Lords of Earth And Sea : A History of The Chola Empire
Product ID: 689969121
The great empire of the Cholas was unexpected. It sprouted out of the blue in the Kaveri floodplain around 850 CE. Till then, the region had for centuries been dotted by self-governing village assemblies. From here, the Cholas established a vast empire, the first – and only – time an empire based in coastal South India was the dominant power of the subcontinent: a perch usually occupied by the Deccan or northern India. The Cholas were as creative and imaginative as they were unexpected. They built stupendous temples – the tallest freestanding structures on earth after the pyramids of Egypt. Chola queens popularized new forms of gods and worship, such as the iconic Nataraja and the singing of Tamil poems to deities. And they were spectacularly daring, raiding not just the powerful Deccan and North India but also Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. For a dynasty that was so influential – and is so loved today – its actual historical achievements were surprisingly forgotten by the late nineteenth century, for they had faded into myth and legend. In this book, the award-winning historian Anirudh Kanisetti brings to life the world of the Cholas. Not just the world of kings and queens attended by generals and ‘service retinue’ women – but the stories of the ‘little people’, whose lives were buffeted by big events. What was life like on board a merchant vessel making its way from the Tamil coast to Southeast Asia and China? What kind of food was served at temples to devotees and to soldiers in times of war? What became of a landless peasant who murdered his brother in a fit of rage? Why did a noble woman commit sati holding a lemon over her head? Based on thousands of inscriptions and hundreds of secondary sources, this deeply researched book is not just a procession of dazzling kings and queens but also a portal that transports us to the peasant settlements of over a thousand years ago. In this book, Kanisetti crucially separates fact from fiction and tells us one of the most extraordinary stories in human history. Review: Great book - A must read for everyone who wants to know the forgotten histor of India and power of South. A very analytical without hero worshipping. Review: A balanced approach - Having read his earlier book "Lords of the Deccan", I was happy to read this and I finished it in three days. I made notes and read all the footnotes as well. I loved the book and Anirudh's style of writing is unique without a bias in what one said or analyzed but based on archaeological evidence. I am now reading his first book again to get my memory refreshed. I think, and i have a hunch, that Anirudh's next book is or would be on Pallavas? I hope so. I would love to hear what he has to say about an equally maverick dynasty as Pallavas whose period of rule was a renaissance in arts, literature, and other areas in South india.
| Best Sellers Rank | #82,931 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #319 in Ancient History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 244 Reviews |
A**R
Great book
A must read for everyone who wants to know the forgotten histor of India and power of South. A very analytical without hero worshipping.
R**I
A balanced approach
Having read his earlier book "Lords of the Deccan", I was happy to read this and I finished it in three days. I made notes and read all the footnotes as well. I loved the book and Anirudh's style of writing is unique without a bias in what one said or analyzed but based on archaeological evidence. I am now reading his first book again to get my memory refreshed. I think, and i have a hunch, that Anirudh's next book is or would be on Pallavas? I hope so. I would love to hear what he has to say about an equally maverick dynasty as Pallavas whose period of rule was a renaissance in arts, literature, and other areas in South india.
B**H
Detailed and intriguing
The author's storytelling through 400 years is as intriguing as if he's observed them in person. Totally recommend it. ,
G**R
Excellent insight into the Chola history
Excellent read
D**N
A Scholarly and Engaging Deep Dive into Chola History
Anirudh Kanisetti’s Lords of the Land and Sea is a meticulously researched and compellingly written account of the Cholas, tracing their rise from regional chieftains to the undisputed maritime power of the Indian Ocean. Unlike many historical narratives that rely on glorification, Kanisetti presents a nuanced and well-referenced analysis, allowing readers to engage with the complexities of Chola rule rather than just their conquests. What sets this book apart is its balance between academic rigor and accessibility—it is rich with primary sources, yet never overwhelming for the general reader. The author does not indulge in simplistic hero worship but instead provides a well-rounded perspective on governance, military strategy, and economic expansion. The book also sheds light on the lesser-discussed aspects of Chola history, including their engagement with Southeast Asia and their intricate administrative systems. Kanisetti’s storytelling makes history feel alive, connecting the past with broader themes of power, trade, and cultural exchange. Whether you are a history enthusiast or someone exploring South Indian history for the first time, Lords of the Land and Sea is an essential and insightful read that sets a high standard for historical writing in India.
A**R
Excellent history of the Cholas
Narrative-driven, bordering on dramatic retelling rather than dry scholarship. A solid, fast paced, thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the Cholas' achievements and complexities.
R**D
Interesting but disappointing
Its interesting and brings out facets of the Cholas which one is usually not aware of . However I found a lot of gaps and the the flow is not steady, unlike the authors book on the Deccan. Also the titles and descriptions used are english traslations . The actual tamil titles used are nit wcvwn mentioned . That really takes away from the feel the book should have given. It seems more like the book is intended for a foreign audience and nit directed at indian readers. I was a fan after the book on Deccan and Iam disappointed as I has very high expectations. Still, a lot of interesting information , once you get past the gaps.
T**Y
Astonishing
I love the narrative style of kanisetti.... I will wait for more.... Do update us... The way he wrote with details and sources and reference is commendable
N**T
Historical facts are great
Great book with up-to-date historical facts about Chola. Helped me realize a lot of truths about the ancient south-india.
M**A
DISGUSTED BY CHEATING AMAZON AND DIXIT BOOKS
Amazon and Dixit Books lie - no book delivery after taking my money and when asked to refund no response from Amazon. IT IS DISGUSTING BEAVIOUR from AMAZON AND DIXIT BOOKS
B**A
Great read
Well thought and written.
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