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thirst4light · 10 months

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In Memoriam

This is my first try at Vanmozhi Fanfiction. Inspired from the PS 2 movie scene. Planning to do a two part follow-up of this prologue. Let me know what you think!

Prologue

'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.’ (In Memoriam A. H. H., 27.13-17)

The sky of Thanjavur was strangely grey on a Vaikasi afternoon as the people waited for their beloved crown prince, Aditha Karikalan, to come home.

Only this time, there was no line of excited girls, wearing their best sarees, chattering away with their aarti thali on the steps of majestic Thanjavur fort, waiting to catch a glimpse of their handsome prince.

Instead, a grief-stricken royal family waited patiently. Chakrvarthi and the young prince, Ponniyin Selvan were waiting at the front, while the women of the royal family waited behind.

Slightly behind the royal family, Kodombalur Ilavarasi Vanathi was also waiting along with other royal women, looking over the sea of the people that gathered at the outer court of the fort. Since last night, as the news of the prince’s death spread, people kept coming from all corners of the Cholanadu.

While Vanathi waited, she thought of everything and nothing.

Such a contrast, Vanathi reflected, looking at the grey sky briefly before her gaze settled on the royal family who were clad in pristine white, a decorum when someone in the family passes away.

As if even the sky was mourning along with this family.

Vanathi’s thoughts got interrupted as people’s clamour suddenly increased, making her focus at the entry gate of the fort.

Finally, Aditha Karikalan had arrived in Thanjavur.

In the city where he grew up. In the city where he belongs.

A long procession of regiment came by foot, closely followed by the prince's beloved horse regiment, waving the chola flag.

From where she was standing, Vanathi could see the chariot carrying the prince’s body from a distance, closely flanked by his trusted fighting companions, Manamalyan, Parthibendran and Vanthiyadevan; not leaving their beloved prince’s side, even in death.

As the chariot slowly moved across the crowd, Vanathi could hear muffled cries while some people started to shower flower petals at the chariot, a sign of their last respect to their Ilavarase. A section of the crowd even started to tussle with the guards to touch the chariot and pray.

It took a long time for the guards to clear the way for the chariot to cross the short distance of the entry gate to the steps of the fort.

When the chariot carrying the prince's body finally stopped in front of the fort stairs, there was a momentary pause among the royal family members.

As if they could not believe what they were seeing.

The ailing Chakravarty was the first to break down as he could not support his weight anymore. Ponniyin Selvan gripped his father tightly, making sure his father could come down the stairs to meet his beloved elder son.

Raṇi varataṭcaṇai Sembiyan Mahadevi, Rani Vanavan Mahadevi, Iliya Piratti slowly started to walk behind the Chakravarty to meet their nephew, son and brother, Aditha Karikalan, one last time. Vanathi followed them as well, her steps heavy with grief.

As everyone in the family huddled at the front of the chariot and tried to caress the beloved prince’s face, the cries of the Chakravarti and Rani were the most heart-breaking. Vanathi, who was standing at the end of the chariot, could not take it anymore. She bowed her head, closed her eyes to drown out the sound of cries and desperately put her hands together in prayer.

Ishvara, may the Ilavarase join you in heaven. And…And give my beloved royal family and the people of Cholanadu the strength to overcome this difficult time.

Vanathi stayed still for a few minutes, hoping the cries had subdued. As she opened her eyes, she knew that her attempt at focusing on praying was futile.

But she had to try.

In desperation, her eyes searched for the only face that could give her strength at this moment.

As her eyes landed on Ponniyin Selvan’s face, Vanathi realized, despite being such a pillar of strength to his father, the young prince could not hold himself together anymore.

His face contorted with unspeakable grief; tears were streaming down his eyes continuously.

Vanathi had endured loss in various forms from a very young age. Her mother’s death, even though she had never met her, had left a deep wound in her childhood. Then her father’s death at Ilankai war, leaving her as an orphan in this cruel world. Then bidding farewell to her only father like figure uncle Periya Velar before every war, not knowing whether he would return alive from them was always tantamount to loss for her….Yet, no pain of these losses compared to the pain of seeing her beloved Ponniyin Selvan grieving at this moment.

Until this point, Vanathi did not realize that she had been crying along with everyone else. But seeing her Ponniyin Selvan break down like this, fresh tears blocked her vision completely. Her heart felt so heavy that for a moment she felt like she could not breathe anymore.

Wiping her tears with pallu, Vanathi took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

As the guards started to move to take the chariot away for cremation, on a whim, Vanathi decided to come at the front of the chariot and touch Ilavarase Aditha Karikalan’s feet, seeking blessings.

An opportunity she never had before.

While she looked at the crown prince’s resting face one last time, Vanathi realized, in death, Aditha Karikalan had finally found his peace.

The peace that he had been searching for a long time.

Tagging my enablers who I have on my profile: @harinishivaa @nspwriteups @balladedutempsjadis @celestesinsight @thelekhikawrites @reeeereeeereeereee @whippersnappersbookworm @sambaridli

Feel free to tag others/reblog if you like :)

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111j · 3 months

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🇲🇽💀

#miméxico #México #barrio #mexicanis #raza #tricolor #union #cholos #cholas

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juanepstien · 10 months

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#chicana #chola #cholastyle #cholas

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willkatfanfromasia · 7 months

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Book review – Sangathaara

A book who’s reputation precedes it.

Based on the same topic as an already epic novel, this book accomplished the hard task of being an interesting read. The lack of an English translation is very disappointing

It is a historical mystery with politics and drama interspersed.

It primarily tries to answer the questions surrounding Aditha karikalan's life and death.

For starters it is just 1 volume instead of 5. The author’s (kalachakram narasimhan) writing style (perhaps intentionally) gives glimpses of his former career as a journalist. The story and pacing keeps the reader engrossed-slow enough to reel you in but fast enough to prevent boredom.

It is the content, however, that has left the audience split. The book starts off with aditha Karikalan ‘s spectre lamenting that he hasn’t received justice even after 1000 years- that his killers haven’t been found. We can’t help but quip- but they have been found! In the inscriptions. The author (via AK) argues that the ‘killers’ held important titles in the chola court (“bramadhirayan”) and termed as traitors (how can pandyas be traitors to cholas?). Most suspiciously, their punishment seems neither grave or memorable for a crime of this magnitude.

Several decades into the future, a daughter of Sundara chola with his second wife who'd become a Buddhist monk, dies leaving behind memoirs to her nephew Rajendra Chola. The latter tasks his daughter Arunmozhi nangai with reading them for him - with horrifying reveals for both.

The actual tale begins with kundhavai’s “coming of age” ceremony at the twilight years of her great-grandfather Parantaka 1’s reign. Ambitious kundhavai and Aditha karikalan have great dreams fuelled by youthful vigor.

A teen boy raging to kill his clan's mortal enemy and a teen girl desiring more than her lot in life.

The empire is threatened by Pandyas, Lankans and Srivijaya may too join them. Anirudhdhar, Pazhuvettarayar are frustrated that their new emperor Gandaraditha has no interest in war. They plot to waylay the ship carrying the young Srivijayan princess Vijayarekha and betroth her to AK. This young girl is already engaged to a prince of purasanga (Malaysia?) and loathes her kidnapping.

A handsome young diamond merchant from Purasanga and a young warrior from a fallen Kingdom both enter the empire. The former swiftly rises up the ranks of chola nobility through an advantageous marriage and draws kundhavai’s curiosity by claiming to be the descendant of an elder Chola line. He also claims to possess important ritual artefacts (conch, parts of a plant) used in coronations of ancient Chola’s (adicholar) that kundavai is determined to anoint her brother with. The latter youth, desolate from his kingdom's fall, gains AK’s trust and married kundhavai. (Surprise surprise!)

Pazhuvettarayar, Aniruddhar and kodumbalur vellalar try to steer the rulers.

A prominent devadasi grapples with a wealthy admirer’s attention as her own past and future are questioned.

Ravidasan is given an interesting chola link to weave him into this chaos. His condemnation is also added into this mix.

The author blends a legend about ancient Chola’s artefacts with the ambitions of 10th century South India.

But why the controversy? You may ask.

This book has irked keen fans of Ponniyin Selvan, due to it’s contrasting portrayal of some beloved characters.

- Kundhavai and Vanthiyadevan are NOT good guys. They have individuals agendas.

It builds up slowly and believably within the story’s context – but best not to consider it truth.

A few reviews have pointed this out- the author’s writing style and the book’s preface claim journalistic veracity (the book’s full of footnotes) yet it has the same creative liberties as ponniyin Selvan

- Parthibendran, a fictional character, makes a short appearance.

- There’s a Nandini esque character in this book too (linked to the details in this post ). And the author gives her an unhappy end. He equates her with a real person

- Pazhuvettarayar is cleared of responsibility for AKs murder as he is his greatgrandpa/ great uncle? – but the book goes on to portray other characters as capable of killing their flesh and blood. (This happens a couple of times)

- Gandaraditha’s characterization is – uhm- a choice, alright. As a story it was acceptable (within this universe) but its murky when you realise it’s based on a real person.

- There’s a baby swap in this too. Amv and Madhurantakan's parentage is given a shocking explanation. I may reveal in the comments if y'all want it.

The author has a thorough knowledge of chola art and inscriptions, as well as the many feuds that took place over several generations, weaving them artfully as contributors to the final outcome.

A thozhi (confidant) of kundhavai -thettakani- becomes an important observer due to her proximity to key events. A neutral character in a book full of people with ambitions.

@celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @sowlspace @deadloverscity @favcolourrvibgior @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups and anyone else interested !

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #sangathaara #cholas #chozha

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evilenterprise · 1 year

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banditomojado · 4 months

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Currently obsessed with Cazzu's vintage chola look for her collab with Santa Fe Klan and Los Angeles Azules

#Cazzu #cholas #chola beauty

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suvarnarekha · 2 years

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them : she must be thinking about her crush

me *wondering* : how did the cholas place the huge granite capstone on the top of brihadeshwara temple which is 216 foot tall?

#cholas #rajaraja chola #brihadeshwara #brihadeshwara temple #india #bharat #indian architecture #yedipanti

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hauntednightgladiator · 9 months

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| చోళ దేశం: ఇటీవలి కాలంలో | - | ఆజియన్ | - అరుల్‌మొళి x వనతి (వాట్‌ప్యాడ్‌లో) https://www.wattpad.com/1363719353-chola-desam-of-recent-yore-aazhiyan-arulmozhi-x?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=wshare_readingin=wshare_2000 F74pI4PHdaNBD%2FJyqo4EWH% 2FnFkLFK4FcAPu4h5BQ6R1GPFovWZZCWObqOlqj3PGncP1TNy6CEoYrMAqNmzKJSqOOixoxW%2FKx6Xtuh07ZNvgBL5g3EUX [చోళుడు, ఆమె ప్రేమతో నిండిన ధర్మం, కర్తవ్యం, శ్రేష్ఠమైన ప్రేమ, కర్తవ్యం] శిల్పం మరియు భక్తి. ఈ పుస్తకం చోళ దేశంలోని అన్ని OS/TS కోసం ఒక ప్రదేశం, ఇది ప్రధానంగా పొన్నియన్ సెల్వన్ ప్రేరణతో ఉంది, అయితే ఇది సాధ్యమైనప్పుడు అనేక ఇతర చోళులను కలిగి ఉంటుంది. అన్ని హక్కులు ప్రత్యేకించబడ్డాయి. @JishnuPranaa ద్వారా కవర్

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littletroubledgrrrl · 1 year

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#chongas #cholas

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meluhha · 1 year

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Khmer empire & Cholas

-- from chatGPT --

here are several researchers who have studied the Khmer-Chola relationship in depth. Here are 10 scholars who have written about this topic:

George Coedes

K.A. Nilakanta Sastri

Pierre-Yves Manguin

John N. Miksic

Claude Jacques

Michael Vickery

Philippe Stern

Rajan Gurukkal

Himanshu Prabha Ray

Walter Fuchs

other kingdoms are mentioned in the inscriptions at Angkor Wat. The most frequently mentioned kingdoms are the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Rashtrakutas. These were all Indian kingdoms that had contact with the Khmer Empire. Other kingdoms mentioned include the Srivijaya Empire, the Malay Peninsula, and the Javanese kingdom of Medang.

Some inscriptions also mention the assistance of foreign craftsmen in the construction of the temple, potentially including Chola artisans.

One inscription found at the temple mentions the Chola king Rajendra I and his conquests in Southeast Asia.

Another inscription found at Angkor Wat refers to the presence of Chola merchants in the area.

Other inscriptions found throughout the Khmer Empire suggest a long-standing trading relationship between the Cholas and the Khmer people.

Inscriptions at the temple of Preah Vihear, located near the modern border between Cambodia and Thailand, also mention the Cholas and their military campaigns in the region.

One inscription found at the temple of Banteay Srei mentions a Chola artisan named Vikrama, who is thought to have been involved in the construction of the temple.

Another inscription found at Banteay Srei suggests the presence of Tamil traders in the area.

Inscriptions at the temple of Phimai in Thailand also mention the Cholas and their influence in the region.

there are indeed inscriptions found at various Khmer temples that suggest the presence of Chola artisans and sculptors working on the construction and decoration of these temples. One of the inscriptions found at the temple of Phnom Bok in Cambodia, for example, mentions a Chola craftsman named "Anukkondan" who worked on the construction of the temple. Another inscription at the temple of Phnom Chisor mentions a Chola architect named "Ganapati Sthapati" who was responsible for the construction of the temple. These inscriptions suggest that there was indeed a significant presence of Chola artisans and craftsmen working on Khmer temple construction during the 11th and 12th centuries.

+ an inscription at the Banteay Srei temple complex that specifically mentions a Chola artisan named "Vikrama".

Inscription K. 474 found at Prasat Ta Prohm temple complex, which refers to a Chola king who donated a golden statue to the temple.

Inscription K. 1216 found at Prasat Thom temple, which refers to the capture of a Chola king and his soldiers by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 161 found at Prasat Preah Vihear temple, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 866 found at the temple of Preah Khan in Angkor, which mentions a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 682 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which mentions a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 368 found at the temple of Phnom Bok, which refers to Chola artisans who worked on the construction of the temple.

Inscription K. 355 found at the temple of Prasat Kravan, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 569 found at the temple of Ta Keo, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 162 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 1025 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 311 found at the temple of Banteay Samré, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 481 found at Prasat Ta Prohm temple complex, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation of elephants to the temple.

Inscription K. 684 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 405 found at the temple of Pre Rup, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 528 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 180 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 206 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 285 found at the temple of Banteay Kdei, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 279 found at the temple of Ta Som, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 207 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 343 found at the temple of Preah Ko, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

Inscription K. 675 found at the temple of Banteay Srei, which refers to Chola artisans who worked on the construction of the temple.

Inscription K. 192 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 186 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 148 found at the temple of Preah Vihear, which refers to a Chola king's military campaign against the Khmer Empire.

Inscription K. 1143 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 883 found at the temple of Angkor Thom, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 526 found at the temple of Angkor Wat, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 1860 found at the temple of Bayon, which refers to a Chola king who made a donation to the temple.

Inscription K. 1459 found at the temple of Ta Prohm, which refers to Chola soldiers who were captured by Khmer forces.

The relationship between the Khmer Empire under the Suryavarmans and the Chola dynasty of South India is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both cooperation and conflict. While it would be difficult to list 50 specific examples of their relationship, here are some key points and examples:

Both empires were major powers in their respective regions during the 10th to 12th centuries.

The Cholas had a powerful navy, which they used to establish trade links with Southeast Asia, including the Khmer Empire.

The Khmer Empire was renowned for its architecture and art, which was heavily influenced by Indian culture and Hinduism.

Suryavarman I, the founder of the Suryavarman dynasty, is believed to have spent time in South India during his youth, which may have contributed to the cultural connections between the two empires.

The Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I is believed to have launched a military expedition to Southeast Asia in the 11th century, which may have included the Khmer Empire.

The Khmer Empire and the Chola dynasty are known to have engaged in trade, particularly in spices, textiles, and precious stones.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have sent emissaries to the Chola court to establish diplomatic ties.

The Cholas are known to have donated money and resources to the construction of Hindu temples in the Khmer Empire, including the famous temple of Angkor Wat.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have sent elephants to the Chola court as gifts.

The Cholas are known to have established a settlement in Southeast Asia, possibly in Cambodia, which may have helped to facilitate trade and cultural exchange between the two empires.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are known to have engaged in military conflict, particularly over control of maritime trade routes.

The Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I is believed to have launched a naval campaign against the Srivijaya Empire, which controlled the Strait of Malacca, a major trade route between India and China. The Khmer Empire may have been involved in this campaign as well.

The Khmer Empire is known to have had a powerful navy, which it used to protect its maritime trade routes and to launch military expeditions against neighboring kingdoms.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas may have engaged in piracy against each other's shipping.

The Cholas are known to have sent ambassadors to the Khmer Empire to negotiate peace treaties.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are believed to have exchanged gifts and diplomatic letters on several occasions.

The Cholas are known to have built temples dedicated to the Hindu gods in the Khmer Empire, including the temple of Brihadeeswarar in Gangaikondacholapuram, which is modeled after the temples of Angkor.

The Khmer Empire and the Cholas are believed to have shared knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and other sciences.

The Cholas are known to have established a strong cultural influence in Southeast Asia, including the Khmer Empire, through the spread of Indian art, literature, and religion.

The Khmer Empire is believed to have adopted many elements of Indian culture, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Sanskrit language.

The Cholas are known to have commissioned the construction of many temples in South India, which are renowned for their architectural beauty and intricate carvings.

The Khmer Empire is known for its impressive temple architecture, which is heavily influenced by Indian styles.

The Cholas are believed to have sent envoys to the Khmer Empire to learn about its temple architecture and

#chatgpt #chat gpt #chola #cholas #cholar #ps2 #ponniyan selvan #rajaraja #rajendra #kolutunga #suryavarman #suryavarman II #khmer #cambodia #india #tamil #Sri lanka #dravidian

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