Lesson - 1 : P10141

The Novels of Ki. Rajanarayanan

This lesson teaches you about the novels of Ki. Rajanarayanan. One of the foremost novelists of Tamil. It also tells about his concern for the well-being of society, his characterisation. style and the conditions of his time.

    Among the various forms of literature that reflect people's lives, the novel occupies a high place. Ki. Rajanarayanan is one of the senior Tamil novelists living today. He was born in the year 1923, in a small village near Kovilpatti. He began writing after he was 40, and has left his mark on many genres of literature such as novels, short stories, novella, folk tales, dictionaries, and so on.

    Ki. Rajanarayanan has received the following prizes and awards:
    - Tamil Valarchi Manra Parisu 1965 for his Kadhavu
    (A collection of short stories) 1965
    - Ilakkia Cinthanai Parisu 1979 for his Pinjugal
    - Sahitya Akademi Award for his Kopallapurathu Makkal

    If we were asked to name a Tamil novel on Social history, it will be "Gopalla Graamam." Catherine Lever said, "Only a novelist is capable of writing about his society. "ki. Rajanarayanan's novel stands testimony to this observation. Rajanarayanan knew at first hand, the life of the rural folk, their feelings, their aspirations and the constant struggle against explotations by the rich. His characters, style and settings are created to suit the plot he has chosen. His novel "Gopallapurathu Makkal" appeared as a serial in a popular Tamil magazine, and was widely acclaimed.

    Rajanarayanan's style of writing is characterised by its simplicity, rustic flavour, descriptive richness, command of words, use of similes etc. His greatness lay in describing the life of the rustics who lived in absolute harmony with nature.

    Thus, this lesson introduces you to Ki. Rajanarayanan, his novels and short stories. Ki. Rajanarayanan was one of the pioneers of the Tamil novel.