Book

Karnan: Tamil novel on caste


"Karnan" is a Tamil language novel written by S. Ramakrishnan, originally published in 2012. The novel tells the story of a young boy named Karnan, who grows up in a village in Tamil Nadu, India. The book is set against the backdrop of the caste system in India and explores the social and political issues faced by the marginalized communities in the country.

The story begins with Karnan's childhood, where he is ostracized by the villagers due to his caste. Despite facing discrimination and humiliation, Karnan is determined to receive an education and improve his life. He eventually moves to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, to pursue his studies.

In Chennai, Karnan faces a different set of challenges, including financial difficulties and discrimination in the academic world. However, he perseveres and becomes a successful civil servant. Throughout his journey, Karnan never forgets his roots and remains committed to fighting for the rights of his community.

The novel also touches upon the issue of political corruption and its impact on the marginalized communities. Karnan finds himself caught up in the corrupt political system and struggles to balance his duty towards his community with his loyalty to his job.

Overall, "Karnan" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the social and political issues faced by the marginalized communities in India. It is a story of hope, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity.


Karnan: Tamil Novel

"Karnan" is a novel written by S. Ramakrishnan, a renowned Tamil writer and journalist. The novel was published in 2012 and has since become a significant work in Tamil literature.

The story is a retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Karnan, one of the central characters in the epic. Karnan is known for his loyalty, bravery, and tragic end, and Ramakrishnan's novel delves into his inner thoughts and emotions.

The novel is divided into three parts. The first part explores Karnan's early life, his upbringing in the Kuru dynasty, and his relationship with his mother Kunti. The second part delves into Karnan's friendships and rivalries with the Pandavas and his eventual loyalty to Duryodhana. The final part portrays Karnan's death in the Kurukshetra war and his posthumous recognition as a hero.

Ramakrishnan's writing style is noted for its simplicity and emotional depth. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of Karnan as a complex character and its nuanced exploration of caste, class, and power dynamics in ancient India.

"Karnan" has been translated into several languages and has won several literary awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2018, one of the highest literary honors in India.

Advantage of "Karnan"

"Advantage of Karnan" is a novel written by S. Ramakrishnan that explores the life of the character Karnan, a legendary figure in Indian mythology. The novel provides several advantages to its readers, including:

Insight into Indian Mythology: "Advantage of Karnan" is an excellent source for gaining insight into Indian mythology. The novel is based on the character Karnan, who is a key figure in the Indian epic "Mahabharata." The story provides a unique perspective on the events and characters of the epic, making it an excellent read for those interested in Indian mythology.

Thought-Provoking Themes: The novel explores several thought-provoking themes, such as love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story of Karnan is a tragic one, and it raises questions about the role of fate in our lives and the consequences of our actions.

Historical Context: "Advantage of Karnan" also provides historical context for the events of the "Mahabharata." The novel delves into the social and political realities of ancient India, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the time period in which the epic took place.

Engaging Storytelling: S. Ramakrishnan is a masterful storyteller, and "Advantage of Karnan" is no exception. The novel is well-written and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for both fans of Indian mythology and those who are new to the genre.

Overall, "Advantage of Karnan" is a novel that provides a unique perspective on Indian mythology while exploring thought-provoking themes and providing historical context. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in the genre or those looking for a compelling story.

Disadvantage of "Karnan"

"Karnan" by S. Ramakrishnan is a Tamil novel that tells the story of Karnan, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata, from a different perspective. While the novel has received critical acclaim for its writing style and character development, it also has a few disadvantages that some readers may find off-putting.

One disadvantage of the novel is its length. At over 800 pages, the book may be daunting for readers who prefer shorter works. The story also progresses slowly, with a lot of attention given to character development and introspection, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Another disadvantage is that the novel assumes some familiarity with the Mahabharata, which may make it difficult for readers who are not well-versed in Indian mythology to follow along. The novel also deviates from the original Mahabharata story in some ways, which may disappoint readers who are looking for a faithful retelling.

Finally, the novel deals with some heavy themes, such as caste discrimination, social inequality, and political corruption, which may be difficult for some readers to confront. The novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in rural India, which may be unsettling for some readers.

Overall, while "Karnan" has many strengths, it may not be the right book for everyone. Its length, pacing, and heavy themes may be disadvantages for some readers, while others may find them to be strengths.

Karnan"Novel

"Karnan" by S. Ramakrishnan is a Tamil novel that retells the story of Karnan, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The novel is set in the present day, in a village called Kodiyur in Tamil Nadu, and tells the story of a young man named Karunakaran, who is often called "Karnan" by the villagers because of his dark complexion.

The novel begins with Karnan's birth, which is marked by a tragic event. His mother dies during childbirth, and his father, who is a Dalit (a member of the lowest caste in the Hindu social hierarchy), is forced to give him up for adoption to a higher-caste family. Karnan is raised by his adoptive parents, who are kind to him, but he faces discrimination and ostracism from the other villagers because of his caste.

Despite facing many obstacles, Karnan excels in his studies and becomes a successful engineer. However, he is unable to escape the discrimination and injustice that he faces as a Dalit. He falls in love with a girl named Vennila, who is from a higher caste, but their relationship is opposed by Vennila's father, who is a powerful politician. Karnan also becomes involved in a land dispute with a wealthy landlord, which leads to violence and bloodshed.

Throughout the novel, Karnan is portrayed as a hero who stands up against injustice and discrimination. He is willing to fight for his beliefs, even if it means risking his life. However, he also faces internal conflicts, as he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to his adoptive family with his identity as a Dalit.

The novel ends on a tragic note, with Karnan sacrificing his life to save Vennila from her father's wrath. The novel is a powerful commentary on caste discrimination and social inequality in India, and it has been praised for its vivid descriptions of rural life and its complex characterizations.