Inkulab

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Makkal Pavalar Inkulab மக்கள் பாவலர் இன்குலாப்
Born	Chennai,India
Occupation	Author
Notable work(s)	Avvai
Influences Periyar

Makkal Pavalar Inkulab (also spelt Inquilab, Inkulab or Ingulab) (Tamil: மக்கள் பாவலர் இன்குலாப்) is a rationalist Tamil poet/writer, activist, and Communist with Marxist Leninist inclination. ^[1] He retired as a professor of Tamil at The New College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His birth name is Shahul Hameed ^[2][3] and a known follower of Periyar.

His poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed^[4],^[5]. Kanmani Rajam, his most famous poem criticizes the moral bankruptcy of politicians.

His song/poem "Naanga Manushangada" (We are human beings) is a famous dalit-freedom song that is still played in many dalit gatherings. Avvai, his drama is considered to be the first modern Tamil drama ^[6], and a prescribed textbook for many colleges. In this revisionist account, the historical/mythic poet Avvai, contrary to the prevalent image of her as an old, wise, celibate woman, is rendered as a young, sensuous, creative, 'free' person, a wandering bard^[7]. The play also challenges the patriarchal view which has marginalized the female voice^[8].

His other famous literary works include modern versions of Manimekalai ^[9] and Kurinji Paatu ^[10].

He was also involved in vocal expression of discontent of removal of statue of a Tamil legendary icon Kannaki in 2002 by the then AIADMK government of Tamil Nadu ^[11].

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