About the Book: The Merchant of Nagapattinam: The Origin Story is a poignant coming-of-age tale set in 11th-century Thanjavur. Young Uttaman spends his days exploring with friends and sneaking into temple performances, dreaming casually of far-off places. His quiet life near the grand Brihadeesvara temple is disrupted by the arrival of a visiting minister and a mysterious danseuse, who stirs forgotten memories. As unexpected events unfold, Uttaman is forced to confront questions of identity, purpose, and destiny. What begins as a simple childhood transforms into the beginning of a much larger journey.