4- THE FIRST STEP

4- THE FIRST STEP

Part 1, 2, 3

Pazhayarai

"Madurayum Eezamum Konda Ko-Parakesari Parantaka Chozhare vanangidunnen". Veera Pandyan bowed before the Chola king showing great pretension of reverence and humility. The old king smiled arrogantly but he too pretended to be very gracious as he hugged Veera Pandyan and enquired about the welfare of his family.

A scribe read out the royal charter detailing the terms of surrender and the tax to be submitted to the Chola treasury. They have reviewed and conducted several rounds of deliberations in the presence of Chera vassals. Though they have no plans to follow it strictly, Cholas and Cheras don't need to know that.

Menandros pointed out the Pallava chieftain to Ravidasan. Fate is indeed a strange thing. Aditha Cholan once stood with his spine bent in the court of Aparajita Varman. Then he took his head. Now the irumudi adorns his son's head and Aparajita Pallavan's and Rajasimha Pandyan's grandsons worship his feet.

But this compromise didn't come out of nowhere, did it? Everyone knew about Aditha Cholan's fight with his father-in-law Kannara Devan. Parantakan wouldn't have agreed to this arrangement if most of his forces weren't engaged at Thirumunaipadi. That was their hope too. Only Menandros and a few trusted lieutenants escaped with the royals last time. If these upstarts suffer a crushing setback in the hands of Rashtrakutas, it won't be impossible to declare independence.

Read about Chola - Rashtrakuta problem

They moved to the dining hall to feast and rejoice and Menandros quitely introduced some other vassals to him. Though much was left unsaid, Ravidasan understood the implications of his words.

Some were elevated by marriage alliances and other allowances, like Periya Pazhuvettaraiyan Kandan Amudhan. Some like Miladudaiyan Malayaman were allowed to keep their possessions, but they are not sufficiently rewarded with higher responsibilities. To be frank, he seemed happier than the highly decorated chieftains. After a round of alcohol, he and his companions started singing folk songs and dancing. Cholan's grandson too joined them. No wonder he is called Sundaran. He glowed as if he is made of pure gold.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyan Tappilidharman's two sons who looked like Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyakshan stared at them. Ravidasan and Menandros stared back with equal intensity.

°°°°°°°°°°

Madurai

"Who won?"

"We won, ilavarase. Those two pebble eyed demons had to concede defeat".

"Is it true that young Pazhavoor princes are seven feet tall and can bend a sword with plain hands?"

"No, they are almost as tall as me. Definitely not seven feet tall. What do you say, Ravidasa?"

Ravidasan was planning to take it up directly with Veera Pandyan. If those Pazhuvoor men are any indication, Chola Velakkara Padai is insanely strong. He had gathered that the elder brother used to lead them but now the younger brother has taken up that position and the older one is with his family's forces now.

"Definitely not seven feet tall. No sword bending either. But they can snap the neck of a grown man easily. Thalapathi, shouldn't we intensify the training program of our forces?"

"We are allowed only minimal autonomy. Haven't we divided the forces into smaller units and train them individually? We will have to wait till they are confirmed to be occupied elsewhere."

"I got an intelligence report that Kodumbaloor Irunkovelan and Sambuvarayan marched to Kanchi even before you left Pazhayarai". Jatilan sounded extremely proud about the confidential information he managed to secure.

"Ilavarase, I heard that the younger Pazhavoor prince was summoned by Kondandaraman (Rajadithan). If they are moving the Velakkara Padai, their situation is more precarious than we thought. That's the only thing that gives me some peace of mind."

"Paatta, how is appa's new recruit? Is this guy learning everything?"

"Absolutely. Also if everything happens as Ravi says, we can start mobilising our forces soon".

"Let me test him. Anna, tell me the names of the chieftains who were present there".

Ravidasan recounted the names- Pazhuvettaraiyan, Pallavan, Miladudaiyan, Sambuvarayan, Irunkovelan, Vanangamudi . . . Menandros started giggling like a teenager. "Jatila, your dream father-in-law wasn't invited".

Some chieftains like Mazhavarayar who lost their lands and titles are relegated to the background and don't get invited to events like this. He has a mad daughter - Uma Maheshwari. The girl spends the whole day dancing and praying before Natarajan. Ever since Jatilan met her, he hasn't stopped dreaming about her.

The prince didn't like Menandros' teasing. Uma Maheshwari and Jatilavarman. They are made for each other. Ravidasan and Menandros had to agree to that logic. Jatilan too might as well learn some dance from Malayaman. He walked away, blushing and complaining that no one has any regard for him.

Aha! Troubles of a teenage heart. Today was a pleasant day indeed.

Bonus: Uma Maheshwari's dance

Is there no place for this thumba flower(symbolising Parvati) in your sacred matted hair decorated by the crescent moon?

In this bountiful nature that produces the sound of om, this flower blooms with the nectarine offerings of love.

Won't Haran (Siva)'s eyes caress the petals of this humble flower?

Can you guess who is Mazhappadi Uma Maheshwari?

Who are Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyan Tappilidharman's two sons?

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5- Strategies and Solicitude

Part 1, 2, 3, 4

Madurai

"Tanjai has fallen" Can a few words give so much happiness to anyone? This is rivalled only by the happiness he felt when Kanchi fell. Jatilan was dancing as he hugged the guards who were with him. Gladdened by the sudden display of the prince's happiness and affection, they too started dancing. Much to his embarassment, Ravidasan called him 'Natarajan' and the other guards clapped and cheered even more. But Menandros kept himself busy as usual.

"Why don't you too join them and have some fun, Thalapathi?"

"Later. Now we have work to do, come."

Veera Pandyan pondered over the situation over a glass of toddy. He traced his fingers across a map which outlined the current holdings of different chieftains. Subjugation of Pallavas and the over-reliance on Pazhuvettaraiyars ultimately backfired on Cholas as there weren't enough troops or strong leadership to counter the unexpected attack on Kanchi and Tanjai. Some spies reported that Pallava forces didn't even bother to fight much. When you make peace with being a vassal, it doesn't matter if a new overlord replaces the former one.

However Tanjaiyum Kanchiyum konda (Conquerer of Tanjore and Kanchipuram) Kannara Devan gaining too much foothold in the region will hamper their rise. The king's secret council suggested that they should arrange for at least one Pazhavoor prince to return and capture Tanjai. Pazhuvettaraiyars fighting on multiple fronts will eventually weaken Cholas too. If they have to strike, they need to heat the iron themselves.

°°°°°°

Mazhappadi

Prince Amarabhujanga Jatilavarman tried his best to convince Mazhavarayar Madhavan that they aren't testing his loyalty. According to the secret council, the disgraced former chieftain of Mazhappadi is indeed the best candidate to plant an idea or two among Cholas. They will think that the man is just trying to reclaim the lost prestige of his clan. But the he dramatically beat his chest like a monkey and declared that he is a faithful servant of the meenkodi. If he wanted to betray them, he could have done it before this.

Manimaran, the one of ministers who escorted Jatilan and led the discussions, looked like he is itching to remind Madhavan of the times he tried to get into the good graces of Kodandaraman. But he managed to accomplish their task without any undesirable diatribe. Manimaran's adept management of the situation remained Ravidasan that he has much to learn about the practical ways of handling conflict in different scenarios.

Nevertheless can't this "help" genuinely endear him to the tigers? No one can blame him if he uses this opportunity as a ladder since the clan has suffered a lot for siding with the losing side. Ravidasan couldn't offer any better suggestions either. So he stayed quiet and concentrated on the prince's bodyguard duty, which was an even more tedious task than he expected. The boy is quite restless.

"I don't want you to follow me everywhere".

"We are the humble servants of your father, ilavarase."

"I order you to stand down and relax. If you don't want to relax, these people are planning to host a villupattu tonight. Help them with the arrangements."

"Our orders come from the Emperor himself".

"Ravi anna, you all please stay here and give us some privacy."

Us? Oh, that. Technically, they are supposed to taste the prince's food, accompany him everywhere and talk to everyone before they meet the prince. As the daughter of a respectable family, Uma Maheshwari might refuse to be treated like a commoner girl. Finally, they reached a compromise.

How could he forget the young prince's infatuation? Isn't that why Jatilan volunteered to come here in the first place? Though Madhavan offered to send a few of his men with them, they turned down the courtesy saying that the prince needs some relaxation after the tiresome deliberations. Ravidasan resisted the urge to playfully scoff with a roll of his eyes and tease him as they walked to the temple.

They were expecting to hear songs and the jingling of dancing bells but a doomed silence permeated the atmosphere. He observed them from a distance as Jatilan slowly approached a beautiful forlorn girl. Finally - the famous Uma Maheshwari! A pair of dance bells were placed on a platform near her seat and the crimson hue on the girl's cheeks indicated that she was aware of their, no, the prince's presence.

Ravidasan was even more surprised to hear the girl complaining about her "Parameshwaran" not visiting her earlier and prolonging their marriage. The girl is as fascinated about him as he is about her. So it isn't a mere one-sided crush as everyone thought! He didn't even dare to think what these crazy children are doing as he concentrated on the patterns on the Nandi statue. Their marriage was a topic discussed in the secret council but most people were against it as it will only result in Paranthakan keeping Mazhavarayar at an arm's length. May the Lord of Mazhappadi help his devotees to fulfill their desires!

Ponnar meniyane pulitholai araikisaithu, Minnar senchadaimel milirkondrai anindavane, Manne maamaniye mazhapadiyul manikkame, Anne unnai allal ini yarai ninaikene . . . (O Siva with the golden body! O Siva wearing the tiger skin on your waist and bright kondrai flowers on the lightning like matted locks! O king! O the great gem! O the ruby in Mazhapadi town! O mother! Who else except you will I think about!)

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6- SHOORPANAKHA

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Anuradhapura

The welcome accorded to the Pandya envoy was as grand as usual. Honestly, they weren't expecting such a marvelous welcome due to their downfall. Ravidasan was worried about Udayan breaking the protocol to greet and hug him. What will the crown prince and his advisors think?

They all looked very impressed and the only thing Jatilan was a bit miffed about was the king refusing to show him the ancient crown jewels of Pandyas. Jatilan's great-grandfather Maravarman Rajasimhan had entrusted them to his counterpart in Anuradhapuram before he fled to Chera mandalam and no one has seen them since then.

Though he too really wanted to see the renowned crown jewels, Ravidasan consoled the young prince that such loyalty is commendable. Perhaps they even thought that this is Veera Pandyan's secret test. By refusing to show the crown jewels to anyone except the Thennavan himself, they have passed the test in flying colours. If Kotravai wills it, Jatilan himself might get to wear the necklace of Devendran when he marries Uma Maheshwari or ascends the throne wearing the ancient studded crown!!!

Lankans were very receptive to the plan to fight Cholas when they are already engaged in another war. He talked to the Chief Commander when the Prince and his advisors conducted discussions with the royals. An intuition told him that they were already making preparations for this and their arrival was highly anticipated. The Commander tasked a General with explaining their plans and Udayan joined them.

It was Udayan who revealed what really conspired behind the scenes. The splendour of Paranthakan's youngest grandson's beauty has reached the anthapuram of Anuradhapuram. His cousin, the King's daughter Hemalata declared that she accepted him in her heart and she will fast untill death if he their marriage isn't conducted soon. The king was overjoyed since he saw it as an end to his endless troubles. Needless to say, Cholas refused to entertain this proposal.

Though he told himself that these people aren't as trustworthy as their demonstrations indicated, Ravidasan was really moved by this one-sided love story. "Poor princess! It is a pity that she loved a man enough to die for him though he doesn't care that she exists."

"Hi hi hi. Your sense of humour is intact, anne. Now no one is more determined than our Hema to destroy the clan and reign of Cholas. We will get her married to Jatilavarmar in a heartbeat if his father allows it."

"Really! I thought the princess is older than him."

"She is, but who cares about such trivial matters when a lot is at stake? My uncle, I mean the king, is not going to embarrass himself again. But in case your advisors get such ideas, which is definitely going to happen after today's meeting, you should encourage it."

He was reminded of the words of his teachers: "A passionate woman, like a female snake, terrible from the condensed poison she accumulates within, will never, if injured, neglect to wreak vengeance."* Do they really need such a treacherous and toxic alliance? If Jatilan's sisters were unmarried, at least one of them could have been married to Udayan, Senan or little Mahindan. But who is he to make such decisions? It is indeed a good thing that he joined aabathudaivigal and became a brahmachari. He won't have to deal with such women.

°°°°°°

"Jatila, Jatila, kumaraya", Hemalata caressed the prince's forehead and hair as her attendants sprinkled water on his face. Ravidasan felt chills as he saw the princess who looked like bhadrakali. Isn't this the same girl who declared that Sundara Cholan is dearer to her than her own life? Who can guess what transpires in the deep recesses of women's minds!

Jatilan slowly opened his eyes, jumped up from the bed and stood up, seeing all the women surrounding him. Ugravikraman and Ravidasan caught him before he fainted again due to strain. The prince had been unwell since he got on the ship. Though they thought that this is normal sea-sickness, his continued bouts of fainting and shortness of breath were alarming. The royal physicians of Anuradhapuram too couldn't find anything wrong with the young prince's health, except fatigue.

Ugran asked their translator to convey to the ladies to leave them alone. Jatilan peered through the slits of his eyes and started giggling as the girls left the room. They heaved a sigh of relief. Poor Ugran's thoughts have gone from jumping into the sea to slitting his own throat in an instant when he saw Jatilan lying still.

"Ilavarase, are you alright? Please don't laugh and over-exert yourself".

"I am alright. Anna, please don't tell Uma that this Shoorpanakha akka touched my hair."

"Someone is going to be very displeased if she knows that she was called akka and Shoorpanakha".

"What will they do if Sundaresan deposited all the beauty in the world on Paranthakan's one grandson? He should have divided it and given a bit to all of us."

They stopped Jatilan from talking further and massaged his feet. Who knows whether they will emerge as Raman or Ravanan from this ordeal!

Thennavan - The Lord of the South, a title of the Pandya King

* Indian version of "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", from Kathasaritsagara.

Sundaresan - Lord Siva, Madurai Meenakshi's consort

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