Sandilyan

Sandilyan was the pen name of Bhashyam Iyengar, one of the most loved Tamil historical novelists. He passed away in 1987 but his novels continue to be read by new generations. If you love Tamil history wrapped in adventure and romance, his books are essential reading.

Sandilyan wrote big sweeping historical fiction set in the Chola, Pandya, and other ancient Tamil empires. His novels combine real historical research with adventure plots, romance, and political drama.

Some of his most loved novels include:

• Kadal Pura about Chola maritime expansion
• Yavana Rani about Tamil-Greek connections in ancient times
• Raja Mukthi about political intrigue in old Tamil kingdoms

His writing transports you to a different time. Tamil temples, palaces, sea voyages, ancient battles, all of it comes alive on his pages.

Tamil people have always been proud of their long history. Sandilyan's novels are how many Tamil families learnt that history in an enjoyable way. Before Ponniyin Selvan made historical fiction huge again, Sandilyan was already doing this kind of work and doing it well.

His Tamil is rich and slightly classical, which fits the historical settings. Be ready to read carefully but the rewards are worth it.