I recently read a news item and a brief article on the Coffee Table Book published by The Hindu on the illustrious artist of Tamil Magazine Maniam. He was totally associated with Kalki from the start, and his illustrations became very famous, especially for the most popular and historic magnum opus of Kalki, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. The major aspect being that the novel was packed with too many characters apart from the main ones, Vandiya Thevan, Arul Mozhi Varman, Periya and Chinna Pazhuvettarayars, Aditta Karikalan, Kundavai, Poonguzhali and Vanathi, Azhvarkadiyan, and not to forget the major femme-fatale Nandini. 

Each character was brought to life through the distinct characteristic illustrations of Maniam. 

In addition, he was the chosen and favorite artist of novelist Kalki for his other novels like ‘Sivakamiyin Sabatham’, ‘Parthiban Kanavu’, and many attractive and colourful covers of Kalki issues and Deepavali Malars. 

It is, indeed, a fitting tribute to the great artist of our times, and that too on his centenary year. Yet another gratifying part being his son is also a popular artist who is a contributor and familiar to all Tamil magazine readers, Maniam Selvan. His art is also as significant and colourful as his father’s. 

The book is definitely a precious one, no doubt, and the price also. 

Wish some art aficionado initiates a similar project on Anandavikatan’s popular illustrator Gopulu also.