Just thought I could summarize some of the unique features of PS as compared to other historic novels written in Tamil -
* Most of the novels have a big invasion or fighting between 2 kingdoms as their climax. The entire novel will be moving towards this event and the author would have supported one side - portraying the other as the evil force. Kalki's own SS is no exception to this.
But PS is different in this respect - to a careful observer it will be evident that the novel does'nt have a climax on its own ! Kalki felt that the renunciation of Crown by Arulmizhi was his climax (refer his conclusion to the novel) - to many readers it is the murder of Aditya - but to me it is neither or both. That is why when you finish the novel, you always suffer from a sort of dissatisfaction - no other novel can give this feeling - that too at the end of 5th volume !
* Most of the novels have a King or a prince as its hero but in PS a small, insignificant and noble warrior (Vandhiyathevan) becomes a hero. It is interesting to note that Kalki actually wanted Arulmozhi to be recognized as a hero in his novel the name Ponniyin selvan is derived from him but an `all perfect' figure he portrayed only helped to distance readers from Arulmizhi. Moreover the chronology of events was also in favour of Vandhiyathevan. It is interesting to compare Vandhiyathevan with Paranjothi who is a character in SS and Ponnan of Parthiban Kanavu. In SS Paranjothi character is used to introduce many characters in the Novel but the real hero is Narasimhavarman. It is certain that Kalki wanted to adopt a similar technique but somehow Vandhiyathevan triumphed over his own creator !
* Usually such long historic stories have to portray some breaks in timeline (invariably). For example, in SS the last part happens after a gap of 9 years. But PS portrays events continuously for a period of 6 months. If you trace back carefully, you can actually find out who was doing what for almost every day for a period of 6 months.
* Probably its portrayal of simultaneous happenings in many many places is unique to Tamil historic novel genere. At some point of time, he will be detailing different events happening in Srilanka, Tanjore, Pazhaiyarai, Kudanthai and Kadambur and yet with master craftsmanship will link them in a very logical order as pages move by
* Its characterization of people is a well discussed and well researched topic
* This is probably the only novel in which we see almost all kinds of love between human beings portrayed - Vandhiyathevan and Kundhavai who are in love with each other since their first sight. - Poonguzhali's love for Arulmozhi and her compromise to marry Amudhan - Arulmozhi's interest in Poonguzhali and his compromise to marry vanathi - Vanathi's love towords Arulmizhi - Amudhan's love towords Poonguzhali - Nandhini's love towords Aditya and her revenge - Aditya's love towords Nandhini - Parthibendhran's love towords Nandhini - Pazhuvettaraiyar's interest in Nandhini - Manimekalai's love towords Vandhiyathevan
Initially I thought of categorizing them (like one sided love, two sided love etc) but I find that it is difficult to do given the wide spectrum of relationship kalki portrays
* PS is perhaps the only novel in which the story is not entirely dominated by Hero. Sometimes I think PS has different heros at different points of time - In Pallipadai events (Part I) Azvarkadiyan sounds like a hero - In Nilavarai and many other occations, ofcourse Vandhiyathevan dominates - In Part II Arulmozhi dominates in many occasions - Sendhan amudhan surprisingly dominates certain portains in Part IV and V (During Mandakini escape from Pallakku, when he becomes royal heir etc) - During the aftermath of floods (Part IV), Pazhuvettaraiyar certainly becomes a hero for a chapter or two Thus it is close to real life in which different people become heros at different points of time.
* Surprise ! PS seems to have no villains ! (or rather everybody seem to have enough justifications) Nandhini might sound like a villi but after reading her childhood we understand that there are enough reasons behind her abhorrence. Ravidasan ? Soman sambavan ? Remember they had vowed to give their life in case they fail to protect their leader. But instead they choose to live and take revenge. They undergo so many troubles to achieve their goal. Considering the cruelty of Pandiya's murder this can be understood. In other words, the negative forces are also portrayed with possible realism a writer can bestow upon his characters.
I initially though of writing a small mail but this is close to becoming an article. I can write many things like this .and yet may not able to fully portray the heights and depths of this greatest historic novel ever written.
Hi all! Recent mails(or articles!)were really good.Since preparing for exams,few days back I decided not involve much in the discussions.But I realize,I can resist anything but PS! Gokul,all you have summarized is acceptable by any PS fan.The novel attracted me because of the charecterisation.No one is evil and Kalki explains each one's charater from the positive side. And he explains the story day by day.That's why PS is made a megaserial I suppose! I wish to add few points to the summary like, -It's a very 'decent'writing that we can suggest even a child to read PS.Not only PS but all his works.In Chandilyan and other historic novel writers we can find an 'importance' given to romance. -the "mudivurai" by kaliki-I've never seen any mudivurai after climax(2 climaxes!)except in PS.But without that everyone would feel incompletion. (I still wonder why Kalki had to give such a pitious end to Manimekalai.) -Aurlmollivarmar's plans for tamilnadu.He made his dreams come true.That creates hope that we can succeed.Whenever I see Tanjore temple,I remember only PS & it's like a sign of hope. -Kaliki made me feel,If I had been Chola Kingdom... -AV respect for elders-his father,Sembiyanmadevi,his sister,even Pazhuvetyars..that greatly impressed me!Present generation has to learn many things from PS!
About Veerapandiyan can never be Nandhini's father... I accept everything.Madhuranthakan is sure Nandhini's twin brother.He becomes the heir of Pandiyan.why anyone who is not a son of Veerapandian should be made his heir?That's my onle doubt!