Unveiling the Truth: The Real Death of Aditya Karikalan in Ponniyin Selvan

The novel Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy, a renowned author and journalist, has ignited debates about the true death of King Aditya II Karikala Chola. This article delves into the historical context and recent findings to uncover the mystery surrounding Aditya Karikalan's assassination, dispelling common misconceptions and presenting factual evidence that reveals a different narrative.

Myth vs. Reality: The Death of Aditya Karikalan

Aditiya II Karikala Chola, as depicted in the novel and film Ponniyin Selvan, is shown as a coward who commits suicide. However, this portrayal is far from the truth. The novel is only 97% fiction, as mentioned by the author, and the suicide theory is a fictional narrative created for dramatic purposes by the director, Maniratnam. There are compelling reasons to believe that Aditya Karikalan was not a coward, but in fact, was a victim of a brutal assassination.

Archaeological Evidence: The Brahmin Assassin Team

Historical records, particularly those from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and Tamil temple inscriptions provide much-needed clues about Aditya Karikalan's death. According to epigraphist Hirananda Shastri, an expert in Indian epigraphy, the king was assassinated by a group of four Brahmins.

Epigraphic evidence suggests that Aditya II Karikala Chola was indeed killed by a Brahmin assassin team. This team comprised four members who carried out the assassination with the intention of toppling the Chola dynasty. The assassination was a political act executed to destabilize the Chola kingdom, which had been an alliance with the Pallavas.

The Conflicting Stories and Theories

The novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy presents two mysteries until the end: the death of Aditya Karikalan and the identity of Nandhini's father. The novel leaves these details unspecified, allowing readers to form their own interpretations. However, the director Maniratnam chose to portray Aditya Karikalan's death in a way that suggested he was killed by Nandhini, which is not supported by historical evidence.

It is argued that the suicide theory, as presented in the movie, is an attempt by a Brahmin-led narrative to present Tamil kings as cowards and playboys. This portrayal is misleading and detracts from the true history of the Chola dynasty. According to some historical evidences, Aditya Karikalan was killed by four Brahmins who carried out the assassination.

The Brahmin-Led Narrative and Historical Backdrop

The central question remains: why would Brahmins, who had a vested interest in maintaining their power and influence, want to eliminate a powerful Chola king? Historical evidence suggests that the Pallavas, who had traditionally provided key roles and lands to the Brahmins, were replaced by the Cholas. When the Cholas took the helm, they redistributed these resources equally, leading to a power struggle and subsequent hostility.

As a result of this political maneuvering, the Brahmins felt threatened and targeted Aditya Karikalan. The Cholas, under the leadership of Raja Raja Chola I, expelled thousands of Brahmins from the Chola empire and their families and relations. This act was a clear indication of the Brahmins' resentment towards the Cholas.

Conclusion: Unbiased Historical Narratives

The true story of Aditya Karikalan's death reveals a complex historical narrative that transcends the romanticized narratives presented in films. The Cholas, under the wise leadership of Raja Raja Chola I, managed to maintain their empire and expand it through their strategic governance. While the novel offers an imaginative perspective, it is crucial to base historical reconstructions on documented facts and archaeological evidence to ensure a more accurate and respectful representation of our history.