If Chitragandan took umbrage at my words or tone of delivery, he did not betray it. Instead he invited my…
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10. Vel Pari: My Father, the Vidhuan
‘As ruler of Parambu, the welfare of my people took precedence over personal considerations,’ said Pari. ‘That was until my…
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9_Vel Pari: Velirs and Vaanaras
‘Because of their mother’s untimely demise, I never celebrated my girls’ birthdays. I was cruel to my children, true. But…
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8_Vel Pari: Kapilar Meets Pari
7_Vel Pari: A Known Detractor
A breakaway Kalavar clan, under the chieftainship of an ambitious young warlord, Muradan, was Warmilan’s ardent supporter. The Kalavars, fierce…
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6_Vel Pari: To a Vine gave his chariot, Pari
Days later, when Pari returned to the river with an escort, lush green creepers of jasmine had claimed the royal…
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5_Vel Pari: The Pictograms are Kallan but not the Killer
‘I serve the throne,’ said Prime Minister Chitragandan. He meant that in a literal sense. The prime minister had served…
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4_Vel Pari: Warrior Deaths
One of the gods must have heard my plea. For hard ground under the mud gave the wheels traction. I…
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3_Vel Pari: Oh, My Gods
I knew Pari well enough. He would not allow the brigands to capture him for ransom. Honour demanded a fight…
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2_Vel Pari: Not for Gold
In the spring month of Chithirai, in the Fourteenth Regnal Year of King Vel Pari’s Rule, the wheels crushed the…
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