Akilandam (1922–1988), better known by his pen nameAkilan, was an Indian writer and novelist who wrote in Tamil. He was attracted by Gandhian philosophy during his school days and he discontinued his college education at Pudukkottai to join the freedom struggle. Later, after Indian independence, he joined the Railway Mail Service, after which he joined the All India Radio and became a full-fledged writer. His stories began to appear mostly in small magazines.
He was born on 27 June at Perungalur, Pudukkottai District. He spent his childhood in a village called Perungalur near Pudukkottai. 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.
Awards won
In 1975 the novel Chitra Pavai won the prestigious Jnanpith Award.[1] This work of his has been translated in all Indian languages. In 1963 his historical novel Vengayin Mainthan was awarded by Sahitya academy of Govt of India.
Enge Pogirome எங்கே போகிறோம் is a unique 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.
Works
Historical novels
Vengayin maindan This is one of the famous works of Akilan, read by thousands and thousands of Tamilians all over the globe. This historical fiction captures the history of Chola dynasty. This book was dramatised 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, Sri Lanka, Malaysia (Kadaaram), 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. This novel can also be considered as a sequel to kalki's Ponniyin Selvan.
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. Prabhuh's Review ( Jnanpith Award-winning Tamil novel)
Nenchin Alaigal. (Award from Tamil language development)
Enge Pokirom? (எங்கே போகிறோம்?)
Pen (பெண்)
Pavai Vilaku. Filmed in Tamil by Shivaji Ganesan.
Palmara Katinile
Thunaivi
Pudu Vellam
Valvu Enge?- Filmed in Tamil as Kulamagal Radhai
Pon Malar
Snehithi (சிநேகிதி)
Vanama Boomiya
Inbaninaivu
Avaluku
Short stories
Akilan sirukathaigal. 2 volumes
Kombuthen kolai karan. Short story collection.
Thaipasu: Ajay the cow
Essays
Nadu nam thalaivargal. Collection of powerful essays and speeches of Akilan
