NEW DELHI: An acclaimed Tamil-language novelist from south India has announced he's quitting following protests by right-wing Hindu and caste groups over his book.

The decision by Perumal Murugan has caused public outrage, with many viewing it as a blow to freedom of expression.

The novelist posted on Facebook: “Writer Perumal Murugan is dead. He will continue to live as a teacher."

Hindu nationalist groups have held street protests in the town where he lives following his 2010 novel about a childless couple and the woman's attempt to have a child following a local tradition of consensual sex with a stranger.

He said he was recalling all his books and promised to compensate publishers and booksellers for any losses.