Inkulab

Makkal Pavalar Inkulab மக்கள் பாவலர் இன்குலாப்
Born	Chennai, India
Occupation	Author
Notable works	Avvai

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^[1][2] and a known follower of Periyar.

His poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed.^[1][3] 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,^[1] 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.^[1] The play also challenges the patriarchal view which has marginalized the female voice.^[4]

His other famous literary works include modern versions of Manimekalai ^[5] and Kurinji Paatu.^[6]

He was also involved in vocal expression of discontent of removal of statue of a Tamil legendary icon Kannaki in 2002 by the then All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government of Tamil Nadu.^[7]

References