Avakasikal, written in Malayalam by MK Menon under the pen name "Vilasini", is the longest Indian novel, spanning 3,958 pages across four volumes. It took a decade to complete and is recognized for its literary depth and complex narrative. MK Menon, a journalist who spent much of his life abroad, dedicated himself to crafting long-form novels early in his writing career.

He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981 for Avakasikal and the Vayalar Award in 1983. The Sahitya Akademi, supported by the Government of India, promotes Indian literature, while the Vayalar Award honors outstanding Malayalam literary works. MK Menon's other notable novels include Oonjal and Agnisaakshi, which further establish his place in Indian literary history.