A masterpiece by Kalki Krishnamurthy, recipient of India's highest literary honour – the Sahitya Akademi Award, 'Sivakamiyin Sabadham' is a historical Tamil novel set in 7th century South India. The struggle for supremacy between the Chalukya Emperor, Pulikesi II, and the Pallava Emperor, Mahendra Varmar and at a later stage, his son, Narasimha Varmar, forms the core of the novel. The story begins with Pulikesi's unanticipated invasion of the Pallava Kingdom and the ruses Mahendra Varmar employes to safeguard his kingdom and the capital, Kanchi. Mahendra Varmar is handicapped by his ill-equipped smaller army which is no match for the larger Chalukya army. Pulikesi's invasion is not Mahendra Varmar's sole cause for concern. The impractical yet ardent romance between his only son, Crown Prince Narasimha Varmar and the beautiful and talented danseuse, Sivakami, the daughter of the land's foremost sculptor, Aayanar, and the fate of Mamallapuram which Mahendra Varmar is in the midst of concerting into a sculpture-filled "dream world", weigh heavily on him. The scheming Chalukya loyalist, Naganandi Bikshu, the young and brave Pallava army commander Paranjyothi, the mysterious Vajrabahu, the passionate sculptor Aayanar and the Pallava spies Shatrugnan and Gundodharan aid in the story's progression. This intense and unforgettable narrative by 'Kalki' plays on the emotions of the readers and concludes with the least expected climax.

“Sivakami! If you agree, I will leave the kingdom to its fate and stay with you. You are more important to me than the kingdom…” Momentous words uttered by Narasimha Varmar, whose political stature has grown considerably after defeating Durvineethan, King of Ganga Nadu, at the historic Battle of Pullalur. But there are more obstacles to overcome. Mahendra Pallavar, after restraining the Chalukya forces for nine months at the northern border of the Pallava kingdom, is on his way back to Kanchi and continues to oppose the unsuitable alliance. The Chalukya army is rapidly marching towards Kanchi. Naganandi Adigal along with his coterie of faithful bikshus travels across the length and breadth of South India, enlisting support for Pulikesi. The Pallavas, not to be outdone, have considerably strengthened the Kanchi Fort under the able leadership of Mamallar and the newly appointed commander of the Kanchi Fort, Paranjyothi. Expecting the Chalukyas to lay siege to the Kanchi Fort, food supplies that will sustain the citizens residing within the fort for several months have been accumulated. Kalki Krishnamurthy’s gripping narrative describes the tremendous efforts of the Pallavas to counter the Chalukya invasion and the growing intimacy between Mamallar and Sivakami in the action-packed second volume of ‘Sivakamiyin Sabadham’.

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it. -The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám Kalki echoes the above sentiment when he talks about Fate playing a role in Mahendra Varmar's life. In this volume, he beautifully narrates the various manifestations of Fate. After successfully fending off the Chalukya invasion and ensuring that the Chalukya army has no access to food and water, Mahendra Pallavar drives the Chalukya Emperor, Pulikesi, to call for a truce. The statesman in him is keen, however, to convert a foe into a friend. Mahendra Varmar thus invites Pulikesi and his retinue for a diplomatic sojourn in Kanchi and lavishes hospitality on them. During an unguarded moment, the normally astute Mahendra Varmar reveals to Pulikesi in good faith all the ruses he had employed to counter the Chalukya invasion and also commits the faux pas of remarking on Pulikesi's lack of interest in the arts. These statements goad the disillusioned and vengeful Pulikesi to renege on his commitment to cease hostilities. Two battles are subsequently fought between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. While the Pallavas are successful in chasing the Chalukyas away, Pallava Nadu bears the brunt of Pulikesi's wrath. The Chalukyas amputate the limbs of sculptors, imprison young men and women, set entire villages on fire and destroy crops. Fate wields its unpredictable hand further. A rash decision by Aayanar and Sivakami results in Sivakami being abducted by the Chalukyas and her subsequent 'oath'. But these incidents also enable Mahendra Varmar to shape Narasimha Varmar's future in a manner he had always envisaged. Don't miss the action-packed third volume of 'Sivakamiyin Sabadham', which sets the stage for the startling climax of this magnum opus in the fourth and final volume.

"To meditate lifelong At the feet of Our Lord" Kalki's choice of Thirunavukkarasar's words to end his novel is indicative of the shift from romance to reflection, from mundane to spiritual. The Great War of Vatapi, fought after nine long years of preparation, has ended in victory for Mamallar. Pulikesi meets his end in the battle. Paranjyothi, the war strategist, is not enchanted by the victory. What path does he choose to find solace? The Machiavellian Naganandi ends up a tragic hero. What makes the reader pity rather than condemn him? Honour of the state drives Mammallar to make difficult choices in his personal life. His friendship and allegiance also change on account of that. What has life in store for him? After what seems like a endless wait, Sivakami's oath is fulfilled and her honour is upheld. But why does happiness continue to evade her? Read the scintillating fourth and final volume of 'Sivakamiyin Sabadham' for the answers. You will go through a gamut of experiences and realize that the end is in fact a new beginning.

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