A Kingdom , A Legend and a Legacy

I was watching the movie ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, one of the most awaited and hyped historical movies of the year 2022, that is based on an epic novel of the same name , which is in turn loosely based on true events that happened in the late ninth century . This got me curious to explore and learn more about a kingdom that was pioneering in some ways during the era in which it existed - a kingdom whose impact spread way beyond the present day South India to include parts of Sri Lanka, Maldives , Indonesia , Malaysia , Vietnam and the Far East - yet a kingdom about which precious little is mentioned in our history textbooks . 

The knowledge of history is a way of connecting to one’s roots and it holds a mirror to the evolution of a society . It is a fertile ground replete with tales of valour , honour , love and hate - tales of the victory of human spirit and humanity itself!

The story of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ begins with the incidents that caused Rajaraja Chola , considered by many to be the greatest of all Chola emperors, to become ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

the son of the river Ponni (Cauvery) and eventually the Emperor . The five part epic is a mirror to humanity in all its profoundness . Human initiative has been propelled by the need to rise above the lot and attain supremacy, since time immemorial . Be that early men who discovered fire or kingdoms like the Cholas, who pioneered Imperialism in its earliest form, out of the box thinking has always changed the way we live .

 The epic of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is replete with strong women who shape perceptions and destinies - women who were ‘kingmakers’ in the truest sense of the word . Be that ‘the face that launched a thousand ships’ or Nandini’s  shrewd strategies , hell truly has no fury like a woman who is scorned!

The most significant legacy of prominent historical empires is their contribution to language , art and culture . The Chola temple architecture and their contribution to Sangam 

Tamil literature and grammar has withstood centuries of ravage. In fact , the basic tenets of Tamil grammar , as we understand it today , was established during the Sangam period under the Chola rule .

The success of Cholan military expeditions is attributed to the Kingdom's naval strength and superior ship building techniques . The fact that Tamil merchant guilds, who possessed significant influence in the maritime silk route trade between the present day Arab world and China, supported the Cholan empire, added to its power and reach. In fact, many believe that this was the period during which rice crop, a staple in Southern India,  was introduced to the Far East .

The knowledge of history helps us understand human interconnectedness. The motivation behind our actions have always been the same and every rise ends in a fall and vice versa. Understanding history to not repeat past mistakes is true learning- the kind that paves a more positive way ahead!

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Post Script 

The year 2022 was an eventful one for me in terms of learning and growth . I achieved my cherished dream of becoming a published author besides contributing my perspective to a pathbreaking book, taking on freelance writing assignments , writing content for a social media initiative and even presenting at a Neurodiversity summit. The readership that I receive for my blogs motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and try different things . After all, success is so heady that it bestows the confidence to challenge your limits . 

You read , therefore I write … and here's wishing us all a rocking New Year 2023!




Comments

  1. VarshaJanuary 2, 2023 at 4:16 AM

    Wow, thanks for this insight Aditi. Loved reading about the story and it's history as you've put it so well 🤍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aditi SowmyanarayanJanuary 2, 2023 at 9:29 PM

      Thank you Varsha madam . While the movie is just about okay, the story of that Kingdom which was ahead of its time is fascinating indeed

      Delete
  2. vijiJanuary 2, 2023 at 8:19 AM

    It's wonderful that you have gone beyond just the movie and tried to dig deeper. As you have rightly put, the kingmakers maybe sometimes more powerful than the king himself. As one reads history, it gives us many fascinating insights. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aditi SowmyanarayanJanuary 2, 2023 at 9:38 PM

      The kingmakers hold the key to power in most present day democracies too and the concept of a pseudo leader is not new either . Humanity , in its essence , has probably always been the same .
      Wishing you and Ramam a rocking 2023

      Delete

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