Born in 1938 at Mavadi village of Tirunelvelli district

of Tamil Nadu to plantation labourers, Selavraj started his career as an advocate an began writing in 1959. His first novel Malarum Sarugum (Flower and Dead leaf) in 1967 revolved around the peasants' struggle against landlords who deceived tenants by using unauthorised measures. In 1973 he brought out his second novel Theneer (Tea) that dealt with the dismal working conditions of tea estate workers. Mooladhanam (Capital) in 1977 focuses on the collapse of the joint family system and Agnikuntam (Fire Pit) in 1980 highlights the problems in the judiciary. Selvaraj, who began writing short stories much before his novels and has so far written over 200 short stories. He has also penned two stage plays, "Paattumudiyum Munne" and "Yuga Sangamam". The Dindigul-based author says he is now researching for his next novel on land reforms in India, from the Zamindari system till date. "I am of the firm belief that in a democracy people and society should be conscious and well informed," said Selvaraj.