Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram

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Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram written in 1857 and published in 1879, was the first novel in the Tamil language. Penned by Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826-1889), it was a landmark in Tamil literature, which had hitherto seen writings only in poetry. The book gave birth to a new literary genre and Tamil prose began to be recognized as an increasingly important part of the language. Published more than 125 years ago, this book is an adventurous journey to the realm of folk tales and fables, mythology and morality. A colourful expedition from one story to another, it moves from humour to satire, from failure to success, from tears to laughter.
The novel is narrated in first person. The story is a loose collection of events and narratives centered on a naive but good-natured hero and his life and adventures. It begins in a typical forward caste family setting, with the young Prathapa Mudhaliar, from Tuluva Vellala Mudaliar family of Arcot indulging in hunting and enjoying himself. The plot also introduces the heroine as a rather intelligent and morally upright girl who marries the hero through a myriad of events."