Inkulab

Makkal Pavalar Inkulab (also spelt Inquilab, Inkulab or Ingulab) (Tamil: மக்கள் பாவலர் இன்குலாப்; c. 1944 – 1 December 2016) was an Indian rationalist Tamil poet/writer, activist, and Communist with Marxist Leninist inclination. He retired as a professor of Tamil at The New College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His birth name is Shahul Hameed and a known follower of Periyar. His poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed. Kanmani Rajam, his most famous poem, criticizes the moral bankruptcy of politicians. His song/poem Naanga Manushangada (We are human beings) is a famous Dalit-freedom song that is still played in many Dalit gatherings. Avvai, his drama is considered to be the first modern Tamil drama, and a prescribed textbook for many colleges. In this revisionist account, the historical/mythic poet Avvai, contrary to the prevalent image of her as an old, wise, celibate woman, is rendered as a young, sensuous, creative, 'free' person, a wandering bard. The play also challenges the patriarchal view which has marginalized the female voice.