Ponniyin Selvan is placed during the reign of what are called the
Later Cholas. There is a brief Chola period that culminates much earlier, starting
and immediately following the so-called Dark Ages of Tamil history around the 3-4 century
A.D., of which very little evidences exist.
The only few available evidences regarding these periods are the remnant temples that
could date their culverts and plates back to the Dark Period. Reportedly, the earliest
surviving temple in Tamilnadu could be traced to late 4th, early 5th century. The
period sorrounding this and preceding this were dominated by barbaric, and nomadic tribes
and destroyers on the move. It is reported that many religious cults and their
followers existed and ran unleashed during this period, pillaging and pillorying anything
sounding stable. There are, however, various highly contradictory theories and stories
about this period. Some of the resemblances of the nomads of this period fit
the description of the Kaalamugaas, the long-bearded, tousled and
crumpled- haired believers of the sacrificial religious cult in Ponniyin Selvan by
Kalki. Although, it is an idea to be wondered and queried about, whether
our retrospective consideration of the presences of this Dark Age in the light of similar
described cult followers by Kalki leads to this, or Kalki drew his inspiration from these
reported figures. The time-frame and locale of the Kaalamugaas of course is far fetched
from the area of occupation of these Dark Age destroyers. May be, the probability holds
good since these marauders on the move could never be placed to a particular locale.
But, it makes history fascinating, and what followed were the Early Cholas, who were at
the reign for a short duration in comparison with the Later Cholas, of whose life plenty
of evidences and documentations exist. Also, to keep the score, it should be
mentioned that the Cholas were not confined to a single capital city during their reign.
They had capital cities at various times at Uraiyur (near Tiruchirapalli, known today as
Trichy), Chira-p-palli itself was in the reckoning once, and of course the established
Thanjavur.
The Chola kings were all great warriors, as well as dedicated followers of the
Shaivaite cult that worships the Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity. And they were
dedicated patrons of the Naayanmaars who were the Shaivaite poets who strove to spread the
religion and the cult.
Among them stand many a Later Chola king who prominently figure in Ponniyin
Selvan. A brief history follows....
