Ecological Bond of Trees and Characters from the English Renditions of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan

Trees are seen as the universal symbol of life in literature. The relation of the trees to the humans and vice-versa form an important web of sustainability. Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Ponniyin Selvan, the classic novel vibrantly holds this view. There are numerous depictions of trees in the novel having bondage with the characters. The paper tries to decipher the ecological bond between the characters with the trees. The depiction of ecology in Kalki Krishnamurthy’s “Ponniyin Selvan” would enable better comprehension of the scientific theories of human survival and the evolution of intelligent species with admirable character traits. The concept of trees used in the novel is remarkable. The unsurpassable use of the images of nature employed in the work gives testimony to the author’s strong bond with nature. It portrays the Tamil sense and culture at the pinnacle of the Chozla Empire. The paper also analyses how Kalki Krishnamurthy has connected the characters Prince Arulmozli, Lord Pazluvoor, Vandiya Devan, Thirumalai Nambi Azlvar-adiyan, Sendan Amudan and Kundavai to trees. Kalki employs trees as symbols to convey the significant characteristic traits of principal characters in “Ponniyin Selvan” such as Arulmozli’s magnanimity, Lord Pazluvoor’s sacrifice and martyrdom, Vandiya Devan’s aesthetic admiration and love, Nambi’s spirituality, Sendan Amudan’s pious graciousness and Kundavai’s nobility. All these aspects are conveyed to the readers by relating the characters to various species of trees. Hence, the article investigates the bond between the trees and the characters of “Ponniyin Selvan”.