Translated fiction: Perumal Murugan’s new book of short stories travels across rural Tamil Nadu

An excerpt from ‘Sandalwood Soap and Other Stories’, by Perumal Murugan, translated from the Tamily by Kavitha Muralidharan.

Perumal Murugan

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Kavitha Muralidharan

· Sep 20, 2023 · 05:30 pm

Ki Rajanarayanan (1923-2021): Tamil literature’s grey eminence was a pioneer of people’s stories

Ki Ra, as he was popularly known, was famous as the champion of ‘Black Soil’ literature.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· May 22, 2021 · 05:30 pm

Why Tamil publisher Crea Ramakrishnan’s literary legacy will be long-lasting

The founder of the publishing company Cre-A, Ramakrishnan died on November 17 at the age of 75.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Nov 19, 2020 · 08:30 am

Tamil writer Prapanchan (1945-2018) brought new elements into fiction with versatility and assurance

An extremely prolific novelist who conquered poverty in personal life to become an acclaimed writer, Prapanchan died of cancer at 73 on December 21, 2018.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Dec 23, 2018 · 07:00 am

Meet Su Venkatesan, whose serialised Tamil novel ‘Velpari’ has crossed 100 instalments

Su Venkatesan’s novel about a valorous but rebellious king is an alternative view of parts of Tamil history.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Dec 08, 2018 · 05:30 pm

‘I believe in being the fringe. It helps keep my poetry alive’: How Naran is redefining Tamil poetry

The award-winning poet believed a writer cannot be apolitical but thinks voting is an exercise in futility.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Jun 10, 2018 · 06:30 pm

Remembering the writer who redefined Madurai: Arshia, aka Syed Hussain Basha ( 1959-2018)

The Tamil writer and translator who brought to life the city beyond the cliches died on April 7.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Apr 11, 2018 · 08:30 am

With just 11 stories this collection goes to the core of Tamil writer Jayakanthan’s fiction

The collection has been curated and translated by the author’s daughter.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Nov 05, 2017 · 06:30 pm

Giving a voice to the oppressed: Why Tamil writer Melanmai Ponnusamy (1951-2017) remained a Leftist

Marginalised people from a marginalised area spoke to people through his works.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Nov 02, 2017 · 08:30 am

Arrest of Dalit writer Durai Guna a ploy to punish him for his anti-caste message, activists claim

Guna was forced to flee his village after the publication of his book about atrocities by caste Hindus against Dalits in the area.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Jun 11, 2016 · 06:30 am

The ban police is back as the Tamil Nadu government clamps down on two more books

Caste controversies in literature is leading to drastic action under pressure from communities who feel themselves slighted.

Kavitha Muralidharan

· Sep 02, 2015 · 08:30 am