their Master Narasimha Varman Pallava, through General Ilanthiraiyanar who was assistant to Commander-in-chief Paranjyothi, governing the armed forces of Pallava.
"Our experience from Pullalur has taught us that our intelligence was not very good then. Our spy networks in the Pandya, Ganga and Chalukya lands were almost non-existent. Without your good intelligence, we didn't stand a chance, as was born e out by the later events at Pullalur." Page 27.
In this context, the strategic considerations and the importance of effective intelligence networks seems that the speaker is acknowledging the shortcomings in their intelligence operations during a past incident at Pullalur. The mention of spy networks in Pandya, Ganga, and Chalukya lands being almost non-existent implies a lack of crucial information about potential threats or events in those regions.
The lesson learned from the experience at Pullalur is the significance of having reliable intelligence. The speaker suggests that without good intelligence, they were at a disadvantage, and this deficiency was evident in the subsequent events at Pullalur. This aligns with the broader principles of statecraft and military strategy outlined in the Arthashastra, which emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering for effective decision-making and strategic planning.
Mamallapuram was referred to in the Sangam age poem Perumpanatruppadai as Nirpeyyaru. Page 62
"Perumpanatruppadai" is a Sangam poem that celebrates the valor and heroic deeds of the Chera king, Uthiyan Cheralathan. It is considered one of the classic examples of Sangam poetry, providing insights into the social, cultural, and political aspects of the ancient Tamil society.
On the other hand, "Nirpeyyaru" is not a Sangam poem but a category of poems within the Sangam literature. "Nirpeyyaru" means 'heroic poetry' or 'warrior poems.' These poems often focused on the deeds of heroes and warriors, extolling their bravery and sacrifice in battle.
"Do you really believe that Narasimhavarman will not make attempts to encircle us, just as we encircled him without our allies" page 183.
This statement attributed to Pulakeshin II reflects a strategic concern about the potential actions of Narasimhavarman, a Pallava king. Pulakeshin II, who was the Chalukya king, seems to be expressing scepticism about whether Narasimhavarman would refrain from attempting to surround or encircle them, considering that the Chalukyas had previously employed similar tactics against him without the support of allies.
In essence, Pulakeshin II is highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of political and military strategies. The statement suggests a recognition of the cyclical and reciprocal nature of conflict, where a tactic used by one party may be employed by the other in response. It underscores the need for strategic foresight and an understanding of the potential actions and reactions of adversaries in the context of historical and geopolitical rivalries.
The statement of Sivanadiyan " I cannot abandon my duties just because some soldiers might want to harm me. If they do, they do. I will see that as my Karma. But I shall not serve from my Dharma." Page 308
The statement by Sivanadiyan reflects a strong commitment to duty and righteousness. Sivanadiyan acknowledges the potential danger posed by soldiers who might want to harm him, but he refuses to abandon his duties. He expresses a willingness to accept any harm that may come his way as a result of performing his duties, viewing it as his karma (fate or destiny). However, he is steadfast in his resolve not to deviate from his dharma (duty or righteousness). This statement highlights the importance of adhering to one's principles and responsibilities, even in the face of personal risk or adversity.
Soldier Kannan finally arrested King Paravikrama. Kannan's sword whistled out of its scabbard and its point nicked Paravikrama's throat. Page 449
The brief scenario described indicates that Soldier Kannan has successfully arrested King Paravikrama by drawing his sword. The use of the term "whistled out of its scabbard" suggests a swift and decisive action. The fact that the sword's point nicked Paravikrama's throat implies a tense and potentially dangerous situation, where Kannan has managed to physically subdue the king and is now in control of the situation. The brief description captures a moment of conflict and captures the gravity of the encounter between Soldier Kannan and King Paravikrama.
The statement of of Annamalai a young captain of the army of Durai Singam the king thagadur "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting" Page 485.
The statement by Annamalai, a young captain in the army of Durai Singam, emphasizes a crucial aspect of military strategy and leadership. By saying, "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting," Annamalai suggests that an effective military leader must possess the wisdom to recognize the appropriate moment to cease hostilities.
This perspective aligns with the idea that prolonged conflict can have detrimental consequences, both in terms of human lives and strategic objectives. A skilled general understands that continuing to fight without purpose or when the costs outweigh the benefits may lead to unnecessary losses. Knowing when to pursue peace, negotiate, or withdraw from a conflict can be as important as knowing when to engage in battle. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the broader context, diplomacy, and the strategic considerations necessary for long-term success in military endeavors.
The statement of Elang to KIng HarshaVardhan, "I have a duty to perform on behalf of my king. I thought it would be remiss of me not to do that. With that Elango took out the sealed olai that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him many moons ago, and handed it over to King Harsha" Page 512.
In this statement, Elango is expressing his sense of duty and loyalty to his king. He informs King HarshaVardhan that he has a responsibility to fulfill on behalf of his monarch and feels it would be negligent of him not to carry out that duty. Elango then takes out a sealed olai (possibly a document or message) that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him a long time ago, and he presents it to King HarshaVardhan. This act signifies Elango's commitment to his role as a messenger or representative, highlighting the importance of fulfilling obligations even in the face of changing circumstances or new allegiances.
In this way there are numerous incidences in the book featuring the various qualities of ruler which emphasis the need to learn a lot of things from history. Though the book is voluminous, it’s worth spending time with it.
It’s time to remember these words- “There is an element of truth in our thinking that the present age we live in is peculiarly an age of tradition and change. The whole conception of history of our country being the names of a large number of kings and emperors, and our learning them by heart, is long forgotten. I hope at any rate though it forgotten because anything more futile their children’s study of the record of kings’ reign and battles, I cannot imagine.”- says Jawaharlal Nehru in his book PROMISES TO KEEP.
December 6, 2023
4.5 Stars
One Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and actions
7th Century, Bharat
Narasimhavarman I, the young Pallava king, promises his dying father to avenge the humiliation by the Chalukyas during the Battle of Pullalur in 618. He also promises to complete the construction of the temples along the shore and in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).
With the king busy with the construction, the army commander-in-chief and general take the responsibility to set things in motion for revenge. Three trusted and efficient soldiers embark on three journeys, facing a multitude of challenges, finding allies, and making enemies. They have the same aim – to weaken the Chalukya allies before the epic Battle of Vatapi.
This is easier said than done. What happens as the three soldiers travel across the lands, through enemy territories, and tackle the Pandyas, Gangas, and Lankan forces?
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters.
My Thoughts:
I added the book to my TBR when a couple of Indic friends rated it 5 stars. Now, I got the opportunity to read the second edition, and I'm happy to say that the wait was worth it.
Nandi’s Charge is the first installment that sets the stage for the Battle of Vatapi. However, the book doesn’t take much time to launch into action. It is packed with action, suspense, intrigue, treachery, politics, and valor.
I appreciate the list of characters and the detailed maps in the introduction. They make it easy to go back and confirm the details. The prologue leads to the current scenario and gets the ball rolling.
Multiple tracks and many subplots are running in parallel. This can be overwhelming, but stay patient and go with the flow (high fantasy readers will find it easy to follow the narrative even though this doesn’t have fantasy elements).
Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan are the three soldiers with different personalities, making it easy to track who is who. This also allows space to create a detailed character arc without compromising the task at hand.
Given the context, the book is male-dominated. However, two young ladies, Sangamitra and Indumati, make their presence felt. They start as damsels in distress but become something more. Among other characters, Sadaiyan stands out the best. How can I not like that lad?
The book balances show and tell, ensuring a steady pace and strong imagery. I love scenes detailing the construction of temples. (Hindu) Temple architecture is mesmerizing and my favorite topic. The kings built amazing temples and developed them as the centers for arts and education. Reading (and writing) about sculptors chiseling a rock to carve a murti brings me immense happiness.
The book also brings a balance between good and bad, right and wrong. There are good and bad humans, who when they become soldiers, do things that represent their character rather than their leaders or kings. I like how things are presented and left to the reader to decide. No preaching.
There are Tamil words (with footnotes) that add authenticity to the dialogue. Of course, the writing feels modern at times (the author talks about this), but the writing gives ‘Indian’ vibes, unlike some Indian books that feel like they belong to medieval Europe (you know if you know).
There is some gore (can’t escape it considering the premise) but it is limited and to the point. Descriptions are not stretched beyond what’s necessary for the plot.
After reading over 500 pages, this one ends with a cliffhanger, which is expected. I hear book #2 will be published in Feb 2024. Needless to say, I’m excited.
To summarize, Nandi’s Charge is a fast, detailed, twisty, and entertaining story set in 7th-century India with real and fictional characters. I liked it more than I thought I would, so rounding it up to five stars!
And oh, do read the author’s note at the beginning.
Thank you, Blogchatter, author Arun Krishnan, and publisher HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. This review contains my honest opinions about the book.
***
The cover has the Nandi seal embossed on it. I like it. :)
One Liner: A fast-paced entertainer with twists and actions
7th Century, Bharat
Narasimhavarman I, the young Pallava king, promises his dying father to avenge the humiliation by the Chalukyas during the Battle of Pullalur in 618. He also promises to complete the construction of the temples along the shore and in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).
With the king busy with the construction, the army commander-in-chief and general take the responsibility to set things in motion for revenge. Three trusted and efficient soldiers embark on three journeys, facing a multitude of challenges, finding allies, and making enemies. They have the same aim – to weaken the Chalukya allies before the epic Battle of Vatapi.
This is easier said than done. What happens as the three soldiers travel across the lands, through enemy territories, and tackle the Pandyas, Gangas, and Lankan forces?
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters.
My Thoughts:
I added the book to my TBR when a couple of Indic friends rated it 5 stars. Now, I got the opportunity to read the second edition, and I'm happy to say that the wait was worth it.
Nandi’s Charge is the first installment that sets the stage for the Battle of Vatapi. However, the book doesn’t take much time to launch into action. It is packed with action, suspense, intrigue, treachery, politics, and valor.
I appreciate the list of characters and the detailed maps in the introduction. They make it easy to go back and confirm the details. The prologue leads to the current scenario and gets the ball rolling.
Multiple tracks and many subplots are running in parallel. This can be overwhelming, but stay patient and go with the flow (high fantasy readers will find it easy to follow the narrative even though this doesn’t have fantasy elements).
Elango, Muthuvel, and Kanan are the three soldiers with different personalities, making it easy to track who is who. This also allows space to create a detailed character arc without compromising the task at hand.
Given the context, the book is male-dominated. However, two young ladies, Sangamitra and Indumati, make their presence felt. They start as damsels in distress but become something more. Among other characters, Sadaiyan stands out the best. How can I not like that lad?
The book balances show and tell, ensuring a steady pace and strong imagery. I love scenes detailing the construction of temples. (Hindu) Temple architecture is mesmerizing and my favorite topic. The kings built amazing temples and developed them as the centers for arts and education. Reading (and writing) about sculptors chiseling a rock to carve a murti brings me immense happiness.
The book also brings a balance between good and bad, right and wrong. There are good and bad humans, who when they become soldiers, do things that represent their character rather than their leaders or kings. I like how things are presented and left to the reader to decide. No preaching.
There are Tamil words (with footnotes) that add authenticity to the dialogue. Of course, the writing feels modern at times (the author talks about this), but the writing gives ‘Indian’ vibes, unlike some Indian books that feel like they belong to medieval Europe (you know if you know).
There is some gore (can’t escape it considering the premise) but it is limited and to the point. Descriptions are not stretched beyond what’s necessary for the plot.
After reading over 500 pages, this one ends with a cliffhanger, which is expected. I hear book #2 will be published in Feb 2024. Needless to say, I’m excited.
To summarize, Nandi’s Charge is a fast, detailed, twisty, and entertaining story set in 7th-century India with real and fictional characters. I liked it more than I thought I would, so rounding it up to five stars!
And oh, do read the author’s note at the beginning.
Thank you, Blogchatter, author Arun Krishnan, and publisher HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. This review contains my honest opinions about the book.
***
The cover has the Nandi seal embossed on it. I like it. :)
![Profile Image for Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1716366774i%2F12703387._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 17, 2023
I am captivated by historical fiction and period novels, with works like 'Ponniyin Selvan' and 'Sivagamiyin Sabadham' being among my favorites. In the same vein, this particular book held me spellbound from start to finish as I effortlessly turned its pages.
The author skillfully unfolds a compelling narrative centered around a son's quest to avenge his father's death and fulfill his final wishes—all set against the backdrop of the 7th century. While many events and their historical contexts are recognizable, my focus will delve more into the book's style of narration rather than its plot.
The cast comprises both real and fictional characters, each carrying their weight throughout the tale. Although the character list is extensive, the author provides it at the book's outset, making the reading experience more accessible.
While our knowledge of real characters is derived from various historical texts, the fictional ones in this narrative possess a striking authenticity, reminiscent of individuals who could very well have existed in those bygone eras. Surprisingly, one might find echoes of such characters even in contemporary times.
The characterizations and backgrounds for each individual are meticulously crafted, offering rich details without causing the narration to lose momentum. The depictions of various locations are a delight to read, demonstrating the author's dedication to thorough research and groundwork, bringing scenes vividly to life.
The maps following the character list illustrate the empires and journeys undertaken by Muthu and Kannan. Three intertwining storylines and multiple points of view maintain my engrossment amid the myriad twists and turns.
What truly appealed to me was the author's commitment to period authenticity, employing language and terminology prevalent during that era. The footnotes further enhance this by providing meanings and descriptions, enriching the reader's understanding.
The exploration of cultural and political backgrounds proves to be a pleasurable experience. The escapades of spies and the intricacies of war strategy add an extra layer of fascination. The book not only delves into historical events but also sheds light on the advancements across various facets of life, a perspective often overlooked elsewhere.
The narrative is brisk and keeps readers actively engaged, with the language being both accessible and supplemented with footnotes for clarity. Across its 54 chapters, the book continuously piqued my curiosity about the unfolding events and the characters involved. Anticipation builds as I eagerly await the next installment.
I must say here that the author has presented a beautiful work tailored for English readers, infused with the unmistakable essence of Kalki, ensuring an engaging and mesmerizing experience for all.
The author skillfully unfolds a compelling narrative centered around a son's quest to avenge his father's death and fulfill his final wishes—all set against the backdrop of the 7th century. While many events and their historical contexts are recognizable, my focus will delve more into the book's style of narration rather than its plot.
The cast comprises both real and fictional characters, each carrying their weight throughout the tale. Although the character list is extensive, the author provides it at the book's outset, making the reading experience more accessible.
While our knowledge of real characters is derived from various historical texts, the fictional ones in this narrative possess a striking authenticity, reminiscent of individuals who could very well have existed in those bygone eras. Surprisingly, one might find echoes of such characters even in contemporary times.
The characterizations and backgrounds for each individual are meticulously crafted, offering rich details without causing the narration to lose momentum. The depictions of various locations are a delight to read, demonstrating the author's dedication to thorough research and groundwork, bringing scenes vividly to life.
The maps following the character list illustrate the empires and journeys undertaken by Muthu and Kannan. Three intertwining storylines and multiple points of view maintain my engrossment amid the myriad twists and turns.
What truly appealed to me was the author's commitment to period authenticity, employing language and terminology prevalent during that era. The footnotes further enhance this by providing meanings and descriptions, enriching the reader's understanding.
The exploration of cultural and political backgrounds proves to be a pleasurable experience. The escapades of spies and the intricacies of war strategy add an extra layer of fascination. The book not only delves into historical events but also sheds light on the advancements across various facets of life, a perspective often overlooked elsewhere.
The narrative is brisk and keeps readers actively engaged, with the language being both accessible and supplemented with footnotes for clarity. Across its 54 chapters, the book continuously piqued my curiosity about the unfolding events and the characters involved. Anticipation builds as I eagerly await the next installment.
I must say here that the author has presented a beautiful work tailored for English readers, infused with the unmistakable essence of Kalki, ensuring an engaging and mesmerizing experience for all.
January 18, 2024
However, I am not a student of history but for me, history is often intriguing. Especially, the history of Bharat from the South. Yes, I am talking about those mighty empires who once lorded over Deccan. My bookshelf is crammed up with books on HISTORY and those Deccan Lords have indeed a good share in it. Be it K.A. Nilakantha Shastri or K.V. Raman, I have it all. But those voluminous titles get bog-standard over the period of time.
But it won’t change the fact that History is a requisite for every human being. And it gets more reverential when you have to learn it through a Novel. Which is where this book comes in, “Nandi’s Charge” , Book 1 of the trilogy series, The Battle Of Vathapi by Arun Krishnan. This book capsulized a tale of strong brawl set up in Seventh Century Bharat between the two prominent Hindu kingdoms, the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
Bedridden, taking last breath, the old monarch of Pallava Dynasty, Raja Mahendravarman seeks a promise from his son Narasimhavarman I. The young blood was asked to seek revenge for the humiliating defeat of his father at the hands of the Chalukyas at the Battle of Pullalur. Being a king of the Pallavas who patronised the offshoots of Sanatana Dharma, he asked his successor child not just to avenge his loss, but also to make majestic Temples along shorelines in Mamallapuram.
That is being said, Prananjyothi, the Commander-in-Chief of Pallava sent three of the selected and qualified veterans in three directions to seek alliance and barge into enemy’s home to spy over. Elango was sent to knock together an alliance with the Gangas & Pandyas, meanwhile Muthuvel was asked to seek support from Lankan King and Kannan was on duty to sneak into Chalukya’s Capital Vathapi to spy on. From there the story starts. Story about these three men who went on navigation to collect support for the upcoming battle. The story is written from their perspective alienating the King and his kingly POV. Afflictions were definitely in their way, yet their loyalty to their assigned duty kept them moving.
Political chicaneries, reflections of wartime strategies, a bit of romance, and sheer vengeance intermingled with Pallava, Chalukya, Pandya & Ganga affairs makes it a meticulous Politico-Action Thriller. As this book is coming from the south, the “Ponniyin Selvan” influence, which is bound to happen, could be seen in the chronicle, which makes it glued to authenticity. However, as nothing could go without a smidge of snag, this book is also not immuned to deficiencies or drawbacks. While the character development is overwhelmingly good (despite being the author’s first book), the number of characters are substantially on higher side making it difficult for reader to remember & weave them together into the storyline.
Well that obviously needs a bit of brainstorming but the characterisation done and how descriptively it is offered, this book is worthy of every applause. Hence this minor drawback should spared off. Eventually, the book departs you with an exciting end for the looming war and the crescendo within you for the next part will just keep rising by each passing day. The properly etched characters, lucid flow of events, loaded action & emotions aided with unobtrusively good language, the “Nandi’s Charge” is highly recommended. Before I leave you right here, let me tell you, by the time you read this book, the Book 2 of the series, “Varaha’s Vengeance” will be on the gates! So Stay Tuned & Happy Reading! ;-)
But it won’t change the fact that History is a requisite for every human being. And it gets more reverential when you have to learn it through a Novel. Which is where this book comes in, “Nandi’s Charge” , Book 1 of the trilogy series, The Battle Of Vathapi by Arun Krishnan. This book capsulized a tale of strong brawl set up in Seventh Century Bharat between the two prominent Hindu kingdoms, the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
Bedridden, taking last breath, the old monarch of Pallava Dynasty, Raja Mahendravarman seeks a promise from his son Narasimhavarman I. The young blood was asked to seek revenge for the humiliating defeat of his father at the hands of the Chalukyas at the Battle of Pullalur. Being a king of the Pallavas who patronised the offshoots of Sanatana Dharma, he asked his successor child not just to avenge his loss, but also to make majestic Temples along shorelines in Mamallapuram.
That is being said, Prananjyothi, the Commander-in-Chief of Pallava sent three of the selected and qualified veterans in three directions to seek alliance and barge into enemy’s home to spy over. Elango was sent to knock together an alliance with the Gangas & Pandyas, meanwhile Muthuvel was asked to seek support from Lankan King and Kannan was on duty to sneak into Chalukya’s Capital Vathapi to spy on. From there the story starts. Story about these three men who went on navigation to collect support for the upcoming battle. The story is written from their perspective alienating the King and his kingly POV. Afflictions were definitely in their way, yet their loyalty to their assigned duty kept them moving.
Political chicaneries, reflections of wartime strategies, a bit of romance, and sheer vengeance intermingled with Pallava, Chalukya, Pandya & Ganga affairs makes it a meticulous Politico-Action Thriller. As this book is coming from the south, the “Ponniyin Selvan” influence, which is bound to happen, could be seen in the chronicle, which makes it glued to authenticity. However, as nothing could go without a smidge of snag, this book is also not immuned to deficiencies or drawbacks. While the character development is overwhelmingly good (despite being the author’s first book), the number of characters are substantially on higher side making it difficult for reader to remember & weave them together into the storyline.
Well that obviously needs a bit of brainstorming but the characterisation done and how descriptively it is offered, this book is worthy of every applause. Hence this minor drawback should spared off. Eventually, the book departs you with an exciting end for the looming war and the crescendo within you for the next part will just keep rising by each passing day. The properly etched characters, lucid flow of events, loaded action & emotions aided with unobtrusively good language, the “Nandi’s Charge” is highly recommended. Before I leave you right here, let me tell you, by the time you read this book, the Book 2 of the series, “Varaha’s Vengeance” will be on the gates! So Stay Tuned & Happy Reading! ;-)
January 1, 2025
The story is set in Seventh Century South India. The plot is fairly simple. Three tasks are assigned to three soldiers for a common purpose of weakening the enemy before the campaign. The idea of three parallel threads running concurrently makes an interesting read. Well, going to realms of fantasy, if the three protagonists had had communication through Instagram, the visuals would have been terrific. Kannan’s exploits is all about guerrilla warfare (the word is from Spanish originated in 19th century; wonder what was the Tamil word in 7th century and whether it captures the essence of the warfare conducted by trained soldiers against other trained soldiers in certain circumstances ) Adventures of the other two teams ; Elango and Sangamitra ; Muthuvel and Sadaiyan ; are a kind of catch me if you can type escape and evasion stories. Each of the stories by itself could have made a stand alone novel as these characters never meet each other after the first chapter! The author, right at the time of introduction seems to like Elango and Kannan more as compared to Muthuvel. We have Sangamitra for Elango and Indumathi for Kannan while Muthuvel is left high and dry with Sadaiyan , the lovable , little thief. The minor unit tactics of Kannan and his teams are absorbing. From military point of view also the moves appear authentic. Just a thought ; an ambushing party taking up on itself to perform cremation of it’s victims would be a huge drain on time and energy besides giving off a huge smoke signal. There is also the capturing of a fort wherein the main action is cutting off the reinforcement. It makes an interesting read, as any battle seen from the comfort of a secure place is always captivating. There would be some issues debatable , but just as in a game of chess, if neither player makes a mistake , we are going to see a boring draw. Normally , any body of troops engaged in a tactical move, as against purely administrative move would follow certain drills. When encountering a water obstacle, normally infantry crosses first, secures the far bank called the bridge head and then other troops including cavalry follows. The logic is that cavalry cannot hold ground. But then, one might say, in the ancient days, what was cavalry but horse-mounted infantry? There is jungle lore, watermanship, and plain bloody infantry tactics with all that mud,sweat, and blood.
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