A. Vennila in Conversation with Kavitha Muralidharan at the The Hindu Pavilion on January 18, 2025.
| Photo Credit: M. Srinath
Characters from historical fiction should not be taken out of context to form the basis of writing authentic history, said A. Vennila, writer, poet, and novelist, at The Hindu Lit for Life on Saturday (January 18, 2025).
Ms. Vennila was in conversation with Kavitha Muralidharan, senior journalist, on the topic People’s Histories: Creative Literary Approaches.
Also see: The Hindu Lit for Life 2025 Day 1 LIVE
Taking the example of Kuyili, the woman carried out a suicide attack on a British armoury, thus ensuring victory to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga. The character Kuyili was created by author K. Jeeva Barathi who wrote a novel on Velu Nachiyar. However, Kuyili has now become an historical figure, she has a place in Velu Nachiyar’s memorial, Ms. Vennila said while explaining how historical fiction shouldn’t be considered as history.
She also shared her experience and challenges in writing Gangapuram (her first novel describing the societal structures that existed during Chola period in ancient Tamil Nadu), Chaalampuri (her second novel on the lives of grassroot workers in the backdrop of the Dravidian party’s transition from the Dravidar Kazhagam to electoral politics) and Neerathikaram (her latest novel on struggles of people involved in the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam).
Ms. Vennila said: “There are several challenges in writing historical fiction. The writer should bring in visual elements establishing the period in which the plot is surrounded. It is like the job of an art director in movies. For Gangapuram, I had to bring in elements from the 11th century to describe the plot. Also I had to prepare myself mentally and travel with a sense of excitement to write historical fiction. For Neerathikaram, I had travelled quite extensively to several places in Cumbum Valley and also to London to get authentic information on John Pennycuick (the architect of Mullaperiyar dam)”.
She said modernism in writing paved the way for shifting the focus on the lives of common people. “Rajendra Chola who expanded his empire and conquered kingdoms near River Ganges would have not made it alone. Similarly thousands of labourers were involved in constructing the Mullaperiyar Dam. Nearly 5,500 of them died. But there were no records of their names.”
Citing the example of Vanthiyathevan and Nandini characters in the novel Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki, Ms. Vennila said, “Though there were fictional elements in these characters, the author did not push beyond reality and history. Likewise, a character from historical fiction should not be picked up out of context and form a basis for writing authentic history… [John] Pennycuick should be celebrated for his actual contributions in playing a pivotal role in construction of Mullaperiyar dam. Neerathikaram was an attempt to demystify several myths about Pennycuick and highlight the hardships of the labour force involved in constructing Mullaperiyar Dam.
The Hindu Lit for Life event is presented by KIA India and is in association with Christ University. Associate Partners: LIC, RR Donnelley, Blue Star, Brigade Group, NITTE Deemed-to-be University, PROchure, Singer, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Ltd, Uttarakhand Tourism, Vajiram and Ravi, Indian Bank, Akshayakalpa and ICFAI Group. Realty Partner: Casagrand. Bookstore Partner: Crossword. Food Partner: Wow Momo, Beverage Partner: Beachville, Radio Partner: Big FM, TV Partner: Puthiya Thalaimurai Gift Partner: Anand Prakash. Supported by: US Consulate, Chennai, Water Partner: Repute
Published – January 18, 2025 02:43 pm IST
