Thi. Janakiraman

T. Janakiraman (also known as Thi Jaa, 28 February 1921 – 18 November 1983) is a Tamil writer from Tamil Nadu, India. He is considered one of the major figures of 20th century Tamil fiction.

Biography

He was born in a Tamil Brahmin (Iyer) family of Madras Presidency in 1921. He worked as a civil servant. His writing included accounts of his travels in Japan and the Crimea.

Writing style

The writing style of Thi Jaa is simple and narrative. His best-known novels are Mogamul, Sembaruthi, and Amma Vandhaal. All these novels have feminine feelings embedded in their subject. Though the story is spun around delicate feelings, the author's narration is flawless and spontaneous. His short stories such as Langdadevi (a lame horse) and Mulmudi (Crown of Thorns) also follow the same style of writing.

Bibliography

Thi Jaa wrote about a hundred short stories and a dozen novels. His most noted work is the novel Mogamul (Thorn of Desire). His other novels Amma Vandhaal and Marappasu have been translated into English as "Sins of Appu's Mother" and "Wooden Cow" respectively. He was also noted for his short stories, which are artistic and subtle in nature. In 1979, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil for his short story collection Sakthi Vaidhiyam. Some of his other notable works are Malar Manjam, Uyirthen and Semparuthy.

Novels

• Amirtham
• Malar Manjam
• Mogamul
• Anbe Aaramudhe
• Amma Vandhaal
• Uyirthen
• Semparuthi
• Marappasu
• Nalabaagam

Novellas

• Adi
• Sivagnanam
• Kamalam

Short stories collections

• Kottumelam
• Sivappu Rickshaw
• Akbar Shastri
• Yaadhum Oore
• Pidi Karunai
• Sakthi Vaithiyam
• Manidhabimaanam
• Erumai Pongal
• Aboorva Manidhargal

Translations

• Annai
• Kullan

Plays

• Doctorukku Marundhu
• Naalu Veli Nilam
• Vadivelu Vaathiyaar

Travelogues

• Udhaya Sooriyan
• Nadandhaai Vaazhi Kaveri
• Adutha Veedu Aimbadhu Mile
• Karunkadalum Kalaikkadalum