Set in the 7th-century south India against the backdrop of various historical events and figures, the novel created widespread interest in Tamil history.
Mahendravarman I, the Pallava emperor, plays an important role in the first half of the story while his son Narasimhavarman comes into his own as the novel progresses.
The novel begins with the arrival of Paranjothi in the city of Kanchi to attain tutelage under the Tamil saint Thirunavukkarasar.
But he ends up saving the damsel Sivagami and her father Aayannar from a mad elephant by throwing a spear at it, almost by reflex.
Accordingly, Paranjothi is sent with a note written by Naganandhi (which actually is a coded message to Pulakesin to start immediately to invade Kanchipuram as the Pallava army is currently weak and scattered) to Ajanta (in present day Maharashtra) in the Chalukya domain to obtain secret of the dyes.
Narasimhavarman continues to visit his lover, Sivagami who had mastered the ancient Indian dance form, Bharathanatyam.
Meanwhile, en route, Paranjothi meets a stranger, Wajrabahu, who gives him company till the inn where they decide to stay for the night.
Surprised once more, Paranjothi initially believes Wajrabahu is a double agent spy only to then later realize that it is in fact the Pallava King, Mahendravarman himself.
Naganandhi almost gains Sivagami's trust by promising her that he will make her famous by arranging for her performance in all the important sites of the Chola and Pandya kingdoms.
The prince, sculptor and the dancer along with Gundodharan a student of Aayannar (who is actually a spy working for the Pallavas) take refuge in the village, Mandapapattu.
The romance between Narasimhavarman further blossoms with Sivagami getting convinced that the prince would eventually marry her even though she is a poor sculptor's daughter.
But the city of Kanchi has stocked well and continues to thrive and Pulakesi realises that his forces are running out of food and the elephants are slowly turning uncontrollable.
But Mahendravarman tries to convince and finally makes sure Narasimhavarman is not in town when Pulakeshin enters it, by asking the prince to go to war with the Pandya kings in the south.
Not aware of the danger that awaits them, Sivagami and Aayannar leave Kanchi using a secret tunnel only to be caught by Pulakeshin's forces.
She cites the vow as a reason and refuses to go with Narasimhavarman when he and Paranjothi makes a secret visit in disguise to come rescue her.
As part of his preparation for attacking Vatapi, he has had aligned with many kingdoms of south India, including Cholas, Vengi Chalukyas and the Pandyas.
Pulakeshin visits Ajanta to take part in a cultural festival and at that time Narasimhavarman reaches Vatapi.
She is initially heartbroken on realizing that Narasimhavarman is now married, but then decides to dedicate herself to Lord Shiva of Kanchi, Ekambareswarar.