Set in 640 CE, this trilogy of books revolves around the historical Battle of Vathapi, featuring The Pallavas, The Chalukyas, and their respective allies. The story begins with the Pallava King, Mammalla (also known as Narasimhavarman), who is determined to honor two promises made to his dying father, the former king, Mahendravarman. His first goal is to fulfill his father’s dream of constructing exquisitely sculpted temples along the kingdom’s coastlines, which is present-day Mahabalipuram, near Chennai.