Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is well known for its extensive literary legacy that dates back many years. The state generates a wide variety of deeply felt, elegantly written poetry, fiction, and non-fiction pieces. Tamil literature is both old and modern, steeped in tradition but open to new ideas. It was influenced by colonial times, the writings of Tamil saints, and ancient Sangam literature. In addition to highlighting the breadth and complexity of Tamil literature, this blog post introduces readers to well-known Tamil authors from Tamil Nadu.
Ponniyin Selvan
Description
A Tamil historical novel called Ponniyin Selvan narrates the tale of Arulmozhivarman, who was anointed as Raja Raja Chola I. The book includes information on some historical Chola dynasties, such as Uttama Chola, Gandaraditya, Madhurantaka, Arinjaya Chola, Parantaka Chola II, and Vijayalaya Chola. Parantaka Chola II and Queen Vaanamaadevi were the parents of Raja Raja Chola, the second son, who was admired by his elder sister Kundavai. He constructed the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple, often referred to as Periya Kovil. This book, authored by renowned Tamil author Kalki Krishnamurthy, is regarded as one of the greatest historical novels in the language.
Writer: Kalki Krishnamurthy
Review
Amazon: 4.4 (2K+ Reviews)
Price Rs 415
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/4vwod0
Amma Vandhaal
Description
One might honour “Amma Vandala” as a hallowed replica of wrongdoing. The novel’s narrative core challenges the moral standards that society has created and upheld. Relations between people are not governed by laws. They have feelings. Human life is a delicate balance between these two ideas, which the narrative highlights. Those who alternate between these two levels are the primary characters. This swing is created by Art. Janakiraman. His creative goal is to suggest, rather naturally, that human beings are defined by their emotions rather than by laws and conventions. At the pinnacle of the piece, “Amma Vandaal,” that goal is most evident.
Writer: Thi Janakiraman
Review
Amazon: 4.5 (216 Reviews)
Price Rs 225
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/wN7yeR
One Part Woman
Description
Despite having been married for 12 years, Tamil Nadu residents Kali and Ponna are having trouble becoming pregnant. They blame bad ancestry, God’s anger, or family curses for not having children. They make several fruitless attempts at sacrifices, prayers, and cures. Families recommend that Ponna attend the androgynous deity Ardhanarishvara’s chariot celebration when taboos around extramarital sex are loosened. This concept repulses Kali, who gradually becomes distant from her. The next year, Kali is persuaded to attend the festival by Ponnu’s family, who decide to take matters into their own hands. After she finds “a god” to become her impregnator, Kali comes home to find Ponna gone. As a result, Kali loses it and curses Ponna.
Writer: Perumal Murugan
Review
Amazon: 4.1 (1.2K+ Reviews)
Price Rs 227
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/HxsJUm
Sivagamiyin Sapatham
Description
Kalki is the author of the well-known Tamil book Sivakami’s Vow. After running as a 12-year serial in Kalki Weekly, the tale was eventually turned into a book. This tale, which is based on events that happened during Mahendravarma Pallavan I’s reign, features a prince by the name of Narasimha Pallavan I. Author Kalki wrote the Tamil historical novel Sivagamiyin Sabatham, which was originally serialised in Kalki from January 1944 to June 1946. The book was released in 1948. This work is considered by many to be among the best Tamil novels ever written, along with Ponniyin Selvan.
Writer: Kalki
Review
Amazon: 4.8 (22 Reviews)
Price Rs 399
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/KFfT6o
Yavana Rani
Description
The commander-in-chief, Ilanchezhiyan, saves a Yavana woman from a Yavana chief’s attempt to kidnap him at Poompuhar, a port city for the Chola Empire. Disguised as a monk, he makes his getaway with Hippalaas and the queen. After learning of the Chola emperor’s assassination, Ilanchezhiyan consents to spy for Brahmananda in Uraiyur. After being taken prisoner, he manages to flee to a blazing palace. He saves Poovazhagi, a young prince who turns out to be the prince of the Chola country. Hippalaas and Ilanchezhiyan are sold as slaves, and the monarch makes them follow the chief priest’s teachings. Tensions in politics arise as the prince, Karikala Chola, is awarded the legitimate possession of the Chola Empire.
Writer: Sandilyan
Review
Amazon: 4.5 (110 Reviews)
Price Rs 2068
Buy Now https://jayabakti.com/
Kaaval Kottam
Description
The Sahitya Akademi Award-winning book Kaval Kotam offers a biographical vault of a Tamil Nadu community under oppression. The book delves into the past of the infamous ‘Dukkis’ criminal family, who lived as bandits in northern India for three centuries. The book concentrates on the 600-year history of Madurai while examining the bravery and adaptability of this criminal family. The influence of Christian missionaries on the criminal gang’s way of life is also explored in the story, along with their accomplishments and manner of life. The field studies and oral histories in the book demonstrate its greatness by illuminating the criminal lineage’s boldness and tenacity. The book serves as a tribute to the rich heritage and culture of the marginalised people in Tamil Nadu.
Writer: Su.Venkatesan
Review
Amazon: 4.5 (376 Reviews)
Price Rs 800
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/o0elHs
Gopalla Gramam
Description
The novel’s events take place at the time when the British Company’s control was partially upheld and the Palaiyapats’ rule was in effect. The issues faced by the Telugu family, who left for the south when ‘Tulukka Rajaku Anji’ established Gopalla hamlet and it began to grow into many families, are depicted in this tale. By skillfully using the dialect and lexicon of the residents of Karisal Forest Village, Ki has crafted this novel in a brand-new format that pays homage to the oral storytelling tradition. King Narayanan. An innovative piece of craftsmanship. It foresaw non-linear writing twenty years in advance.
Writer: Ki Rajanarayanan
Review
Amazon: 4.5 (241 Reviews)
Price Rs 185
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/GdSnoF
Kadal Pura
Description
Sandilyan is the author of the historical novel Kadal Pura, published in Tamil. The tale is based on the historical Chola kingdom in Tamil. The mythical ship constructed by the Chola Commander Karunakara Tondaiman—later known as King Tondaiman—inspired the ship’s name. The novel tells the story of the invasion of Kalinga (now the state of Orissa) and Srivijaya (modern-day Malaysia and Singapore) by the Chola monarchy. A few people are included in the historical fiction work in an anachronistic manner (Aguda, for instance, was born in 1068 but appears in the story as a 25-year-old). The narrative was carried out by Dr L. Kailasam in his victimology-based book Rajali, in which the historical figures from Kadal Pura reappeared in advanced age.
Writer: Sandilyan
Review
Amazon: 4.6 (165 Reviews)
Price Rs 1,110
Buy Now https://amzn.urlvia.com/OEGJ72
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that Tamil literature has a centuries-long, rich, and varied heritage. Its literary legacy has given rise to some of the world’s most thought-provoking and engrossing novels. You’re in for a treat if you’ve never read Tamil literature before and are unsure of where to begin. The top Tamil books for beginners are included in this post; each one provides a distinctive and rewarding reading experience. Tamil literature is praised for its richness, beautiful language, and complex narratives. Numerous well-known authors have drawn inspiration from it, and its extensive library of works appeals to a broad spectrum of interests and inclinations.