[doctorzlo]

duh??!! What do you mean none of the events had a historical basis in KP vs. PS? Apart from the fact of Aditha Karikalan's death everything else is fictional in PS. Same way apart from (the future) war in Kalinga and Kulothungan's visit to kadaaram when he was still a prince everything in KP is fiction.

There is no social commentary in PS - political, definitely. Religious - in a couple places w/ saivas vs. vaishnavas. Sandilyan on the other hand, pontificates at the beginning of each chapter typically on philosophy, but on other issues as well - has little to with the what people living in that time might have felt and more to do with his personal opinions.

Kalki who wrote earlier was inspired by Dumas, Austen et al. Sandilyan's models/inspiration was from the next generation of historical fiction wirters such as Rafael Sabatini/Stanley Weyman etc. Sandilyan could have followed in Kalki's footsteps or chosen a different path - he chose the different path. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much appeal these days.

If what you're saying is that you liked the multiple points of view in PS, the diverse background of the characters, and the depth of characterization that's a whole other kettle of fish.