Teja, have you read The Pillars of the Earth? It would be right up your alley. Cannot recommend it highly enough - it has all of what you've mentioned above and more (some fascinating stuff on cathedral architecture as a bonus).I've heard a lot about Ponniyan Selvan (which is supposed to be the GOAT tamil novel) from my tamil friends and have always wanted to read it but could not due to not being able to read the langauge and the qualities of translations not being the best.
It is historical fiction set in 10th century AD Tamil Nadu (or the state with Chennai as CW knows it) with a heavy focus on political intrigue, espionage, religious conflicts of the time, just everything I love - spanning over 2300 pages.
Finally I've been recommended an English translation which is actually great to read and doesn't lose the historical detail or the spice of the book. I'm sure it won't be quite as good as the original Tamil but really really pleased tbh: https://www.projectmadurai.org/pm_etexts/pdf/pm0278_01.pdf
That sounds great. I think my dad owns the book as well. Will check it out, thanks.Teja, have you read The Pillars of the Earth? It would be right up your alley. Cannot recommend it highly enough - it has all of what you've mentioned above and more (some fascinating stuff on cathedral architecture as a bonus).
I'm 10 chapters in (chapters are really short) and it's so ****ing good. I have just read the part pertaining to the first secret political meeting and have just started the chapters of the second strong POV character who is now going with her girlfriend to a shady astrologer which is giving me serious Cersei witch prophecy vibes.I've heard a lot about Ponniyan Selvan (which is supposed to be the GOAT tamil novel) from my tamil friends and have always wanted to read it but could not due to not being able to read the langauge and the qualities of translations not being the best.
It is historical fiction set in 10th century AD Tamil Nadu (or the state with Chennai as CW knows it) with a heavy focus on political intrigue, espionage, religious conflicts of the time, just everything I love - spanning over 2300 pages.
Finally I've been recommended an English translation which is actually great to read and doesn't lose the historical detail or the spice of the book. I'm sure it won't be quite as good as the original Tamil but really really pleased tbh: https://www.projectmadurai.org/pm_etexts/pdf/pm0278_01.pdf
This insult probably sounds so much better in Tamil. My Mom has likely used it on me at some point but I can't recollect this phrase at all hahaKandamaran said to his men, "You idiots! Move aside. Your brains are like budding shoots on a pounding block."