[1] Maniam learned to draw at a young age by watching his uncle Lingayyah sketch.
For his guru and guide, he illustrated the serialized novels Sivagamiyin Sapatham set in the Pallava kingdom, and the classic Ponniyin Selvan depicting the Chola age.
Maniam's illustrations for the latter classic employed a variety of techniques and mediums, from pen & ink to gouache and watercolour.
[2] Maniam's visualization of the Tamil classical past was much admired in his time, and his depictions of Bharatanatyam postures drew praise from noted classical dancers such as Padma Subrahmanyam.Maniam travelled widely with Kalki to study and sketch the art of Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Badami, Mamallapuram and Thanjavur.
When Kalki's Parthiban Kanavu (1960) was filmed, Maniam was the obvious choice for art director.