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Chola Warlords: Who Were the Paluvettaraiyars?

Ponniyin Selvan I movie poster showing actor Sarathkumar as Periya Paluvettaraiyar and actor Parthiban as Chinna Paluvettaraiyar. In 2024, Oxford University Press published  Minor Majesties: The Paluvēṭṭaraiyars and Their South Indian Kingdom of Paluvūr, 9th–11th Centuries A.D ., a groundbreaking study by historian Valerie Gillet. In the book’s opening chapter, A Tentative Biography of the Paluvettaraiyars , Gillet delves into the lineage and origins of this influential fami ly.  These Chola warlords traced their lineage to the formidable Maravars, an ancient warrior tribe renowned for their valor. However, I believe that while the Paluvettaraiyars were indeed of Maravar descent, they likely forged alliances through intermarriage with those of the Kallar and Agambadiyar clans, further solidifying their power and influence. Prominent figures in the medieval Chola era, the Paluvettaraiyars played a pivotal role in shaping the empire’s political and military landscape. Through st...
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Bali Trip 2011 - Part 4

This is the final post on our Bali vacation. I will start by first displaying some pictures of the hotel we stayed in.


Kuan Yin








Kuta Beach
This beach is famous as a sunset beach in Bali. It wasn't very clean when we arrived. There were some trashes.















Bebek - Deep Fried Duck
One of Bali's famous dish is their deep fried duck. Trust me, it was good. But I still prefer the roast duck prepared by our local Chinese hawkers.




The restaurant was located in a village. This is just a few meters from where our table was.

A funeral procession.
Mengwi
The Royal Temple of Mengwi is one of the most important temples in Bali. Built in 1634 by a King of the Mengwi dynasty, this impressive complex stands on an island in a river, its inner temple surrounded by a moat. Its Balinese name Pura Taman Ayun literally means ‘Garden Temple in the Water’.












Tanah Lot
This was our final destination. Perhaps the most famous place in Bali. This temple is dedicated to Siva. The water level rises turning the temple into an island during high tide. During such time, the temple can only be accessed by boat.



The great Nirarta.










Holy water coming from natural sources. Although the temple is surrounded by sea , this is fresh water.



Sunset







We left the next morning. It was time to say goodbye to our good tour guides. For those of you who wish to take taxi in Bali, only use BlueBird. It is said to be the most reliable one.


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