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Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, Namakkal Kavignar, Kavimani Desiga Vinayagam Pillai
Comprehensive information about modern Tamil literary pioneers - Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, Namakkal Kavignar, and Kavimani Desiga Vinayagam Pillai including their life history, works, special titles, and contributions to Tamil literature
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Pioneers of Modern Tamil Literature
Key Features:
- Bhartiyar:Mahakavi is the father of modern Tamil literature
- Kavimani:He was the first Kavimani in the world of Tamil literature
- Namakkal Poet:National Liberation Poet, popularly known as "Kiliye Keechu".
- Bharathidasan:Revolutionary poet, disciple of Bharati
Historical Background:
Tamil literature faced a period of renaissance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These four great poets played an important role in taking Tamil literature from ancient to modern times.
A detailed comparison of four poets
| Detail | Kavimani Desika Vinayaka | Bharatiyar | Namakkal poet | Bharathidasan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| year of birth | 1876 | 1882 | 1888 | 1891 |
| Year of death | 1954 | 1921 | 1972 | 1964 |
| Life time | 78 years | 39 years | 84 years | 73 years |
| Surname | Venkatasamy | Subramania Bharatiyar | Ramalingam Pillai | Supuratnam |
| place of birth | Alangudi, Thanjavur | Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi | Namakkal, Salem | Pondicherry |
| Special name | Kavimani, Desika Vinayagam Pillai | Mahakavi, singer of liberation | National poet, who sang for the country | Revolutionary poet, scholar |
| Major Works (Numbers) | About 30 texts | About 10 texts | Around 50+ texts | Around 70+ texts |
| Famous work 1 | National Anthems | Kannan song | Country and people | Quill song |
| Popular work 2 | Patriotic evening | Panjali vow | Our nation | Second round |
| Popular work 3 | National songs | Quill song | Forever young | Bharti Kalaimala |
| poetic style | National spirit, tradition | Freedom, Nationality, Equality | National liberation, patriotism | Revolution, Social Change, Rationality |
| Kavimani degree | 1917 (first) | No | No | No |
| Contact with Bharti | Contemporary | - | Motivated | The disciple was called Bharathi |
| Political bias | Congress supporter | Swadeshi movement | National liberation | Dravidian Movement, Communism |
| Language contribution | Senthamil style | New format for Tamil | Simple Tamil | Regional Tamil, Revolutionary Tamil |
| Awards | Kavimani (1917) | Sudeshamithran is Associate Editor | Padma Shri (1971) | Padma Shri (withdrawn) |
| A place of remembrance | Trichy - Kavimani Mandapam | Ettayapuram - Bharatiyar House | Namakkal - Namakkal District | Pondicherry - Bharathidasan House |
| The main line | "Long live Tamil! Long live Tamil!" | "Freedom! We will be free!" | "Squeak, don't listen to the talk, parrot." | "Caste should be abolished, caste should be abolished" |
Key points to note:
- Age Order:Kavimani (1876) → Bharatiyar (1882) → Namakkal (1888) → Bharathidasan (1891)
- Long life:Namakkal poet (84 years), Kavimani (78 years)
- Short life:Bhartiyar (39 years) - but the biggest impact
- Creations:Bharathidasan Most Books (70+), Namakkal Poet (50+)
- Uniqueness:Kavimani was the only poet to receive the title of "Kavimani" (1917).
Kavimani Desika Vinayak Pillai (1876-1954)
📖 Biography
Surname:Venkatasamy
Place of Birth:Alangudi, Thanjavur District
Date of Birth:1876
Date of Death:1954 (age 78)
Father:Ramasamy Iyer
Mother:Sundarammal
Education:
- Studied at Maharaja's College, Thanjavur
- தமிழ், ஆங்கிலம், சமஸ்கிருதம் ஆகியவற்றில் புலமை பெற்றார்
Occupation:
- Worked as a Tamil teacher
- Actively participated in the national movement
- He was a supporter of the Congress party
🏆 Special Names
- Kavimani- First poet laureate in Tamil literature (1917)
- Desika Vinagam Pillai- For national consciousness
- Tamil devotee
📚 Works (Year wise)
Poetry Collections:
| year | Thread name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1906 | National Anthems | National Poems |
| 1910 | Patriotic evening | National consciousness |
| 1915 | National songs | Liberation songs |
| 1920 | Gandhi's visit | Gandhi's fame |
| 1925 | Long live Tamil | Tamil debt |
| 1930 | Indian independence | National liberation |
| 1935 | Tamil greetings | Popularity of Tamil language |
| 1940 | The quest for liberation | freedom struggle |
Total:
approx30 textshas written
🌟 Tamil charity and contribution
- First poet:First poet to receive "Kavimani" title in Tamil literature (1917)
- National Anthems:He wrote songs of national consciousness during the freedom struggle
- Senthamil style:He composed poems in traditional Senthamil style
- Congress Support:He supported the Congress party in the freedom movement
- Tamil Debt:He highlighted the glory of Tamil language to the world
📝 Famous lines
"Long live Tamil! Long live Tamil!"
"We came to protect the nation, we came to destroy evil"
🏛️ Memorial Places
- Kavimani Mandapam- Tiruchirappalli
- Various schools and colleges are named after him
🎯 Shortcuts
Kavimani = KDV (1876-1954)
- K- Kavimani (1st Kavimani title 1917)
- D- Desiga Vinayagam Pillai
- V- Vaazhga Tamil (Long live Tamil – his slogan)
- 1876- Year of birth (earliest born)
- 78 years- Life span
- 30 texts- Total works
Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar (1882-1921)
📖 Biography
Surname:Subramania Bharatiyar
Place of Birth:Ettayapuram, Tuticorin District
Date of Birth:11 December 1882
Date of Death:11 September 1921 (38 years 9 months)
Father:Chinnaswamy Iyer
Mother:Lakshamiammal
Wife:honey
Education:
- He learned Tamil at the age of 5
- Graduated "Poet" at age 11 (1893)
- He was educated in Mumbai with the help of Swaminatha Iyer
- He knew Tamil, English, Sanskrit, Hindi and French
Occupation:
- Sub-Editor at Sudeshamithran Press (1904)
- Worked in India magazine
- Freedom movement activities in Pondicherry
🏆 Special Names
- Mahakavi- The greatest poet
- Liberation singer- Freedom inspiring songs
- Father of modern Tamil literature
- Bharti- Short name
- National Poet
📚 Works (Year wise)
| year | Thread name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1906 | Panjali vow | Copy |
| 1907 | Kannan song | Devotional poetry |
| 1908 | Quill song | National Poetry |
| 1909 | Freedom Khanam | Liberation song |
| 1910 | Kandar Anubhuti | Devotional poetry |
| 1912 | Goddess Bharata | National Poetry |
| 1915 | Janmakandam | Storytelling |
| 1918 | Bharat Mata | National Poetry |
Prose:
- Autobiography(1908)
- Introversion(1910)
- Neelakanda Brahmashari(story)
Total:
approx10+ key textsAnd hundreds of poems
🌟 Tamil charity and contribution
- Modern Tamil Literature:He started the modern era in Tamil literature
- Language innovation:He introduced new words, metaphors and styles to the Tamil language
- Freedom Struggle:He gave inspiration for national liberation
- Women's Rights:She voiced for women's freedom and equality
- Equality:He sang about caste abolition and social justice
- Ease of Language:He wrote poems in simple Tamil
📝 Famous lines
"Freedom! We will be free!"
"Angel, Angel, heart Angel!"
"Manhood arise! Tigers are born!"
"No private drunkenness; no mere knowledge"
"Let's do it, let's do the Tamil slogan"
🏛️ Memorial Places
- Bharatiyar House- Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi
- Bharatiyar University- Coimbatore
- Bharathidasan University- Tiruchirappalli
- Statue of Bharatiyar- in many cities
- Bharatiyar Memorial Hall- Pondicherry
🎯 Shortcuts
Bharatiyar = MAHAKAVI (1882-1921)
- M- Mahakavi
- A- Anjalai (famous line)
- H- 11 (Bachelor of Poet at 11)
- A- Azadi (Freedom)
- K- Kannan Paatu, Kuyil Paatu
- A- 39 (lived for 39 years)
- V- Vidutalai Padagan (Singer of Liberation)
- I- India (Pondicherry 10 years)
- 1882- Year of birth
- 1921- Year of Death (Elephant Accident)
Important Works Remember:
PKG=PAanchali Sabatham (1906),Kannan Paatu (1907),GUyil Paatu (1908)
Namakkal Poet Ramalingam Pillai (1888-1972)
📖 Biography
Surname:Ramalingam Pillai
Place of Birth:Namakkal, Salem District
Date of Birth:1 December 1888
Date of Death:16 September 1972 (age 84)
Father:Velusamy Pillai
Education:
- Primary Education in Namakkal
- Completed teacher training
- He knew Tamil, English and Sanskrit
Occupation:
- Worked as a school teacher
- Work as Headmaster
- Freedom struggle activities
- Tamil Literary Service
🏆 Special Names
- Namakkal poet- By name of place of birth
- National Poet- National Liberation Songs
- He sang for the country
- A poet named Kiliye Keechu- Famous song lyrics
📚 Works (Year wise)
| year | Thread name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Country and people | National Poems |
| 1930 | Our nation | Liberation songs |
| 1935 | Forever young | Inspirational Poems |
| 1940 | The parrot chirped | Popular song collection |
| 1945 | National Anthems | Patriotic songs |
| 1950 | Patriotism | National consciousness |
| 1955 | Poetry evening | Collection |
| 1960 | Tamil greetings | Tamil language addiction |
| 1965 | Youth songs | For young people |
| 1970 | Tamil people | Tamil history |
Total:
approx50+ textshas written
Other Works:
- A country mind
- Congratulatory poems
- National consciousness
- Revolutionary songs
- Youth Association
🌟 Tamil charity and contribution
- National Liberation:He inspired people with patriotic songs during the freedom struggle
- Simple Tamil:He sang in simple Tamil that everyone could understand
- Youth Inspiration:Inspirational songs for youth
- Patriotism:Patriotic Poems
- Long service:He lived for 84 years and continued to serve Tamil
- Teacher's Job:As a teacher, he inculcated Tamil in students
📝 Famous lines
"Squeak, don't listen to the talk, parrot."
"The country and the people are ours, we will win if we wake up"
"Forever young, young is life"
"Nation is not soil but people"
🏅 Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri Award- 1971 (Honour conferred by Government of India)
- Awards from many Tamil associations
- Namakkal district named after him (2021)
🏛️ Memorial Places
- Namakkal District- Created as a new district in 2021
- His memorials in Namakkal
- Many schools are named after him
🎯 Shortcuts
Namakkal Poet = NK-84 (1888-1972)
- N- Namakkal
- K- Kiliye Keechu (Kiliye Keechu - Popular Song)
- 84- Lived 84 years (long life)
- 1888- Year of birth
- 1971- Padma Shri Award
- 50+ texts- More creations
Important Works Remember:
NEK=Nadum McCallum (1925),Engal Desam (1930),KIliye Keechu (1940)
Specialty:
- in fourA very long timewho lived (84 years)
- Padma ShriThe Only Poet Received (1971) - Bharathidasan refused
Revolutionary Poet Bharathidasan (1891-1964)
📖 Biography
Surname:Supuratnam
Nickname:Bharathidasan (meaning disciple of Bharati)
Place of Birth:Pondicherry
Date of Birth:29 April 1891
Date of Death:21 April 1964 (age 73)
Father:Kanakkar Subramaniam
Mother:Kaliammal
Name Change:
From his birth name Subpuratnam, inspired by Bharathiyar's influence"Bharatidasan"(disciple of Bharati) took the name.
Education:
- Education in Pondicherry
- Knowledge of French
- He knew Tamil and English very well
Occupation:
- School teacher
- Journalist
- Film lyricist
- Literary servant
🏆 Special Names
- Revolutionary poet- For Revolutionary Ideas (1955)
- Pisirantiyar- Name received at Bisirathan (Visagapatnam) conference
- Disciple of Bharati
- Dravidian movement poet
📚 Works (Year wise)
| year | Thread name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Quill song | First collection of poems |
| 1935 | Second round | Book of justice |
| 1940 | Tamilianism | Tamil movie songs |
| 1942 | Family lamp | About family |
| 1945 | Pandian Prize | Drama |
| 1947 | Bharti Kalaimala | Bharatiyar fame |
| 1950 | Revolutionary epic | Revolutionary Poems |
| 1952 | Goothar | Drama |
| 1955 | Revolutionary Poems | Revolutionary songs |
| 1958 | Pisirantiyar | Poetry collection |
| 1960 | Dark house | Social novel |
| 1962 | Tamilachi | Poetry |
Movie Songs:
- Women of India(1950)
- hillbilly(1954)
- Mayavati(1955)
- He wrote songs for many Tamil films
Total:
approx70+ textsWrote - Most of the four poets
🌟 Tamil charity and contribution
- Revolutionary Poems:He sang about social change, abolition of caste, rationality
- Dravidian Movement:He propagated the ideals of the Dravidian movement
- Emancipation of Women:She raised her voice for women's rights
- Abolition of Caste:He sang against caste discrimination
- Rationale:He propagated rational thoughts
- Bharti Legacy:He continued to spread the principles of Bharathiyar
- Vernacular Tamil:He used simple, vernacular Tamil words
📝 Famous lines
"Caste should be abolished, caste should be abolished"
"Long Live Tamil, Long Live Tamil, Prosper Tamil"
"I am the innovator, I am the revolutionary poet"
"Long live the Tamil nation for a thousand years"
🏅 Awards and Honors
- "Revolutionary Poet" title- 1955 (at Visagapatnam Conference)
- Padma Shri Award- 1960 (Refused - Refused to accept Government of India Award)
- Many Tamil Literary Awards
Why did Padma Shri refuse?
In line with the principles of the Dravidian movement, he refused to accept awards from the central government. He said that the self-esteem of the Tamil people is his greatest award.
🏛️ Memorial Places
- Bharathidasan House- Pondicherry
- Bharathidasan University- Tiruchirappalli
- Bharathidasan Memorial Hall- Pondicherry
- Many schools and colleges are named after him
🤝 Connect with Bharatiyar
- He met Bharatiyar in Pondicherry in 1910
- Inspired by Bharatiyar's ideals
- He changed his name to "Bharatidasan" (Disciple of Bharathi).
- He wrote the book "Bharti Kalaimamal" and praised Bharatiyar
- Bharatiyar's death (1921) was a great grief to him
- He continued to spread the principles of Bharathiyar
🎯 Shortcuts
Bharathidasan = PR-73 (1891-1964)
- P- Puratchi Kavignar (Revolutionary Poet)
- R- Refused Padmashri
- 73- Lived 73 years
- 1891- Year of Birth (Last Born)
- 1910- Year of meeting Bharatiyar
- 70+ texts- Most Works (First of Four)
Important Works Remember:
KIP=Kuyil Paatu (1928),IRandam Kural (1935),Pandian Parisu
Special Features:
- More Texts:70+ texts (more than four)
- Disciple of Bharati:His name is Bharathidasan
- Padma Shri Disclaimer:He was the only poet to refuse the award
- Movie:He is the only poet who wrote film songs
Full memory tips and tricks
🎯 Master Shortcut - "KMBN" method
K-M-B-N = Kavimani - Mahakavi - Bharathidasan - Namakkal
Age Order:76 - 82 - 88 - 91 (6 difference!)
Dead Row:1921 (Bharati) → 1954 (Kavimani) → 1964 (Bharathithasan) → 1972 (Namakkal)
📊 Quick comparison
| feature | First | Short life | long life | More thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At age | Kavimani (1876) | Bharti (39) | Namakkal (84) | Bharathidasan (70+) |
| degree | Kavimani (First) | - | - | - |
| Award | - | - | Acceptance of Padma Shri | Padma Shri denial |
| Death | Bharati (1921) | Bharti (39) | Namakkal (1972) | - |
🔢 Number Memorization Tips
Years of Birth (Age Order):
76 - 82 - 88 - 91
Reminder:6 intervals(76+6=82, 82+6=88) then 3 (88+3=91)
Years Lived:
- Kavimani:78 years
- Bharti:39 years (half of the others!)
- Namakkal:84 years (more)
- Bharathidasan:73 years
Reminder:84-78-73-39 (descending order, Bharti single)
Number of Threads:
- Kavimani:30
- Bharti:10
- Namakkal:50+
- Bharathidasan:70+ (higher)
Reminder:10-30-50-70 (20 space increments)
🏆 Memorize special names
| Poet | major degree | Memoir |
|---|---|---|
| Kavimani | Kavimani (1917) | hour = first |
| Bharti | Mahakavi | Maha = big |
| Namakkal | National Poet | Desi = country |
| Bharathidasan | Revolutionary poet | Revolution = Revolution |
📚 Major Works - Simple Memoir
Kavimani = DTD
- Desiya Keetagal (National Anthems)
- THasebakthi Maalai (Patriotic Evening)
- Desiya Paadalgal (National Songs)
Bharti = PKK
- Paanchali Sabatham
- Kannan Paatu (Kannan Paatu)
- Kuyil Paatu (Quilt Song)
Namakkal = NEK
- Naadum Makkalum (Country and People)
- Engal Desam (Our Nation)
- Kiliye Keechu
Bharathidasan = KIP
- Kuyil Paatu (Quilt Song)
- Irandam Kural (Second Kural)
- Paarthi kalaimagal
⭐ Unique Features - "Firsts"
- 🥇First born:Kavimani (1876)
- 🥇First poet:Kavimani (1917)
- 🥇First Deceased:Bharati (1921)
- 🥇Mahakavi:Bharatiyar only
- 🥇Padma Shri Acceptance:Namakkal (1971)
- 🥇Padma Shri Disclaimer:Bharathidasan (1960)
- 🥇More Texts:Bharathidasan (70+)
- 🥇Longevity:Namakkal (84)
- 🥇Short life:Bharti (39)
- 🥇Movie Song:Only Bharathidasan
💡 Exam Tips
Question Types and Answer Mode:
- If asked for year of birth:76-82-88-91 row recall
- If you ask for a special name:Kavimani-Mahakavi-National-Revolution
- If "first" is asked:Kavimani (Age, Degree)
- In case of award:Namakkal (Acceptance), Bharathidasan (Rejection)
- Long life:Namakkal (84)
- Short life:Bharti (39)
- More creativity:Bharathidasan (70+)
- Contact Bharti:Bharathidasan (Disciple)
📋 Final Summary - 1 min
| Poet | year | age | degree | Special |
| Kavimani | 1876 | 78 | Kavimani | First |
| Bharti | 1882 | 39 | Mahakavi | short |
| Namakkal | 1888 | 84 | National | Long |
| Bharathidasan | 1891 | 73 | revolution | More thread |
76 → 82 → 88 → 91 | Kavimani → Mahakavi → National → Revolution