Over 2000 years have passed since the beginning of the Tamil language’s literary history.
The early Sangam poetry and classical literature are the first known works of Tamil literature, which belong to the Sangam era (600 BCE–300 CE).
The Shaiva Bhakti movement produced many Tamil devotional poems during the medieval era.
If you are a Tamil book reader, then this article is for you, as in this article you will see some of the best Tamil books to read before you die.
Tamil literature has been passed down through a variety of channels, including printed materials, oral tradition, and written manuscripts.
The earliest Tamil writings that have been discovered date from 500 BCE to 300 CE.
Novels, short tales, poetry, dramas, essays, historical and scientific works, and more are all examples of contemporary Tamil literature.
Here are some of the best tamil books to read:-
Best Tamil Books in India you should read before you die (2023)
Table of content
1. Kallikaattu Ithigaasam
This celebrated work of Tamil literature by Vairamuthu is another one that centers on migration.
The reader follows the struggle of a farmer to support his family.
The book explores how migration affects people’s lives and how it may make them worse.
Details
- Year of publication: 2001
- Price: $185
- Goodreads Rating:4.1
- Genre: Fiction
- Pages: 376 pages
2. Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal
The book was written by Jayakanthan and is an enlarged version of the short tale Agnipravesam, which was first published in 1968.
The short story’s plot, which involves a mother purifying her daughter after she had sex with a stranger, has a significant cultural influence.
Readers offered alternative conclusions. These recommendations were followed, and the book was released.
It contains particular incidents from the author’s life. In 1972, the work received a Sahitya Akademi Award.
Details
- Year of publication: 1970
- Price: ₹299
- Goodreads Rating: 4
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance
- Pages: 448 pages
3. Sivakamiyin Sabadham–Sivakami’s Vow
Sivakami’s Vow, another historical story by the legendary Kalki Krishnamurthy, is set in the seventh century.
It is one of Tamil literature’s greatest works.
The historical occurrences recorded during the reign of Chalukya king Pulakesi II are the basis for the book. There are four parts to the series.
Details
- Year of publication:1944
- Price: ₹425
- Goodreads Rating: 4.4
- Genre: Drama, General Fiction
- Pages: 686 pages
4. Moga Mul
Moga Mul, written by Thi, is one of the most known romantic books in the Tamil language.
Janakiraman. The novel, which has a whopping 686 chapters, delves deeply into the swoon-worthy connection of the characters.
The National Award went to the cinematic adaptation of the novel.
Details
- Year of publication: 1980
- Price: ₹690
- Goodreads Rating: 4.1
5. Yavana Rani
The historical book Yavana Rani, written by Sandilyan, is set during the reign of Karikalan.
The account of the Commander-in-Chief of the Chola Army is told in the book, which transports readers to the early Chola empire.
An old Tamil poetry served as the inspiration for the book’s plot.
Details
- Year of publication: 2016
- Price: ₹735
- Goodreads Rating:4.2
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Pages: 672 Pages
6. Muthal Paarvaiyilae Ennai
The relationship between a husband and wife is featured in the narrative, which was written by Sorna Sandhanakumar.
Following a terrible injury, the wife has memory loss and loses track of her spouse.
As the tale develops, we learn she regains her memories and her love for her husband with the help and affection of her family and loved ones.
Details
- Year of publication: 2019
- Goodreads Rating:3.5
- Genre: Romance
- Pages: 261
7. Theeyaga Unnai Kanden
Yamuna’s tale is told in Muthulakshmi Raghavan’s yoga poem, Unnai Kanden.
The readers are treated to a swoon-worthy read as Yamuna must choose between the two princes in her life.
Details
- Year of publication: 2014
- Price: ₹250
- Goodreads Rating: 4
- Genre: Novel, Romance
- Pages: 409
8. Ponniyin Selvan
Recently, a movie named after the novel Ponniyin Selvan was released. It is based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Tamil literature work and from the Chola Empire.
As a historical fiction novel, it narrates Arulmozhivarman’s story during his early days as a prince.
Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel, which was written after extensive research, has been a bestseller in Tamil. He himself visited Sri Lanka 3 times for information to better inform the book.
It is acclaimed for its accuracy and has been translated in both English & Sanskrit languages.
Details
- Author: Kalki Krishnamurthy
- Year of publication: 1955
- Goodreads Rating: 4.59
- Genre: Historical, romance, espionage, thriller, fiction
9. Sivagamiyin Sabatham
Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Sivagamiyin Sabatham is a famous historical novel set in seventh-century southern India, which narrates many important historical events & renowned figures.
This has generated widespread enthusiasm for Tamil history. The acclaimed novel, Sivagamiyin Sapatham by Kalki Krishnamurthy, revolves around themes of honour, love and friendship.
It serves as a prequel to his other work, Parthiban Kanavu.
Written as one of the greatest Tamil novels, this historical fiction revolves around the attack on Vatapi by Narasimhavarman, in retaliation to Pulakeshin II sieging Kanchi while he was a Chalukya king.
Details
- Author: Kalki Krishnamurthy
- Year of publication: 1948
- Goodreads Rating: 4.42
- Genre: Historical
10. Kolaiyuthir Kaalam
Sujatha’s Kolaiyuthir Kaalam is an exciting thriller novel, with the protagonists being the renowned crime-solving pair of Ganesh and Vasanth.
It is one of many stories that Sujatha has penned where this duo take centre stage and solves intriguing mysteries.
Ganesh and Vasanth are two imaginary detectives who featured in a story from the 1980s.
The mystical plot involves resolving a property case involving homicides, science, and supernatural entities.
Details
- Author: Sujatha
- Year of publication: 1981
- Goodreads Rating: 4.05
- Genre: Thriller
11. Kadal Pura
Sandilyan’s Kadal Pura is a must-read in the category of historical fiction novels. Set in the ancient Tamil Chola dynasty, it revolves around the invasion of Srivijaya and Kalinga by the Chola kingdom.
I have widely acclaimed it as one of the best Tamil books to pick up.
Details
- Author: Sandilyan
- Year of publication: 1967
- Goodreads Rating: 4.14
- Genre: Historical novel
12. En Iniya Iyanthira
Sujatha’s classic sci-fi novel En Iniya Iyanthira was serialised in the popular Tamil magazine Dinamanipneumonia Kathir during the 1980s.
I later adapted it for television and aired as a series on Doordarshan in 1991.
They set this novel in India and follows the story of three rebels, Neena and a robot dog, Jeeno.
Together they strive to overthrow a dictatorial ruler who has been inflicting terror on their nation. Their battle is one of courage and determination as they confront this tyrant.
Details
- Author: Sujatha
- Year of publication: 1980
- Goodreads Rating: 4.17
- Genre: Historical novel
13. Nandhipurathu Nayagi
Vembu Vikiaraman has continued the story of Ponniyin Selvan with his novel Nandhipurathu Nayagi which narrates the story of Raja Raja Chola.
This Tamil novel is set in a grand, romantic environment that makes it perfect for any reader who loves the Tamil literature genre.
With its captivating story, you can immerse yourself into the world of this novel without worrying about the time.
Details
- Author: Vikiraman
- Year of publication: 1960
- Goodreads Rating: 3.7
- Genre: Story, Drama, Poetry, Travelogue and Essay
14. Vandhiyathevan Vaal
Vembu Vikiraman has written a masterpiece called Vandhiyathevan Vaal which is based on the story of Rajendra Chola and his romantic endeavours. It is one of his most popular works and highly appreciated by readers.
This romantic story is set in a time where being brave and fighting wars was highly respected. It’s one of the most captivating Tamil books to read presently, for sure.
Details
- Author: Vikiraman
- Year of publication: 2016
- Goodreads Rating: 3.6
- Genre: Historical novels
15. Udayar
To create a vivid & captivating description of the Tanjore Temple, Balakumaran conducted extensive research for his novel.
His incredible account of the temple and its sculptures enables readers to visualize it in their minds.
This novel provides an engaging journey through its six parts, giving readers a taste of the Tanjore temple.
Hence, when you visit the location in person, you’ll be able to identify and appreciate the intricacies portrayed in literature.
Details
- Author: Balakumaran
- Year of publication: 2000
- Goodreads Rating: 4.4
- Genre: Historical novels
16. Sanagdhara
Sanagdhara is a Tamil book that has become increasingly popular among readers and literature lovers in India.
It is written by the renowned Tamil author and poet, Thiruvalluvar. This Tamil book is considered as one of the best books to read if you want to understand the deep nuances of Tamil literature.
Sanagdhara consists of 884 verses that are divided into 121 chapters. The topics range from philosophy to social issues, with each verse being written in a poetic format.
Through this book, readers can gain insight into the culture and lifestyle of ancient Indians as well as appreciate its timeless wisdom.
Many consider reading Sanagdhara as an essential part of understanding Indian literature and culture in its entirety.
Additionally, it is also considered as one of the best books for beginners who are looking for an introduction to classic Tamil literature.
17. Parthiban Kanavu
Parthiban Kanavu is a classic Tamil book by Kalki Krishnamurthy, one of the renowned Tamil writers.
The novel is set in 16th century India and revolves around the story of Parthiban and his friends who are on a mission to protect the kingdom from an evil force.
The novel has remained one of the most popular Tamil books since its publication in 1954.
It has been made into movies, translated into various languages and is listed as one of the must-reads for anyone interested in reading Tamil literature.
Parthiban Kanavu is a great read for readers who want to dive deep into Indian history and culture.
It gives a vivid account of how people lived during that era, with some exciting adventures thrown in for good measure!
18. Rajamuthirai
Rajamuthirai is one of the best Tamil books to read. It was written by the renowned Tamil writer M. Karunanidhi in 1989 and has been widely praised for its thought-provoking content.
The story revolves around a couple of families living in a small Tamil village, and their struggles with poverty, caste system and power politics.
This classic book is an insight into the cultural and social milieu of rural India and its exploration of complex issues like gender inequality, power dynamics, communalism, superstitions and honor killing makes it an unmissable read.
Rajamuthirai also highlights the importance of education as a tool to combat social evils like caste discrimination and superstitions.
It serves as an eye-opener to readers on how deep rooted these problems are in our society today.
19. Gangai Konda Cholan
Gangai Konda Cholan is a classic Tamil book written by renowned author and poet Kalki Krishnamurthy.
It is considered one of the best books ever written in Tamil language and has been widely acclaimed for its narrative style, vivid descriptions, and intense drama.
The book tells the story of Gangai Konda Cholan, the great Chola king who ruled vast areas of South India in the 11th century AD.
It describes his life, his conquests, and his grand vision for a united India. Through this gripping tale, readers can gain an insight into the history of ancient India and learn more about this remarkable leader.
20. Namani Kadigal
Namani Kadigal is an acclaimed Tamil writer who has written several novels and short stories. His works are widely acclaimed for their captivating stories and philosophical depth.
He has been awarded numerous awards for his writing style, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 and the Saraswati Samman in 2018.
He is well-known as one of the best Tamil book authors out there, and his books are considered must-reads for any avid reader of literature.
Themes explored in his books include identity, family values, culture, history, politics, and many more. Namani Kadigal’s works can be an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the best Tamil book to read.
21. Inthinai Fifty
Inthinai Fifty is one of the best Tamil books for readers who wish to explore and understand the culture, language and traditions of Tamil Nadu.
Written by Karpagam O.V., the book is an anthology of fifty short stories that give readers a glimpse into rural Tamil life through its characters, dialogues and settings.
The stories are filled with both humour and pathos, making it a great choice for those looking to learn more about Tamil literature.
Inthinai Fifty will not only help readers further appreciate the Tamil language but also equip them with values such as respect, integrity and sincerity.
22. Kalavazhi Forty
Kalavazhi Forty is a collection of forty Tamil stories, written by renowned Tamil author Kalki Krishnamurthy.
The book was first published in the early 1950s and has remained popular ever since.
It is widely considered one of the best Tamil books to read, due to its engaging storytelling and captivating characters.
The stories cover different genres from romance to adventure and folklore, making it a great choice for readers of all ages.
Kalavazhi Forty provides an insight into Tamil literature and culture, making it an essential read for those looking for an immersive experience.
23. Story of Udayan Kumar
Udayan Kumar is a renowned Tamil author who has written several books that have gained immense popularity.
His stories are filled with humor, adventure, and suspense. His works are considered to be among the best Tamil books to read and have been adapted into several successful films.
Moreover, his works have been translated into various other languages such as Hindi, English, and Malayalam. Through his writings, he has managed to capture the attention of readers from all over the world.
24. Boogie Woogie ganesha
Boogie Woogie Ganesha is a popular Tamil book that has captivated readers across the world.
It is an expression of the creative spirit of Tamil culture and thoughtfully combines elements of fiction, non-fiction and fantasy to tell a unique story.
Written by renowned author Sivarajan Kumaraswamy, this book brings together some of the best aspects of Tamil literature in one volume.
It is sure to be an interesting read for those seeking to explore and appreciate Tamil culture through its literature.
25. Krishna Rocks
Krishna Rocks is an entertaining and inspiring Tamil book that brings the divine story of Lord Krishna to life.
Written by A.K. Subramanian, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves Tamil literature and wants to explore the depths of mythology.
The author has done an incredible job in capturing the true essence of Lord Krishna as well as his captivating adventures through vivid and enchanting descriptions.
By reading this book, readers can gain insight into various aspects of Hinduism, such as its culture, traditions, beliefs, and values.
In addition to being a great source of information on Hinduism, this book also provides valuable lessons on life and how one can achieve success through perseverance and determination.
Conclusion
The Tamil language has precious importance in Tamil Nadu. It has a deep connection with its culture, literature, and music and has been used to deliver spiritual knowledge.
In this article, I have tried to suggest to you some of the best Tamil books read. These are only a few examples of literary works that were essential to people’s education.
The non-fictional literature of Tamil Nadu, and with it the nation, has benefited from the contributions of many authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which is the biggest novel in Tamil?
Ponniyin Selvan is widely considered by many great writers and novelists to be the greatest novel ever written in Tamil literature.
Q2. Who is the best author in Tamil?
Popularly hailed as the pioneer of Tamil contemporary literature, Kalki Krishnamurthy is a renowned poet, writer, and journalist among other things.
Q3. Who is the No 1 book in the world?
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling is the best-selling book series in history.
Here are some most famous Tamil books to read:-