His symbolic novel Ninaivup Patai Nilakal (1972) is considered a milestone in Tamil literature[3] and established him as an avant garde novelist.
[1][6] Born in 1921, in Kumbakonam, in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, Prof. Doraiswamy moved to Thiruvananthapuram at age 14.
He started serious writing only in 1960s, and was encouraged in pursuing the art by his good friend Kaa Naa Subramoniam.
He quietly influenced countless writers and artists who visited his house at Golf Links, Kaudiar, and had discussions with him, especially the young ones.
His English poetry collections include "Words to the Listening Air," "Non – Being" and "A Tamil Writer's Journal I, II and III".
Although the influence of James Joyce was pronounced in his writings, it was more the metaphysical and religious thrust similar to T. S. Eliot's and the spareness of style of a Samuel Beckett that really made his works stand out.
He retired as Professor of English, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram (University of Kerala) after serving for four decades,[7] and started full-time freelance writing.