U. V. Swaminatha Iyer

U. V. Swaminatha Iyer (1855–1942) was a renowned Tamil scholar and researcher, affectionately known as "Tamil Thatha" (Tamil grandfather) for his monumental efforts in rediscovering and publishing numerous long-forgotten works of classical Tamil literature. Over five decades, he brought to light major literary works, publishing over 90 books and collecting more than 3,000 manuscripts. His significant publications include Jeevaka Chintamani (1887), Silappathikaram (1889), Manimekalai (1898), Purananooru (1894), and Pattuppaattu (1889), all with scholarly commentaries. His autobiography, En Sarithiram (The Story of My Life), serialized from 1940 to 1942, provides a vivid account of 19th-century village life. The University of Madras awarded him a PhD in 1932 in recognition of his contributions. His works include The Story of My Life ('En Charitthiram'), சிலப்பதிகார மூலமும் (Silapathikara Moolam), and புறநானூறு மூலமும் உரையும் (Purananooru Moolamum Uraiyum).