P. V. Akilan

P. V. Akilan Biography

P. V. Akilan was a Tamil writer known for his realistic and creative writing style. He was a short story writer, novelist, playwright, freedom fighter, critic, scriptwriter and many more. For his Tamil work Chitttrappavai, he received Jnanpith award in the year 1975. His real name is Akilandam. He uses the pen name Akilan for his literary work.   

Akilandam was born on June 27, 1922 in Perungalore, Tamil Nadu. His father Vaithiya Lingam Pillai was an accounts officer and his mother’s name was Amirthammal. He lost his father at a younger age and it was his mother who played a significant role in shaping his career as a writer. Attracted to Gandhi’s principles, he left college studies and joint freedom movement. After Indian independence, he joined the Railway Mail Service and later AIR. He became a full-fledged writer after that.  

He has written historical novels as well as social novels. Vengayin maindan that captured the history of chola dynasty was read by millions and regarded as a great work of Akilan. This work was dramatized by Shivaji Ganesan on stage and proved successful too. This work received Sahithya academy award of Govt of India. His second work, Kayalvizhi is a saga set in the Pandiya kingdom background. The third one was based on Vijayanagar Empire, titled Vetrithirunagar.

Among his social novels, Chitrai Pavai is the best. For this work, he received Jnanpith award. It was a contemporary social novel that brings Annamalai’s character to our eyes. Its climax was appreciated most. Other social novels include - Nenchin Alaigal, Pen, Pavai Vilaku, Valvu Enge?, Thunaivi, Avaluku, Palmara Katinile, Pudu Vellam, Inbaninaivu, Vanama Boomiya, Enge Pokirom and Snehithi. His short story collections are Akilan sirukathaigal and Kombuthen kolai karan. His writings also include short story collection, Children books, travelogue and Autobiography. He has published 2 books on art and literature - Kathai Kalai and Pudiya Vilipu. He passed away in the year 1988.

Published: N/A

Updated: November 20, 2013