The expressive novel "Kallikattu Ithikasam" has the uncanny capacity to move readers to tears and

touch their hearts. It is one of the finest literary works by the eminent poet and author Mr.
Vairamuthu, who was conferred the title of "Kaviperarasu" by the former chief minister of Tamil
Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. The Sahitya Academy Award for Best Literary Work, one of the highest
honours conferred for works of literature in India, was given to the Tamil version of this novel in 2003
after its initial publication by Thirumagal Publication in 2001. Over a lakh copies of this book have
been sold and it has been translated into 23 languages. Nine times in a row, on September 2001,
May 2002, December 2002, December 2003, March 2004, June 2004, September 2004, and August
2005, the Tamil edition of this book was released. The cover pages are included in the book's 376
total pages.

The "Kallikattu Ithikasam" novel, according to author Mr. Vairamuthu in an interview with Shruthi TV,
is a tale of the suffering Tamil people, particularly Tamil farmers, have endured throughout their
entire lives, the pride of the Tamil land that never deserts those who trust in it, the self-assurance
Tamil people have in themselves, the faith they have in their ancestors, the faith they have in their
land they till, the cultural pride and also the suffering.

14 villages were abandoned during the construction of the Vaigai Dam in the 1950s to make room for
the reservoir. A group of individuals are being transferred who have lived, ploughed, sobbed, birthed,
and endured wounds and tears, victories, setbacks, and smiles in that particular area. The 14
peasants who were sought after as refugees in independent India are the subject of this tale. The
author, Mr. Vairamuthu, was a five-year-old boy in the mass of people who had fled their hometown,
lost their status, and were now refugees. He was holding the hand of his sobbing mother. As a result,
this book is a semi-autobiographical description of the author's youth in the Indian state of Tamil
Nadu's small village of Mettur.

Peyathevar, an industrious and intellectually strong individual who was in his seventies, serves as the
focus of this book. Then there are the supporting cast members. Mokkarasu, a 13-year-old kid, is also
portrayed as the second main character in this book because he appears in every scene. Aside from
him, Peyathevar's daughters Sellathayi, the mother of Mokkarasu, Minnal, who hates Murugayi, a
widow caring for Peyathevar, Mokkarasu, and Alagamma, Peyathevar's ailing wife, are also there.
Next, Peyathevar's one and only son Chinnu is the main troublemaker and breaks his father's heart
the hardest most of the time. While everyone breaks Peyathevar's heart, Vandi Nayakkar, a wealthy
man from a nearby hamlet who is close to Peyathevar and has supported him through his darkest
moments, arrives. These individuals are the cogs that kept this narrative turning.

Peyatevar, a 70-year-old man, and his grandson Mokkarasu are working in the forest at the beginning
of the narrative. Peyatevar runs into Vandi Nayakkar and decides to use his savings to buy jewellery
for Chellattayi, who has been bugging him to give her the remaining pieces of gold jewellery as
promised while she is on her way home for delivery. Thevar learns about his wife Alagammal's
passing before he and Nayakkar proceed to the store to purchase the jewel. Thevar, who is still
grieving the loss of his wife, is distressed to learn that Minnal's husband is currently serving a life
sentence for murder. Since Minnal had brought her child to stay with him, Thevar provided them
with protection in his home.

Thevar was deeply saddened by Nayakkar's passing a few months later when he went to see him to
ask for money to help his troubled son Chinnu. His scandal stole away the one plot of land he had
farmed as payment for Thevar's debt after his death.
When Thevar, after his sole land has been taken, dares to dig a well in the forest and convert it into
arable land, Minnal's daughter perishes in the well explosion. Before Thevar could get over this
shock, he learned that the Vaigai Dam was being built. Before the family could gather their
belongings, the house was entirely under water. Thevar swims into the home and attempts to lift the
pillar built by his forefathers, but the house wall falls and he perishes in the water. This is how the
narrative comes to a finish.

The beauty and intricacy of life in rural South India are brilliantly captured in Kallikattu Ithikasam, a
masterpiece of writing. With its poetic style, compelling narrative, and subtle investigation of social
themes, Vairamuthu's novel is a timeless masterpiece that still has readers today. Kallikattu Ithikasam
is a must-read book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, whether you are
interested in Indian literature, social issues, or simply enjoy beautiful writing.