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...
Image Copyright: Virtos Media In the tapestry of human existence, our beliefs play a crucial role in shaping our identity and guiding our actions. Often, we find ourselves born into a religious order, influenced by familial and communal ties that mold our cultural perspectives. Conformity to these norms can be a powerful force, as deviating from them may mark us as outsiders. However, it is essential for individuals to scrutinize their beliefs, as blindly adhering to or choosing a religion without introspection can hinder personal growth and understanding. Faith has accompanied humanity since its earliest days, evolving as a response to the mysteries of existence that eluded scientific comprehension. Across diverse cultures, similar deities emerged to explain natural phenomena, such as sky deities, rain deities, mountain deities, and creators often referred to as Gods. Questions about life beyond death led to the formulation of afterlife concepts like reincarnation, judgment, hell, and...