Cherar Kottai
 | |
| Author | Gokul Seshadri |
|---|---|
| Original title | Cherar Kottai |
| Illustrator | Gokul Seshadri |
| Language | Tamil |
| Series | Rajakesari |
| Genre | Tamil historical novels |
| Publisher | Kamalam Books |
Publication date | 21 July 2012 |
| Publication place | India |
Published in English | No |
| Media type | Book |
| Pages | 1100 (2 Volumes) |
| Preceded by | Rajakesari |
Cherar Kottai (Tamil:சேரர் கோட்டை), meaning "Fortress of Chera Kings" is a Tamil language historical novel in two volumes written by Gokul Seshadri. The story is based on the first military conquest of the great Chola King Rajaraja Chola in Kerala at a place known as Kanthalur Sala. Though it is a work of fiction, it is based on extensive historic research and delves deep into present day Kalaripayattu and Varma Sastra.
Plot summary
988 AD. King Rajaraja Chola is contemplating on a military raid over Kanthalur Sala - a martial arts academy in the Chera Country Kerala. Circumstantial evidences are pointing to the fact that the present head of this Sala might have played a crucial role in the brutal killing of his elder brother, crown prince Aditya Karikala - 20 years back. However he is hesitant upon a regular military raid and its consequences - as the Sala is a well respected School attached to a temple.
The King and his royal companions seek the help of a Buddhist Monk by name Mahakasyapa Thera, the head of Bhadaratitta Monastery at Nagappattinam. Upon his instructions, an innovative plan is launched. Thereafter, the story proceeds in breakneck speed in which the readers travel through the ancient Pandiya and Kerala countries with two young Chola warriors - selected to execute the plan. Unaware of their fate and why they were selected for the arduous task, the two young warrios - Kamban Araiyan and Paraman Malapadi proceed with immense trust in their king and the almighty to execute the plan.
As the twin heros reach the southern tip of TamilNadu viz Kanniyakumari , both of them realize that their pasts are intertwined with the present and they have not been arbitrarily chosen for the task. Trying to equip themselves for a seemingly impossible task, they have to discover their true self and identity in order to win a competition that will alter their lives - and that of Chola country - forever.
Characters
- Rajaraja Chola(Historical)
- Rajaraja Pallavarayar(Historical)
- Maha Kashyapa Thera(Fictional)
- Paraman Malapadiyar(Historical)
- Kamban Maniyan alias Vikrama Singa Moovenda Velar(Historical)
- Amarabhujanga Deva(Historical)
- Sadaya Mara Pandiya(Historical)
- Arayan Manabharana(Historical)
- Renuka Devi (Fictional)(Historical)
- Thirunarayana Battadhiri (Fictional)
- Vamanan Namboodhiri (Fictional)
- Ravidasan Panchavan Brahmadhirajan(Historical)
- Parameswara(Historical)
Publication history
The story was originally serialized in Varalaaru.com a monthly web magazine from 2007 onwards. It was stopped in 2010 and was published as a two volume book by Kamalam books in July 2012.