16-Year-Old Author Rounaak Shiv Debuts with Tamil Historical Novel on Rajendra Chola
Chennai: Sixteen-year-old author Rounaak Shiv, writing under the pen name ‘Andhuvan’, has made his literary debut with the Tamil historical novel Aazhikondan – Rajendra Chola, the Conqueror of Oceans – Part 1 (ஆழிகொண்டான் – பெருங்கடல்களை வென்ற பெருவேந்தன் இராஜேந்திர சோழன் பகுதி 1).
The book was launched at Crossword Bookstore, Express Avenue Mall, Chennai. It is published by Vanathi Pathipagam and translated into Tamil by Dr. K.V.S. Maruthumohan.
Inspired by Ponniyin Selvan
Inspired by Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Ponniyin Selvan, the novel explores the reign of Emperor Rajendra Chola, focusing on his naval expeditions, overseas campaigns and the expansion of the Chola Empire into one of the most influential maritime powers of its time.
The novel is positioned as a continuation of the historical world popularised by Ponniyin Selvan, highlighting Rajendra Chola’s military achievements and maritime legacy.
Blending History with Fiction
Rounaak describes the book as “Factual Fiction,” combining historical and epigraphic references with fictional storytelling to recreate personalities, events and conflicts from the Chola period.
According to the author, the narrative remains rooted in documented history while using fiction to bring the era to life for contemporary readers.
Passion for Chola History
A Class XII student, Rounaak said his interest in history began with stories narrated by his grandmother, Ambuja, and later grew through reading Ponniyin Selvan and studying Chola history, inscriptions and heritage.
Speaking at the launch, he said the novel seeks to explore the period following Ponniyin Selvan, particularly Rajendra Chola’s transformation of the Chola kingdom into a maritime empire extending beyond India’s shores.
Book Launch Attended by Guests from Various Fields
The launch event was attended by personalities from Tamil cinema, literature and the medical field.
Ramkumar Ganesan, son of legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan, attended as the Chief Guest and formally released the book. The first copy was presented to Dr. Manju Bala, a retired physician from Philadelphia, USA.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Vanathi Ramanathan, followed by a literary introduction and review by Dr. K.V.S. Maruthumohan.
The event was hosted by Kavimamani Tamilmugil Thiruvai Babu, while Shiv Ganesh, Executive Director of Hunter-Z Research Pvt. Ltd., delivered the vote of thanks.
Bridging History and Modern Storytelling
Through Aazhikondan – Part 1, the young author aims to introduce a new generation of readers to the history of the Chola Empire by combining historical research with accessible storytelling, focusing on one of South India’s most significant rulers and his maritime achievements.
