T. Janakiraman (also known as Thi Jaa, 28 June 1921 – 18 November 1982) is a Tamil writer from Tamil Nadu, India. He is one of the major figures of 20th century Tamil fiction. Early life He was born in a Tamil Brahmin (Iyer) family of Madras Presidency in 1921. He worked as a civil servant. His writing included accounts of his travels in Japan and the Crimea. Career His best-known novels are Mogamul, Sembaruthi, and Amma Vandhaal. These novels have feminine feelings embedded in their subjects. Though the story is spun around delicate feelings. His short stories such as "Langdadevi" (a lame horse) and "Mulmudi" (Crown of Thorns) follow the same style. Bibliography Thi Jaa wrote about one hundred short stories and a dozen novels. His most noted work is the novel Mogamul (Thorn of Desire). His other novels Amma Vandhaal and Marappasu were translated into English as "Sins of Appu's Mother" and "Wooden Cow" respectively. He was noted for his short stories. In 1979, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil for his short story collection Sakthi Vaidhiyam. Some of his other notable works are Malar Manjam, Uyirthen and Semparuthy. Novels Amirtham Malar Manjam Mogamul Anbe Aaramudhe Amma Vandhaal Uyirthen Semparuthi Marappasu Nalabaagam Novellas Adi Sivagnanam Kamalam Naalavathu sir Avalum umiyum Thodu Veedu Short story collections Kottumelam Sivappu Rickshaw Akbar Shastri Yaadhum Oore Pidi Karunai Sakthi Vaithiyam Manidhabimaanam Erumai Pongal Aboorva Manidhargal Vendam indha Poosanikkai Godavari Gundu Translations Annai Kullan Plays Doctorukku Marundhu Naalu Veli Nilam Vadivelu Vaathiyaar Travelogues Udhaya Sooriyan - Travelouge about Japan Nadandhaai Vaazhi Kaveri Adutha Veedu Aimbadhu Mile Karunkadalum Kalaikkadalum Nalapakam References 1921 births 1982 deaths Writers from Tamil Nadu Tamil-language writers Tamil writers Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Tamil 20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights Indian travel writers 20th-century Indian translators 20th-century Indian short story writers 20th-century Indian novelists Indian Tamil people