PONNIYIN SELVAN : BOOK-4 - WIND STORM

PONNIYIN SELVAN : BOOK-4 - WIND STORM

Ponniyin Selvan – Part 4 is the fourth volume of the scintillating new translation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s timeless Tamil classic. Filled with adventure, mystery, political intrigue and romance, this epic historical novel continues the journey of Arulmozhi Varman, the beloved prince who would later become one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty.

📖 About the Book

As danger surrounds the Chola kingdom, the life of Ponniyin Selvan (Arulmozhi Varman) is threatened by mysterious enemies. Loved by the people of Lanka for his kindness and courage, the young prince finds himself repeatedly escaping deadly attacks, each time aided by a mysterious woman whose face bears a striking resemblance to Pazhuvoor Ilaiya Rani Nandini.

With secrets unfolding around the enigmatic Kaveri Amman and her connection to the Chola royal family, Arulmozhi Varman faces a difficult choice. Should he obey his father’s command to return to Thanjavur, answer his brother Aditya Karikalan’s call to Kanchi, or follow his sister Kundavai’s summons to Pazhaiyarai?

Trapped in a web of conspiracies and threats, Ponniyin Selvan must navigate this dangerous chakravyuha like Abhimanyu of the Mahabharata and fight his way through enemies determined to bring him down.

First serialised in the magazine Kalki, this landmark novel transformed Tamil literature with its unique blend of humour, literary brilliance, vivid imagery and thrilling storytelling. Known for creating the distinctive style called 'Kalki Tamil', the series remains one of the greatest works of Tamil historical fiction.

This unabridged English translation by Nandini Krishnan preserves the beauty and spirit of Kalki’s original masterpiece while making it accessible to modern readers. With its unforgettable characters, grand historical setting and gripping narrative, Ponniyin Selvan remains a quintessential page-turner.

✨ Key Highlights

• The fourth part of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s legendary Tamil historical epic.
• Continues the thrilling journey of Arulmozhi Varman and the Chola dynasty.
• Filled with royal conspiracies, mystery, romance and political intrigue.
• Explores the secrets surrounding Nandini, Kaveri Amman and the Chola royal family.
• A faithful and lyrical English translation by Nandini Krishnan.
• An essential read for lovers of Tamil literature, history and epic storytelling.

✍️ About the Author

Kalki was the pen name of Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy (1899–1954), one of the most celebrated writers and journalists in Tamil literature. His writing career began during India's freedom struggle, where he combined literature with social and political activism.

He served as the editor of the popular Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan before founding his own magazine, Kalki, which became a symbol of progressive ideas and literary excellence.

Kalki authored several iconic works including Parthiban Kanavu and Sivakamiyin Sabadam, along with political essays, film reviews, music and dance critiques and other scholarly writings. His works continue to inspire generations of readers.

🌐 About the Translator

Nandini Krishnan is an author and translator known for her works exploring identity, society and human relationships. She is the author of Hitched: The Modern Woman and Arranged Marriage and Invisible Men: Inside India's Transmasculine Networks.

She has translated acclaimed Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s works, including Estuary and Four Strokes of Luck, into English. Her translations have received recognition, including shortlisting for the PEN Presents Translation Prize 2022 and the Ali Jawad Zaidi Memorial Prize for Translation from Urdu 2022.

📚 Why Read This Book?

Ponniyin Selvan – Part 4 brings together history, adventure, romance and political drama in one unforgettable epic. With its richly imagined world, powerful characters and timeless storytelling, this volume continues one of Indian literature’s greatest sagas and offers readers a magnificent journey into the glory of the Chola Empire.