Kalki Krishnamurthy

Kalki Krishnamurthy Biography

R. Krishnamurthy was a noted Tamil writer with the pen name, Kalki. Apart from being a noted writer who writes novels, short stories, screenplays and travelogues, he was also a freedom fighter, social crusader, Indian independence activist, music critic and connoisseur of the arts writer. Apart from contributing 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, five novels and three historical romances to Tamil literature, he has also penned a few political writings and film and music reviews. Kalki derived his pen name from the suffixes of his wife name Kalyani and his name Krishnamurthy in Tamil form.

Krishnamurthy was born to a poor accountant in Puttamangalam village in the old Tanjore district on September 9, 1899. After attaining primary education from his village school, he joined National High School in Trichinopoly. But in response to Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation movement in 1921, he left studies and joined Indian national Congress. In 1923 he joined as a sub-editor in Navasakthi, a Tamil periodical and worked till 1928. Later he stayed with C. Rajagopalachari at the Gandhi Ashram, Salem to edit Vimochanam, a Tamil journal. In 1931, he was imprisoned for six months.

Next year he joined Ananda Vikatan, a humour weekly. He wrote under the pen names, "Kalki", "Ra. Ki", "Tamil Theni", "Karnatakam" and many more. In 1941 he left Ananda Vikatan and rejoined the freedom struggle movement. Very soon he got arrested and once released, started Kalki magazine and remained its editor until his death on December 5, 1954.

Kalki's historical romances captured the hearts of thousands of readers with the background of Pallavas and Imperial Cholas. His serialised stories included sudden twists and turns. Among his novels, Kalki’ favourite is Alai Osai. Thyaga Bhoomi and Kalvanin Kadali are his social dramas.

Published: N/A

Updated: December 30, 2013