One of the most popular Tamil writers of the 20th century, he was born in the village of Devangudi in Thanjavur district. Thi Jaa, as he was fondly known, was a leading light of the “Manikodi” school of writers in Tamil, the author of acclaimed novels such as Moghamul, Chembaruthi, Uyirthen, and Marappasu, short stories, travelogues and plays. His lyrical prose, arresting characters and unusual themes enthralled his audience. He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1979 for his short story collection, Sakthi Vaidhyam. Thi Jaa was a scholar of English and Sanskrit, besides Tamil, and a connoisseur of music and drama.