What is karungaapiyam?

Karungaapiyam (கருங்காப்பியம்) is a Tamil novel written by Cho. Dharman. It won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2020. The novel depicts the lives and struggles of the people in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, specifically focusing on the arid landscapes and their impact on the communities.

Important subjects explored in the novel include:

• The hardships faced by people due to poverty and drought.
• The influence of caste and social hierarchies.
• The impact of local politics on the lives of ordinary people.
• The cultural traditions and folklore of the region.
• The changing environment and its effects on agriculture.