Starting today, 5th October 2018, my new blogging schedule includes Fridays where I’ll share snippets of ancient Indian history – BCE to early CE – that focuses on the region covered by the Deccan in the south.
The region which was once occupied by three famous dynasties – the Cheran, Cholan, and Pandyan – broadly encompasses five current Indian states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Image @ Sangam Era 300 BCE to 200 CE by Global Security
Some historians used a collective term – Tamilakam – the Age of the Tamils, to describe this period. Tamil in this usage referred not only to the Tamils of modern day India but all the peoples of the south. Another term – Dravidians – is in more common usage now.
I’m currently finalizing my next work of fiction: a literary historical novel based on Silappatikaram, one of the five ancient classics of Tamilakam.
My book Title: Song of the Ankle Rings
Possible Subtitle: An adaptation of Silappatikaram
When researching, I discovered much fascinating information. It was heavy reading and with often confusing and conflicting timelines and names of rulers and peoples.
I tried to make sense of the information and would like to share some posts as a lead up to the launch of Song of the Ankle Rings in early 2019.
Look out for the first post next Friday. Hopefully, they are interesting and in easy enough digestible morsels.
My new posting schedule: Mondays (Random Flash Fiction & Updates on my Books); Wednesdays (Haiku) and Fridays (Ancient Indian history) fits the eclectic nature of Written Words Never Die.
I hope most of you will find at least one of my weekly categories to your liking.
(Note: Treat these posts on Ancient Indian History as highly simplified introductions to a complex, often conflicting, and vague period mired in the mists of antiquity.)
*** Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018 ***
looks like i came back at the right time =) so very intrigued with your new project, it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn about but my Thamizh reading skills are sub-par….try nursery level =))
Hello, hello, hello – stranger 🙂
Where have you been, and welcome back 🙂
If your Tamil reading skills are sub-par… well. A regular reader might take 2 minutes to read a page. It takes me about 20 minutes because I’ve to join the words one by one. I read Bahasa Indonesia better. LOL.
Once again, good to have you return Q, and all good wishes,
Eric
Being an Indian I feel amazing reading d post
Hello Poornima,
First comment in my blog, I see. Welcome aboard 🙂
Yes, Indian history is fascinating. As a student, I had to study mostly British history – Singapore was a colony, and that’s what they fed us.
Hope to see you return,
Eric
Warm greetings sir …🙏
This happens to be mine first encounter with a Britisher(if am right) ..after regular encounters in history classes during school days 😋as modern indian history post Mughal era consists of mainly India as a colony under Britain till independence .
It’s great to hear your interest in Indian history .
Hope to read more write ups by you in the future and would love to stay connected !
Thank you
Hello Poornima,
My mother was UK subject, but I was born in Singapore and am Singaporean. But yes, we studied – had to study – British history, and I enjoyed it.
Yes, let’s keep the lines open.
Cheers!
Eric
Just installed wordpress and this is first time i am reading a blog. Wow so many peopel eager to learn my Tamil history. As a Tamilian i am looking forward for this.
Hello Ranjan,
Welcome aboard. Yes, all history is fascinating and so is Tamilakam’s history.
All good wishes,
Eric
I’m looking forward for more articles on South Indian history. 🙂
Please keep sharing.
Thank you 🙂
Hello again, Mani,
Look out for my posts every Friday. I hope not to disappoint you 🙂
Cheers!
Eric
Sure 👍🏼
I look forward to learning, Eric! 🙂
Thank you, Lauren,
I’m learning too, as I write these posts.
Cheers 🙂
I am no history fan, regardless of whose history, I flung this subject bad. The history teachers drone on and on and on, all of them.
Since I started reading your blog, I’m begiining to see history as interesting especially when you made them into story telling context. Look forward to this.
Hello Windy,
History has always been one of my favourite subjects but the teachers (in primary/elementary school) went out of their way to make it as boring as possible. They did not know the basics regarding history – it is a story. Tell a story. Don’t snow us under with a table of names and dates!
I think I just ranted. LOL.
Glad you are joining the other readers here 🙂
Cheers!
Eric
Wow.. this is so satisfying.. I feel so excited when something is posted about the history and that too about Ancient Tamil related…
Hello Chiru,
Good to know that you’re a fan of history and especially ancient history of Tamilakam. Feel free to spread the word to like-minded friends. On my part I will do my best not to disappoint.
A good evening and a great week ahead,
Eric
Yes Eric.. History is always fascinating.. And when it comes to Tamil I feel so proud.. Keep blogging Have a great week ahead.
Very interesting…
…looking forward to next Friday.
Thank you, Rab 🙂
See you next week.
It’s evening here in Singapore. Had a nice meal with my love and am now enjoying a glass of scotch.
Have a great weekend ahead,
Eric
Reblogged this on In the World of Thoughts and commented:
Any one interested in Ancient Indian History, follow Eric . He is going to make it simple and interesting
Thank you – much appreciate the plug 🙂
Eric Indian culture is like a ocean with different faiths, beleives and Traditions co-existing in harmony since ancient times. You know in Himachal Pradesh , the north Himalayan state , they say that they are so many dialects, it is just amazing. Looking forward to reading your blogs🙏🏻
What you say is true.
That is also my reason for noting thus: Treat these posts on Ancient Indian History as highly simplified introductions to a complex, often conflicting, and vague period mired in the mists of antiquity.
Thank you and all good wishes, Namrata,
Eric
I appreciate your initiative and it would definitely be great read. Simplifying something so complex is not easy ,as it takes up lot of time and efforts. That was just a casual mention.
I look forward to your posts on Indian History. I have a daughter-in-law who was born in New Deli a great deal of whose extended family still live in India. I met many of them at her and my son’s wedding.
Hello Ina,
A daughter-in-law from India – now that’s cool. The wedding celebrations must have been something of an eye-opener I’m sure.
In my forthcoming book, Song of the Ankle Rings, there is a wedding scene – told from the bride’s POV. She is the protagonist in the story and my first readers (all women) loved her voice. I take some satisfaction from that – for a guy to write from a female POV, I shuddered when I first embarked on the novel.
Re Indian History: Thank you for your interest. I hope my posts don’t disappoint.
Have a great weekend,
Eric
I am open to learning some ancient Indian history in easily digested snippets – especially from a scholar like you. Write on!
Hello hello hello 🙂
Scholar you say – gawd, if only that was true.
Hope not to disappoint with my Indian history posts.
Cheers,
Eric
Looking forward to this
Hello Onyango, my friend,
Happy to have you join this select group of readers.
Cheers!
Eric
I will be looking forward to this with eager anticipation. 🙂
Hello Ian,
You having traveled widely and lived and worked in India, I guess ancient Indian history is right up your alley of interests.
Hope not to disappoint,
Eric