Our servants secreted much coin in their hands in return for carrying letters and news. Unlike the wealthy who wrote…
Read More 16. Silappatikaram: The Caravan, First Hints
15. Silappatikaram: A Child leaves and a Maiden will Return
The days leading to our departure were busy, harried, and filled with confused urgency. A steady queue of tradesmen and…
Read More 15. Silappatikaram: A Child leaves and a Maiden will Return
14. Silappatikaram: Adult Conspiracy
Overwhelmed with joy by the prospect of a long journey into new lands, the first in my life, I shared…
Read More 14. Silappatikaram: Adult Conspiracy
13. Silappatikaram: Broken Precious
‘And Kovalan, did he force you too?’ asked Father. I did not wish to blame Kovalan but also could not…
Read More 13. Silappatikaram: Broken Precious
12. Silappatikaram: Crocodiles and Inconsiderate Rocks
When I returned home, Mother was waiting. ‘So here you are,’ she said. ‘I’ve told you often enough not to…
Read More 12. Silappatikaram: Crocodiles and Inconsiderate Rocks
11.Silappatikaram: My Friends: Soft and Mean
And so it was, when I ran out to meet Kovalan, Mother continued to call. ‘Kannagi! Where are you? Kannagi!’ I…
Read More 11.Silappatikaram: My Friends: Soft and Mean
10. Silappatikaram: Father’s fierce Love
I dashed out the door and raced down the carriage track to the impressive iron-gate where Old Watchman, in…
Read More 10. Silappatikaram: Father’s fierce Love
9. Silappatikaram: Mother, Mistress of the House
‘Kannagi! Stop hiding behind the window and peeping out at the street. What will people think?’ That was Mother calling…
Read More 9. Silappatikaram: Mother, Mistress of the House
8. Silappatikaram: Poom-Puhar
We lived in Maruvur District, the seaport side of Poom-Puhar. The city itself lay on the northern banks of the…
Read More 8. Silappatikaram: Poom-Puhar
7. Silappatikaram: Betrothed at Birth
When Mother could not conceive again, she grew worried, and sought to assure my father. She said, ‘I remain of…
Read More 7. Silappatikaram: Betrothed at Birth
