Nandini: Daughter of Mandakini, associated with veera Pandiyan.
Aditha Karikalan: Crown prince of the Chola Empire.
Kundavai: Chola princess, invites Nandini to palace.
Arunmozhi: Prince, has a pivotal role.
Periya Pazhuvettarayar: A treasurer and Nandini's husband.
Mandaranthaka: Related to Sundara Chozhar, vies for throne.
Veera Pandiyan: Historical figure veiled in mystery.
Major Events
Nandini's Background: Nandini emerges as a complex character. She presents herself as the daughter of the Keeladi priest but is later revealed to be more deeply entwined with royal conspiracies and the Pandyans.
Crown Politics: The struggle for power within the Chola Empire is intense. Principal characters vie for the throne using manipulation and alliances.
Madhurantakan vies for the throne backed by Periya Pazhuvettarayar.
Nandini and Mandakini: It is revealed that Nandini is the daughter of Mandakini, a woman pivotal to the narrative filled with betrayal and loss, linking her to prominent Chola characters.
Karikalan's Demise: Aditha Karikalan is eventually killed, leading to extensive mourning and implications for future political moves.
Power Struggles: There's political unrest with plots and counter-plots around the capture and power assertion within the Chola empire, with mounting tensions among various factions.
Cultural and Political References
King Veera Pandiyan: Represents a symbolic figure whose death drives many parts of the plot. Mentioned to have had significant influence within both Chola and Pandyan realms.
Emperor: Sundara Chozhar seems to harbor secrets and complexities related to past deeds and relationships that influence present events.
Shiva Devotees: Madhuranthakan and his leverage against the Emperor with the Shiva devotees.
Pandyan Battles: The Pandyans and their infiltrations with conspiracies to destabilize the Chola reign reflect ongoing enmities.
Conspirators: Names like Ravidasan play into plotting against the regime.
Nandini's Motivations: Seeks revenge intertwined with feelings toward past and present Chola family actions.
Significant Themes and Motifs
Divine Interventions: Prayers and invocations to deities like Lord Shiva and the Goddess reflect the cultural backdrop where divine will and favor are essential.
Royal Duties vs. Personal Emotions: Characters struggle between their royal obligations and personal desires and past emotions.
Political Marriages: These are often shown as pivotal moves for allegiances and throne claims.
Betrayal and Loyalty: Persistent themes across characters' interactions with repeated references to past betrayals influencing present allegiances.
Noteworthy Actions and Symbolisms
Sword Symbolism: Pandyan sword’s prominence as both a physical weapon and a symbol of revenge and justice in historical narrative.
Prophecies and Omens: References to prophecies, omens, and the full moon night frame actions and anticipated events.
Nature and Elements: Natural elements like ocean waves and forest settings frequently present as backdrops to actions, metaphorically linking to characters' journeys.
Conclusion and Historical Impact
The conclusion chronicles major shifts in power with Ponniyin Selvan (Arunmozhi) winning battles and ascending to a glorious rulership as Rajaraja Chola.
Significant Constructions: The grand temple built by Rajaraja Chola frames a golden era marked by cultural and architectural accomplishments demonstrating the era’s richness.
Defeaters Brought to Justice: Ravidasan and the Pandyan conspirators captured and punished, indicating a return to justice and stability.