If we go to Tanjavur,is it possible for us to have an authentic GUIDE.We want to be able to read the kalvettu and the ancient sasanams of that period which are inscribed in the temple.For example Kundavi's marriage with Vandiathevan and Rajarajan handing over the crown to utthamacholan. Vidyaramani
Thanks to Satish for the reply. I am 70 yrsyoung.I used to listen to my grand mother readingponniyinselvan aloud for mefrom the time it was published.I have read it so many times and buy new copiesas presentation.
Reign has already been passed on to Sundara Chola and his descendents. Then how and why Uttama chola became the ruler? If RRC did not hand over the 'kingship' voluntarily, his father and other elders must have influenced him to give up or disinherit RRC! Me too, did not have a birth certificate or a marriage certificate; these were obtained much later when they were needed for getting passports and visas. And there is no proof that Kalki's fertile imagination is responsible. Absence of proof does not disprove any theory! Sampath
Thats an interesting topic which we discuss time and again..
Recollecting what were discussed in this group earlier...
RRC could have been a kid and hence was not in position to ascend the thrown. Aditya Karikalan having been assasinated, the default choice would have been Uttama chola to take charge till RRC is ready. There is a kalvettu reference in this groups archive, where it says, wife of Sundara did 'udankattai' leaving behind a infant. Also, there were no wars or any major change during the 20 years of uttama's rule. But a lot of temples have been renovated during his reign.
Learned members can throw more light for the new comers.
In the epilogue to PS,Kalki clearly states that there is historical proof ,to the fact that Arunmozhi abdicated his rights to the throne ,in favour of Maduranthaka ,despite overwhelming public support in his favour.Only the handing over of the crown and associated speeches are kalki's imagination ,for lack of info.In fact ,it was this sacrifice, which endeared RRC to Kalki who chose to finish the novel at this unusual climax.Kalki,in his postscript says that this sacrifice is without parallel and emphasizes that it is not his imagination.