A Mini Companion for Ponni's Beloved English Translation of Ponniyin Selvan

By Indra Neelameggham

Ponniyin Selvan was published as a serial - novel in the Tamil Magazine Kalki from 1950 to 1954. It was written by Kalki Krishnamurthy, an award winning author, in Tamil. Art work by Maniam brought life to the characters. The mini companion will be useful for first time readers of this novel it contains a synopsis of the beginning parts of the saga, maps, dynasty charts and some history notes.
This English translation by Indra Neelameggham maintains Kalki's "Nadai" or cadence of the original Tamil. Indra was the first to translate this epic into English as early as the 1990s.
This five part novel introduces the grandeur of the Chozla Dynasty of Tamil people, whose empire at one time spanned large areas of south east Asia. They were famous for art, architecture, irrigation works, administration, naval warfare and most importantly global trade because of their naval prowess.
The Grand Anaicut one of the oldest, still in use dams across any major river, was built by the Chozlas. The huge complex known as 'Big Temple ' in Tanjavur was built more than a thousand years ago by Rajaraja, the main character in this novel. He is known as the Beloved of the River Ponni , the Tamil name for The Cauvery. The activities of common folk, nobility, ordinary soldiers, the power wielded by women, conniving statesmen, terrorists, treason, war, pirates, murder and turmoil for a throne are the core threads in this panoramic story. References to Tamil poetry and myth enrich the story.
Kalki brought the meticulously researched history to the doorsteps of millions who were proud that they too had 'history' beyond what was shared by colonial books.
It is soon to be released as a major multi language motion picture filmed with latest technology in locations in many countries.
This book and its art work has thrilled generations of readers. This translation is sure to enthrall many more persons all over the world.
Indra has brought this English version to help readers overcome the limitation of not knowing Tamil. May all go forth to enjoy the grand old world of the Chozlas of Tamil country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Indra Neelameggham
• Release date: Sep 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005072070

Indra Neelameggham

Indra Neelameggham is the first person to have translated this magnum opus --Ponniyin Selvan -- into English, (1990) albeit only 50% of the whole novel was completed at that time. As early as 1997 the chapters were published on the internet, in sequel-novel (thodar-kadai) format,Indra has a background in Mass Communication Journalism; in the last few decades her jobs involved technical writing, accounting and interpretation services. She is a well sought after public speaker on various topics including cultures of India, Hinduism, Indian Mythology.

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© Copyright 1994 2022 Indra Neelameggham

All rights reserved by the owner of this translation. No portion of this work may be reproduced in any media, transferred in any form, sold, resold, or given away without permission from the author or agent of this translation. Non-commercial use in any media for encouraging appreciation of this literary work is permitted with prior permission and due acknowledgment.

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Indra Neelameggham

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Acknowledgment

Neale R Neelameggham

for Proofing, Editing, Motivating and Much More

Website

https://indllc.wixsite.com/indrasponniyinselvan

History -- A Note on the Chozla’s

The Imperial Chozla period is considered a Golden Age in South Indian History. The Chozlas ruled between the 9th and 13th century. The heartland of their nation – the Chozla Nadu - was the fertile Cauvery delta with the Rivers Kollidam and Agniaru as