Tilawa [Tamil]

By Ranadheeran Prasanna

Tilawa - The Story of the Indian Titanic

Uncover a forgotten chapter of history where the depths of the ocean meet the heights of human sacrifice.

In 1942, amidst the chaos of World War II, the SS Tilawa set sail from Bombay to Durban, carrying over a thousand souls. Known as the "Indian Titanic," its journey was cut short by a brutal Japanese torpedo attack in the Indian Ocean. While the waves swallowed the ship, they couldn't drown a secret that would be guarded for decades.

Vallaba Devan, a former soldier in the British Indian Army, lives his final days in the misty hills of Kotagiri. He carries a burden heavier than his age-a secret regarding the birth of his daughter, Seetha. As his life ebbs away, Seetha, now a medical student, and her companion Umar, embark on a desperate quest to trace her origins. Their journey leads them from the silent Nilgiris to the bustling archives of Mumbai and finally to the memories of a lone survivor in Delhi.

Was Seetha truly his daughter? Who was Jenny, and why did she hand over a red saree and a silver locket before disappearing into the abyss?

Based on meticulous historical research, this novella is a heart-wrenching tribute to the 280 lives lost and the survivors whose descendants still carry the scars of the Tilawa. A tale of war, identity, and a mother's ultimate sacrifice.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: Tamil
• ISBN: B0GDQVFPFD
• ISBN13: 9798902316732
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Notion Press
• Length: 98 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"