Ponniyin Selvan is a historical fiction novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy, one of the most famous Tamil writers. It was first published as a serial novel in the Tamil magazine Kalki between 1950 and 1954 and then as a complete book in 1955. The novel is widely recognized as a masterpiece and is considered one of the greatest works of Tamil literature. 
 Set in the 11th century, Ponniyin Selvan tells the story of Arulmozhivarman,  also known as Ponniyin Selvan (Son of the River Ponni), and his quest to become the next king of the Chola dynasty. The novel is divided into five parts, each with its own  characters, subplots and twists.  One of the most fascinating aspects of Ponniyin Selvan is the way it combines historical fact with fiction. The novel is set at a time when the Chola dynasty was at the height of its power and influence, and Kalki sets out to recreate the Chola world  in a vivid way. He describes the cities,  people,  customs, clothes and  food of the era and makes the reader feel as if he were living in that era.  
But at the same time, Kalki also weaves in fictional characters and subplots, creating a complex and engaging story that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The novel is full of intrigue, romance, betrayal and political intrigue and the characters are all well drawn and memorable.  The protagonist, Ponniyin Selvan, is a charismatic and courageous young man  determined to fulfill his destiny and become the next Chola king. He is surrounded by a host of supporting characters, including his loyal friend Vandiyathevan, the cunning and ambitious Aditya Karikalan, and the mysterious and beautiful Nandini, who becomes the love interest of many of the novel's male characters. 
One of the most interesting things about Ponniyin Selvan is how it still deals with current themes like power, loyalty, betrayal and love. The novel shows how these themes played out in the world of koalas, but they are also universal themes that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.  
Another thing that makes Ponniyin Selvan such a great novel is its language. Kalki was a master of the Tamil language and his writings are full of poetic descriptions, vivid metaphors and catchy phrases. His use of language is one of the reasons why the novel has remained  popular for so long and why it has been translated into many other languages, including English, Hindi and Malayalam.  
In conclusion, Ponniyin Selvan is a masterpiece of Tamil literature and a novel that deserves to be read and appreciated by people all over the world. Its blend of fact and fiction,  memorable characters,  universal themes and  beautiful language  make this a book that will stay with the reader long after it's finished. If you haven't read Ponniyin Selvan yet, I suggest you do.