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வெற்றித்திருநகர்

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520 pages, Hardcover

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About the author

Akilan

37 books102 followers
Akilan (Tamil: அகிலன்) was a Tamil author noted for his realistic and creative writing style. Akilan was a freedom fighter, novelist, short-story writer, journalist, satirist, travel writer, playwright, script-writer, orator and critic.He is also a children's novelist.

Early life

Akilan was the pen name of Akilandam, who was born on 27 June at Perungalore . He spent his childhood in a small hamlet called Perungalore near Pudukottai. His father Vaithiya Lingam Pillai was an accounts officer and adored his only son Akilan very much. Unfortunately, the boy lost his loving father at an early age. But his mother Amirthammal was a loving person, and being a creative person herself, she moulded her son into a writer.
The author was attracted by Gandhian philosophy during his school days and he discontinued his college education at Pudukotai to join the freedom struggle. Later, after Indian independence, he joined the Railway Mail Service, after which he joined the AIR (All India Radio) and became a full fledged writer. His stories began to appear mostly in small magazines.

Awards won

In 1975 the novel Chitra pavai (சித்திர பாவை) won the prestigious Jnanpith Award.[1] This work of his has been translated in all Indian languages.In 1963 his historical novel Vengayin Mainthan (வேங்கையின் மைந்தன்) was awarded by Sahithya academy of Govt of India. Engepogirome a peculiar socio-political novel of his, won the Raja sir annamalai award in 1975. His children's book Kanana kannan won the special prize given by Tamil Nadu educational department. The author has written about 45 titles, most of which have been translated in all Indian state languages. Apart from this his works has been translated in other foreign languages such as English, German, Czech, Russian, Polish, Chinese, and Malay.

Historical novels

Vengayin maindan This is one of the famous works of Akilan, read by thousands and thousands of Tamilian's all over the globe. This historical fiction captures the history of chola dynasty. This book was dramatized by Late.Mr.Shivaji Ganesan on stage and was a huge hit.

In this novel, Akilan gives insight about the life and achievement of the great Rajendra Chola who was a Vengaiyin Maindhan to the rest of the world.[1] RajendraCholan is the son of Rajaraja Cholan and his period can be referred as the height of Tamil empire in art, literature and administration. He captured many countries including Indonesia (Kadaaram), Sri Lanka, Malaysia, southern and eastern coastal parts of India. He lived around 1010 AD and his dynasty had many business relationships with foreign countries. This novel depicts his victory over Kadaaram and the building of new city Gangaikonda Cholapuram upon his victory over northern part of India. The newly built temple and the city internally had so many architectural designs for war-time and peace activities. Along conquering the nations, Ilango Vel conquered the hearts of beautiful girls Arulmozhi and Rohini. Their love and affection was depicted in simple yet powerful words by Akilan. Vandhiya Thevan appears in this novel as an elderly counselor, who guides Rajendra Cholan in war and administration. Because of the narration and depiction of historic facts during Chola period using proper language there is no wonder this novel received the Sakithya Academy Award from Government of India. (Sakithya Academy award winning novel) Chola's historical novel
Kayalvizhi. Tamil Nadu government award - Pandiya's historical novel-Akilan's Kayalvizhi is a gripping saga set in the Pandiya kingdom background.-Filmed by M.G.R as Madurai meeta sundarapandian.
Vetrithirunagar- ( historical novel based on Vijayanagara Empire

Social novels

Chitrai Pavai. A contemporary social novel written by Akilan, who vividly brings Annamalai’s character to our eyes. The hero Annamalai’s calm and dreamy nature surely takes our mind. The ending of this novel was highly appreciated on those days and its simply the best.- Mr.

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
19 reviews
January 16, 2023
I read this novel again after more than 15 years. It is set in the 16th century Vijayanagara empire during the last years of Emperor Krishnadeva Raya. It describes the events leading to the establishment of the Nayak rule in Madurai by Viswanatha Nayak. The author wrote this novel during the Indo China War to promote nationalism. The underlying theme throughout the novel is Unity and Nationalism. It is very relevant even now. The character development is good and the story has more political drama and scheming than war sequences. Krishnadeva Raya and Viswanatha Nayak come across as individuals with strong sense of duty towards people and using power for performing the duty than abusing it. Others around them try to abuse power, gain power and post for themselves without worrying about the common man. The main story revolves around the scheming minister Salluva Narasimha, the patriotic and loyal Viswanatha and his love for Salluva's daughter Lakshmi. Whether Viswanatha defeats the plans of Salluva without foregoing his loyalty to the empire and marries Lakshmi forms the backbone of the story.
Profile Image for Siva.
6 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2017
Akilan emphasising “ஒன்று பட்டால் உண்டு வாழ்வு” through historic story. I’m really thankful Vijayanagar empire for helping TamilNadu in critical time periods. And this help us visualise How Telugu people migration happened and so on . Go for it , story won’t regret you .

-Siva
Profile Image for B. BALA CHANDER.
121 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2023
Lovely classic …reading this novel again after 40 years …so relevant to present scenario in Tamilnadu ..Nationlism Vs Tamil desiam issue .Enjoyed reading ….
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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