05 December - Kalki Krishnamurthy death anniversary

 

Kalki Krishnamurthy (09 September 1899 – 05 December 1954) was a renowned Indian writer, journalist, poet, and the creator of historical and social novels in Tamil literature. He is best known for his historical novels that vividly depicted the cultural and social life of ancient and medieval South India. Kalki is considered one of the stalwarts of Tamil literature, and his works have had a lasting impact on Tamil literary culture.

Key points about Kalki Krishnamurthy:

1. Early Life: Kalki was born as Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy in a Brahmin family in Tamil Nadu, India. He initially worked as a journalist and served in various editorial roles in newspapers and magazines.

2. Literary Career: Kalki began his literary career as a poet and later gained widespread recognition for his historical novels. His novel "Parthiban Kanavu" (Dream of Parthiban) is considered a classic in Tamil literature. Other notable works include "Sivagamiyin Sapatham," "Ponniyin Selvan," and "Alai Osai."

3. Historical Novels: Kalki's historical novels were set in different periods of South Indian history, offering readers a glimpse into the socio-cultural milieu, political intrigues, and events of those times. His works were well-researched and often featured strong characters.

4. Social Activism: Kalki was also involved in social and political issues of his time. He used his writings to convey social messages and promote values such as justice, equality, and patriotism.

5. Founder of Magazines: Kalki was the founder of the Tamil weekly magazine "Kalki," which became highly popular and played a significant role in shaping public opinion. The magazine covered a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, and society.

6. Legacy: Kalki Krishnamurthy is remembered as a literary icon in Tamil Nadu. His novels are still widely read, and many of them have been adapted into films and television series. The annual Kalki Award is given in his honor to recognize outstanding contributions to Tamil literature.

Kalki's literary works continue to be celebrated for their storytelling, historical accuracy, and their contribution to the cultural and literary heritage of Tamil Nadu.