Contents
Kalki Krishnamurthy
Writing Ponniyin Selvan and other influential Tamil historical novels.
Sivagamiyin Sapatham · Alai Osai
- Born
- 9 September 1899
- Birthplace
- Puthamangalam, British India
- Died
- 5 December 1954
More people
Kalki Krishnamurthy
Kalki Krishnamurthy was a Tamil novelist, journalist and independence activist. He combined popular serial storytelling with an interest in South Indian history.
Early life
Village childhood
Grew up in Puthamangalam; his father worked as a village accountant.
Leaving school
Left his education in response to the non-cooperation movement in 1921.
Career
- 1923
Journalism
Began working at Navasakthi.
- 1930s
Ananda Vikatan
Established himself as a writer, critic and editor.
- 1941
Kalki magazine
Co-founded the weekly with T. Sadasivam.
- 1950–1954
Major serial
Published Ponniyin Selvan in instalments.
Selected work
Sivagamiyin Sapatham
A historical romance set in the Pallava period.
Alai Osai
A broad novel set against the independence movement.
Ponniyin Selvan
A Chola-era story weaving royal politics, travel and intrigue.
Beyond work
Independence movement
Took part in campaigns against British rule and was imprisoned.
Arts criticism
Wrote extensively about film and music, including under the name Karnatkam.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Kalki magazine: Ponniyin Selvan ↗Photo: India Post, Government of India. GODL-India · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
