Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai (1876 AD -1954 AD) was a much respected Tamil poet who composed verses on both traditional and modern styles. His work primarily reflects his personal qualities of simplicity, serenity and refinement. Although the poet lived during the period of great political turmoil and conflict, Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai composed poems in a placid and pleasing manner. He was proficient in composing venpa form of poems in an artless, undeviating and convincing style. Pillai was progressive in his outlook as well. As the Tamil poet provides revolutionary ideas through simple and charming poems, the settle softly in the minds of the readers. One of the most popular poems of Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai, written in Tamil language, is Koyil Valipatu or temple worship. He has greatly contributed to the advancement of the modern era in Tamil literature.
Other than composing poems in philosophical themes, Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai has also written verses in the traditional manner as well, such as Alakammai Viruttam and others. He has translated the English work of Light of Asia by Edwin Arnold into Tamil, under the title Aciya Joti, in a mellifluous style. The work, by the very nature of its composition, is more similar to an original work than a translation. Tecikavinayakam Pillai later translated the English version of the quatrains of Omar Khayyam that was originally translated into English by Edward Fitzgerald in 1859. Pillai`s Tamil translated was entitled Umarkayam Patalkal. This literary work in Tamil language is a transmutation where the author liberally wrote the verses that will be suitable to the environs of the Tamil country. Umarkayam Patalkal appears to be an original work that contains all the literary eminence of a Tamil literary piece.
Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai has also translated certain English poems in captivating Tamil poems. Being similar to the great Tamil poet Paratiyar, Pillai also implemented Tamil folk songs in his poetic compositions. Some his poems, such as Tintatar Vinnappam, are based on folk songs like Ninaippatu Eppotu Nence, Unai Ventik Kontene and Antippantaram. The work depicts the grief of the poet about the disgraceful conditions of outcastes. Some other verses are also composed on the pattern of anantakkalippu.
Nancil Nattu Marumakkalvali Manmiyam by Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai illustrates the customs and manners of people who live in the district of Kanyakumari district. This Tamil literary work is an outstanding example of the poet`s wit and progressive perspective. Pillai has also composed various kirttanas that were particularly formed for concerts. Kavimani Tecikavinayakam Pillai conducted research into history and inscriptions and his findings were released through books and articles.
