Parva by S L Bhyrappa

The 'Madra' people, a group of people between the Iravati and Chandrabhaga rivers, are ruled by Salya, an old and growing-old king. His grand-daughter, a 20-year-old, is amazed by his strength and power, but Salya explains that they are people from old times, living in cities of other kingdoms and in good health.