Ponniyin Selvan (English Translation) Series

In this exciting second part of Kalki R Krishnamurthy's historic magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, our hero Vallavarayan Vandhiyathevan's adventures continue as he rides into marshy areas, meets a mysterious girl and becomes the object of intense suspicion by the wily Pazhuvettarayars. Meanwhile, Kundhavai Piratti, princess of the Chozha empire is thrown into confusion and outrage, while the beautiful but poisonous Nandhini Devi weaves more deceitful webs to ensnare her enemies. She will stop at nothing to bring about the downfall of the Chozhas ... but will the scions of that royal clan escape in time? Read on to find out.

Sword of Slaughter finds us at an exciting cliffhanger following the end of Book 3 - have Vandhiyathevan and Arulmozhi Varmar truly been saved? What of their fate in the land of their birth, Chozha Nadu? Are the Pazhuvettarayars truly stirring the country in a revolt against their favourite prince? Why does the alluring Nandhini Devi insist on meeting allies within crumbling palaces? Why does Madhuranthaka Thevar ride his stumbling horse through fields, on a rainy night? And why does Vanathi, that shrinking, timid violet, leave her charming mentor to go on a solitary journey? Then, there are our trusted friends, whose fates are also unclear: Is Sundara Chozhar still bedridden? What of the canny Anbil Aniruddhar and his cunning disciple Azhwarkkadiyaan? And what of the light of the Chozhas, princess Kundhavai herself?

It’s the calm before the storm. Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan is riding hell-for-leather towards Kadambur to honour Ilaiya Rani Nandhini’s kind invitation—while Vandhiyathevan is hurrying in the same direction, hell-bent on thwarting their meeting. Mandhakini Devi is abducted by ruffianly unknowns towards Thanjavur—while Poonguzhali, her niece, is hastening thither, to rescue her aunt. Peril threatens Sundara Chozhar, confined to his sickbed and at the mercy of Pandiya assassins—while Ilaiya Piratti strains every nerve to protect her father. Will all three succeed in their quests? Will Arulmozhi Varmar recover from his ague? Will Aniruddhar’s schemes and stratagems save the royal family? Will Azhwarkkadiyaan’s efforts bear fruit? And lastly … will Chozha Nadu be free of the tangled web of conspiracies? Book 4 of Ponniyin Selvan: The Jewelled Crown sheds some illumination on these tantalizing questions … so read on.