This lesson discusses the works of Ku. Azhagirisamy, a noted exponent of short stories in Tamil literature. It helps us understand the several dimensions of his works.

    Ku. Azhagirisamy has carved a niche for himself in the history of Tamil short stories. He has the unique distinction of being the first Tamil writer to win the Sahitya Academy Award. His stories capture the flavour and milieu of karisal region in Tirunelveli. His stories are informed by a deep sense of humanity and compassion. He was born on September 24th, 1923, in Idaiseval, a small village in Tirunelveli district. His parents named him Chellaiya. Even as a young boy Ku. Azhagirisamy showed a keen interest in arts. After completing his school education from Kovilpatti High School, he went on to expand his knowledge by reading widely and by interacting with learned scholars. His continued association with writers, publishers and Tamil scholars throughout his life helped him grow as a writer.

    Ku. Azhagirisamy began his career as an elementary school teacher. He wrote his first story “Urakkam Kolvan” when he was sixteen. Through hard work and dedication he grew to become a great writer. Like Puthumaipithan, Ku. Azhagirisamy worked simultaneously in the field of journalism and creative literature. A multi-faceted man, Ku. Azhagirisamy was also a playwright, translator, biographer, journalist and essayist. He also distinguished himself as a scholar of comparative literature and excelled in multi disciplinary research.

    “Anbalippu”, “Iru Sagotahrargal”, “Karpaga Viritcham”, “Sirikavillai”, “Thavapayan”, “Theivam Piranthathu” and “Varaprasadam” are some of his short story collections. The plot of his stories are usually woven around an incident- real or fictitious. Some are based on personal experiences. Certain others are built on snatches of conversation he happened to hear. Unlike other writers of his time, Ku. Azhagirisamy did not write about the freedom struggle, child marriage or widow remarriage. However, he did touch upon issues like unemployment, untouchability, love and poverty.

    Though he created a wide range of characters, his portrayal of children deserves a special mention. He not only describes their behaviour but also their state of mind. “Anbalippu” is one such story based on child psychology. He was also adept at depicting characters one encounters in every day life with force and appeal. The character Kalyana Krishnan in the story of the same name is a good example. His mother is the chief character in a few of his stories.

    Ku. Azhagirisamy’s outlook of society is reflected in his criticism of city life. Man-woman relationship and society’s attitude to it comes under close scrutiny in some of his stories. He was an ardent socialist. Stories like “Thiripuram”, “Raja Vandirukirar”, “Azhagammal” and ‘Balammal” have been created with a socialist background.

    Ku. Azhagirisamy employed the omniscient author perspective in many of his stories. He also used the third person narrative sometimes. The technique of beginning a story with an elaborate description of the setting or the protagonist is evident in certain stories. Ku. Azhagirisamy always wrote in a direct style. Detailed description was his forte. He was the first person to use pictures in his stories.