The Merchant of Nagapattinam (Hindi) by Harini Srinivasan [Paperback]

The Merchant of Nagapattinam: The Origin Story is a tender coming-of-age tale about longing, belonging, and the quiet stirrings of a much larger journey.

In the heart of 11th-century Thanjavur, young Uttaman spends his days loafing about with his gang of friends, dodging temple duties, and slipping into performances at the Periya Kovil. Carefree and curious, he dreams of distant lands and grand adventures—but only in passing. Life in the shadow of the great Brihadeesvara temple, however, is never truly still.

Everything begins to shift with the arrival of a visiting minister—and a striking danseuse whose presence awakens memories Uttaman can’t quite place. Triggered by unforeseen circumstances, as questions of identity, origin, and purpose begin to stir within him, Uttaman finds himself on the cusp of something far greater than he ever imagined.