Aazhikondan – Rajendra Chola

At an age when most students are preparing for board examinations and contemplating their future, 16-year-old Rounaak Shiv has taken an unusual leap into the past, into the world of the mighty Cholas and one of India’s greatest maritime emperors, Rajendra Chola. Rounaak Shiv, writing under the pen name ‘Andhuvan’, launched the Tamil edition of his debut historical novel, Aazhikondan – Part 1 (ஆழிகொண்டான் – பெருங்கடல்களை வென்ற பெருவேந்தன் இராஜேந்திர சோழன் பகுதி 1), at Crossword Bookstore, Express Avenue Mall, Chennai. Published by the renowned Vanathi Pathipagam, the novel has been rendered in Tamil by Dr. K.V.S. Maruthumohan. Inspired by Kalki Krishnamurthy’s immortal Ponniyin Selvan, Aazhikondan ventures into the next great chapter of the Chola story, the rise and extraordinary achievements of Emperor Rajendra Chola, whose naval expeditions carried Chola power and influence far beyond the shores of India. Positioned as a sequel to the world immortalised by Kalki, the novel explores Rajendra Chola’s naval prowess, overseas expeditions, military campaigns and the ambition that transformed the Chola Empire into one of the most formidable maritime powers of its age. Blending historical and epigraphic references with imagination and dramatic storytelling, Rounaak describes his approach as “Factual Fiction”, a narrative rooted in known history while using fiction to bring its personalities, conflicts and unexplored possibilities vividly to life. A Class XII student, Rounaak’s fascination with history began with stories narrated by his grandmother Ambuja paati and grew through his reading of Kalki and his exploration of Chola history, inscriptions and heritage. Through Aazhikondan, he hopes to introduce a new generation of readers to the scale, sophistication and global outlook of the Chola Empire. Speaking at the launch, Rounaak Shiv (Andhuvan) said, “Ponniyin Selvan introduced generations of readers to the extraordinary world of Arulmozhivarman. I was fascinated by what followed, Rajendra Chola’s transformation of that legacy into an empire whose influence travelled across the seas. Aazhikondan is my attempt to remain rooted in historical and epigraphic evidence while imagining the people, emotions and events that could bring this remarkable period vividly alive for today’s readers.” The launch brought together distinguished personalities from Tamil cinema, literature and medicine. Mr. Ramkumar Ganesan, son of legendary actor Nadigarthilagam Sivaji Ganesan, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and formally unveiled Aazhikondan – Part 1. The first copy was presented to Dr. Manju Bala, a retired physician from Philadelphia, USA. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Vanathi Ramanathan, followed by a literary review and introduction to the novel by Dr. K.V.S. Maruthumohan. The event was hosted by Kavimamani Tamilmugil Thiruvai Babu, with Mr. Shiv Ganesh - ED, Hunter-Z Research Pvt Ltd delivering the vote of thanks. With a 16-year-old author revisiting the extraordinary world of Rajendra Chola through the lens of a new generation, Aazhikondan – Part 1 seeks to build a bridge between historical scholarship and popular storytelling, and rekindle curiosity about a period when the Cholas looked beyond the horizon and carried their influence across the oceans. About Vanathi Pathipagam: Established in Chennai, Vanathi Pathipagam is one of Tamil Nadu’s longstanding and respected publishing houses. Over the decades, the publishing house has contributed significantly to Tamil literary culture by bringing works of literature, history, research and culturally significant writing to generations of readers.