Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai

Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai Biography

Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai was a well-known writer and social worker from Tamil Nadu who lived in the 19^th century. He is the author of Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram, recognized as the "first modern Tamil novel". The book was written in 1857 and published in 1879, 10 years prior to his death in 1889. A landmark work in Tamil literature which began the era of modern Tamil novels, the novel has glimpses of modern ideas like liberalization and education of women. Samuel was a civil servant by profession. Popular actor and music composer of Tamil cinema, Vijay Antony is his great-grandson.

Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai is also known as Mayavaram Vedanayagam Pillai. Pillai was born in Thanjavur on October 11, 1826. Savarimuthu Pillai and Arockia Mariammal were his parents. He was introduced to the world of books and literature by his father. His father also served as his first tutor, and later hired a teacher to teach him Tamil and English. Since young, he was interested in writing and reading. He translated several law books to Tamil at a young age, and his efforts got appreciated.

His professional career began as a record keeper at the judicial court of Trichinopoly, and was later promoted to the position of translator. During his tenure as a translator he learnt several foreign languages, and also completed his law studies sideways. He later became District Muncif of Mayuram, and had 13 years of service.

During his tenure in civil service, he translated many law books to Tamil, and also authored Tamil language’s first novel, Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram. He authored 16 books in total, and also gave immense contributions to the field of Carnatic music. He has composed many songs, which are still performed in Carnatic concerts.

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Updated: July 10, 2018