I wiped away the imaginary spittle and smiled. I was with Mother in the tent. The caravan had camped for…
Read More 21. Silappatikaram: Arakan Abduction
20. Silappatikaram: Demonic Possession
Within moments, Old Ayah, who had been with us for a hundred years, ran out. The old coot dragged me…
Read More 20. Silappatikaram: Demonic Possession
19. Silappatikaram: The River Incident
Now, as I lay in the tent, the caravan having stopped for the night and Mother’s snores keeping me awake,…
Read More 19. Silappatikaram: The River Incident
18. Silappatikaram: Adult Games and Drama Children
Everyone kept saying Madurai, which was about a hundred leagues and several days away. But Uncle’s farm was on the…
Read More 18. Silappatikaram: Adult Games and Drama Children
17. Silappatikaram: Arakan Debauchery
I wondered why we required an armed escort, for did not our Cholan king’s reputation send even snakes slithering into…
Read More 17. Silappatikaram: Arakan Debauchery
16. Silappatikaram: The Caravan, First Hints
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
