Ponniyin Selvan Varalaatru Peravai

Let us see the historic evidences that stand for and against the
theory that Mathuranthaka indeed conspired to kill Aditya. To do this
effectively, we need to look at what happened AFTER aditya's killing
as well as the reign of Uttama chola as a whole.

Evidence 1 :
The very first evidence that throws some light into this is the
Thiruvalangadu plates. They say pretty clearly that the country men
wanted to bring Arumozhi as the next prince but Arumozhi declined -
saying that AS LONG AS HIS STEP FATHER UTTAMA CHOZHA WISHES - HE WILL
NOT CONSIDER - EVEN MENTALLY ABOUT SUCEEDING THE CHOZHA THRONE.

You can view this in different angles. One view - taken by
T.V.Sadasiva pandarathar - a noted historian - is that Arumozhi had
so much respect in his step father that he procalimed this statment.
If you read Kalki's conclusion to PS - you will understand that the
whole story is based on this sacrifice of Arumozhi and that is why
Part 5 is aptly named THIYAGA CHIGARAM (Pinnacle of sacrifice). Thus,
Kalki has accepted T.V.P's conclusions as a whole.

But there is also another angle - which we can consider. The most
important thing that is visible from Thiruvalangadu inscriptions is
that UTTAMA DID WISH FOR THE THRONE. Thus, in order to avoid a
serious domestic conflict - Arumozhi decided to give room for his
step father's wishes. It is absolutely possible that the power camps
were divided in this issue - as PS succintly portrays - and since the
overall chola empire was under the threat of disintegration -
Arumozhi gave way for Uttama and decided to move his coins
cauciously - as Uttama did.

arumozhi had his own plans in giving up the chola throne tentatively -
in the light of domestic confusions and the death of crown prince.
I'll try substantiate this as we go along.