Chennai: Tamil scholar Silamboli Chellappan (91) died this morning in Chennai owing to age-related issues.

The director of the Tamil Development Department, he began his career as a mathematics teacher. Born in Sivayampalayam village in Namakkal district, he established himself as an accomplished speaker. He was involved in various capacities for the development of Tamil.

A recipient of the Pavendar Bharathidasan award of the Tamilnadu government, his book Silamboliyarin Anindhuraigal won the best research book award for 2006 from the Tamil Development Department.

It was his scholarly understanding and speeches about Ilango Adigal ‘s Silapathikaram that fetched him the sobriquet Silamboli. He was well-versed in Pathupattu, Ettuthogai, Manimekalai, Perunkadhai, Seerapuranam, Ravana Kavium, and lectured regularly on these topics.

His books Silamboli, Perunkadhai Araichi, Sanga Ilakkiya Thaen are memorable ones.

He was involved in organising the world Tamil conference and was director of Ulaga Tamil Araichi Niruvanam.

He is survived by his sons Tholkappiyan and  Konguvel and daughters Manimakalai, Gauthami and Nagaimuthu.