A. K. Perumal (born 1947) is a celebrated Tamil folklorist, researcher, and literary historian from Kanniyakumari, known for his extensive field research and dedication to preserving Tamil folk traditions. He holds a PhD in Villupattu from Madurai Kamaraj University and has authored over a hundred books, documenting various folk art forms, temple culture, oral histories, and palm leaf manuscripts across Tamil Nadu. His research includes historical documentation of the Kanniyakumari district from the 15th to the 19th century and studies on leather puppet shows. Perumal’s contributions have been recognized with two state awards, and his work has been lauded by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.