Malayalam drama

Genre of Malayalam literature of India

Malayalam drama, known as Natakam (നാടകം) in Malayalam, is an important genre of Malayalam literature. The origin of Malayalam drama can be traced back to various performing arts of Kerala such as Kathakali. Drama, as is understood now, is a borrowed art form in Kerala and started with the publication of the Malayalam translation of Abhijnana Shakuntalam in 1882. The field of Malayalam theatre and drama became active by the end of the 19th century. It played an active role in the early-20th-century Kerala reform movement.

## Early history

[edit]

### Sanskrit era

[edit]

Kerala Varma's translation of Abhijnana Shakuntalam (1882) was an acclaimed work of poetry and was a success on the stage.

The elements of drama can be found in various performing arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Thullal. Drama, as is understood now, is a borrowed art form in Kerala.[1] The Portuguese who came to Kerala in the sixteenth century, had popularised Chavittu Natakam, a type of play similar to the miracle plays of the west. The earliest examples of this type are Genoa, Caralman (Charlemagne) and Napolean. These plays however did not influence Malayalam literature in any way.[2] The influence of Sanskrit is evident in the early Malayalam plays. In 1882, Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran translated the Sanskrit drama Abhijnana Shakuntalam into Malayalam. Although it was written in a highly Sanskritised Manipravalam style, it is regarded as the first literary work in Malayalam that fits into the modern definition of drama.[3] The success of this work influenced several translations of Sanskrit plays in quick succession. Many Sanskrit dramas like Janaki Parinayam (1889) Mālavikāgnimitram (1890), Vikramōrvaśīyam, Uttararamacarita (1892), Ascharya Choodamani (1893), Svapnavasavadattam and Madhyamavyayoga had translations in Malayalam.[4] Abhijnana Shakuntalam was the most successful among all, having come out in nearly two dozen translations.[5] The most important translators included Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, A. R. Raja Raja Varma, Attoor Krishna Pisharody and Vallathol Narayana Menon.[4] In addition to renderings of works by Sanskrit dramatists, several writers attempted original plays in Sanskrit. There are over 100 Sanskrit plays credited to authors from Kerala.[6]

### Musical dramas

[edit]

The interest in Sanskrit dramas did not last long. The musical dramas were getting popular in Tamil Nadu and made its way into Kerala too. Some of the earliest notable works of this type in Malayalam include Sangeeta Naishidham by T. C. Achutha Menon, Sadarama by K. C. Kesava Pillai and Balagopalan by Kuttamath.[7] The music dramas of Malayalam were essentially modelled on the Tamil prototype. The Tamil musical dramas were mostly filled with long drawn-out songs and had little importance for prose dialogue. Malayalam musical dramas deviated in style and tried to conserve some measure of dramatic propriety.[8] The interest in musical dramas did not sustain for long as people demanded something more realistic.[7] Nevertheless, the tradition survives even now in a masked form, in the liberal use of songs in popular types of theatrical production.[8] Manomohanam Company (Thiruvattar Narayana Pillai) and Rasikaranjini (Chambathil Chathukutty Mannadiyar) were famous theatre groups in Kerala.[9]

### Western influence

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The first translation of a Shakespearian play to appear in Malayalam was Almarattam (1866) by Kalloor Oommen Philippose.[10] A free translation of The Comedy of Errors, it was also the first Malayalam play to be published as a book.[11] During the last quarter of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, many Western plays were translated into Malayalam. Shakespeare's plays were widely translated. Examples are Almarattam, Portsiaswayamvaram (Chembakaraman Velayudhan – The Merchant of Venice), Kalahinidamanakam (Kandathil Varghese Mappillai – The Taming of the Shrew), Hamlet (Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran) and Othello (Sanjayan). In Kalahinidamanakam, the translator Indianises the incidents and the names of characters and places. Petruchio is Parthasarathy, Tranio is Tranakan, Biondello is Pandunki, Grumio is Kumaran and Curtis is Kattari. Similarly, the places Padua becomes Patalipuram and Verona becomes Varanadesham.[12] The other works that were translated during the 19th century include Ghosts, Rosmersholm, (Henrik Ibsen), A Marriage Proposal (Anton Chekhov), The Power of Darkness (Leo Tolstoy), The Rivals (Richard Brinsley Sheridan) and Oedipus Rex (Sophocles).[7]

### Original plays in Malayalam

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A few original plays were written in Malayalam during the last quarter of the 19th century. This includes Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran's Lakshanasangam, Naduvath Achan Nambuthiri's Bhagavadduth (1892), Polachirakkal Kocheeppan Tharakan's Mariamma Natakam and Kochunni Thampuran's Kalyani Natakam (1889). Munshi Ramakurup wrote Chakkichankaram in mockery of the rise of vernacular plays in Malayalam. Sarasakavi K. C. Narayanan Nambiar composed another satirical play in Malabar also titled Chakkichankaram.[11]

## Early-mid 20th century

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C. V. Raman Pillai was an important writer during the early periods of Malayalam drama. He wrote several humorous plays including Pandathe Pachan and Doctorkku Kittiya Mitcham

C. V. Raman Pillai was the first to write farces in Malayalam. Examples include Pandathe Pachan, Butler Pappan, Doctorkk Kittiya Mitcham, Kuripinte Thiripppu, Kurupillakalari and Kaimalassante Kadassikai.[13] E. V. Krishna Pillai, N. P. Chellappan Nair, M. G. Kesava Pillai, T. N. Gopinathan Nair and others further developed farce literature.[13] Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai gave a new light to the world of theatre with his works like Kalvariyile Kalpa Padapam, Velu Thampy Dalava and Agnipanjaram etc., [1], Edasseri Govindan Nair's socio-political play "Kootu Krishi" (1940), "Thirichhethhal", "Njetiyil Patarathha Mulla", "Njangal Dayaye Thookkikkonnu", Kainikkara Kumara Pillai's Harishchandran, Mohavum Muktiyum, Veshangal etc. are also notable works.[13] V. T. Bhattathiripad wrote Adukkalayail Ninnu Arangathekku which strongly reacted against the decadence of the Nambudiri community and was an important event in the social reform calendar of Kerala. M. P. Bhattathiripad's Ritumati was another important social play.[13] K. Damodaran's Pattabaki which tells the story of a poor tenant in Malabar evicted by a cruel landlord, is the first political play in Malayalam.[14] Another notable work is (. Important political dramas of the period include P. Kesavadev's Munnottu, Madyapani, Pradhana Mantri, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's Thotilla, Ponkunnam Varkey's Jethakkal and Visarikku Katu Venda, Thoppil Bhasi's Ningalenne Communistaaki and Mudiyanaya Puthran. K. T. Muhammed's plays like Karavatta Pasu and Ithu Bhoomiyanu are also noteworthy. N. Krishna Pillai, who is known as Ibsen of Malayalam, wrote plays that took Malayalam drama forward in different directions. His works include Bhagna Bhavanam, Kanyaka, Balabalam, Anuranjanam' and Azhimughathekku.[13]

## Post-independence

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G. Sankara Pillai who was an advocate of total theatre helped introduce a system and academic discipline to modern Malayalam theatre.[15]

Pulimana Parameswaran Pillai's Samatvavadi written in an expressionist style can be said to be the harbinger of a change in Malayalam drama.[13] C. J. Thomas and C. N. Sreekantan Nair, who can be called the pioneers of modern Malayalam drama, came to the scene after Parameswaran Pillai. Thomas's Avan Veendum Varunnu, 1128-il Crime 27 and Aa Manushyan Nee Thanne, and Nair's Ramayana trilogy—Kanchana Sita, Saketham and Lankalakshmi—clearly reoriented the Malayalam theatre world. G. Sankara Pillai, N. N. Pillai etc. further developed this stream.[13] One-act plays and radio plays emerged in the 1940s. K. Ramakrishna Pillai and N. N. Pillai were the pioneers of one-act plays. Important writers of radio play include S. K. Nair, Ananda Kuttan, P. Bhaskaran, Vira Raghavan Nair, C. N. Sreekantan Nair, Nagavally R. S. Kurup, Jagathy N. K. Achary and Edasseri Govindan Nair.[16]

As part of introducing the new experiments in western theatre to Malayalam, several ancient Greek plays were translated into Malayalam. C. J. Thomas is the most important of the translators. Renowned as a playwright, dramatist and critic, he translated Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Antigone, and Aristophanes' Lysistrata into Malayalam. Euripides' Alcestis was translated by S. K. Nair as Pati Devata and Medea was translated by Puthussery Ramachandran. Aristophanes' The Frogs was translated by E. M. J. Venniyoor as Thavalakal. Greek drama translations have crucial importance in the history of Malayalam drama.[17]

Although indigenous drama (Thanathu Nataka Vedi) was formed during the days of C. N. Sreekantan Nair, Kavalam Narayana Panicker's works widened its scope. Dramas like Karinkutti, Kalathini, Avanavan Kadamba, Daivathar and Kaikutappadu belong to this trend.[13] Vayala Vasudevan Pillai (Kuchelagatha, Varavelppu, Kalapporu, Yatra), P. M. Taj (Ravunni, Kudukka, Mary Lawrence, Rajavinte Chenda), P. J. Antony (Inquilabinte Makkal, Nilaykatha Ganam), Thikkodiyan (Jivitam, Punyatheertham, Pushpavrishti, Theepori), P. Balachandran (Pavam Usman, Samarayilekk), Narendra Prasad (Ira, Souparnika, Marthandavarma Engane Rakshapettu), Vasu Pradeep(Smarakam, Kannadi Kashanangal, Thazhum Thakkolum), Civic Chandran (Kurisu Yuddham Thudangunnavar, Ningal Aare Communist Akki), Jayaprakash Kuloor (Appunnikalude Radio, Nayattu, Velichenna), K. V. Sreeja (Ororo Kalathilum, Kalyana Saree), M . Sajita (Matsyagandhi, Beauty Parlour) and N. Sasidharan (Charitragatha, Udampadi Kalam (co-written with E. P. Rajagopalan), Kelu (co-written with E. P. Rajagopalan), Ravanan Kota) are some important playwrights of the later period.[13]

## Theatre groups

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Kerala People's Arts Club (KPAC) is one of the most influential theatre groups in Kerala.

Manomohanam Company (Thiruvattar Narayana Pillai) and Rasikaranjini (Chambathil Chathukutty Mannadiyar) were famous theatre groups in Kerala during the early period of Malayalam drama.[11] Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) was formed in 1942 in Bombay and was committed to the Indian independence movement. The association was linked with the communist movement and it influenced leftist theatrical productions in Kerala.[18] Malabar Kala Samithi was established in Malabar in 1948 to promote amateur drama. It later became Kendra Kala Samithi. Edasseri Govindan Nair, M. Govindan, V. T. Bhattathiripad and Uroob were associated with this organisation. Kendra Kala Samithi became Kerala Kendra Kala Samithi in 1957 and closed down when Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi was established in 1958.[19] Influenced by the Indian People's Theatre Association, the progressive writers of Kerala linked with the Communist Party of India founded the Kerala People's Arts Club (KPAC) in 1950. Its founders include G. Janardhana Kurup, N. Rajagopalan Nair, K. S. Rajamani, Poojappura Krishnan Nair, Kambisseri Karunakaran, Narayana Pillai and O. N. V. Kurup. Their first drama Ente Makananu Sari was not a success. KPAC screened Thoppil Bhasi's Ningalenne Communistakki in 1952, was a path-breaking play in the history of Malayalam theatre.[20]

Navasamskara Samithi was formed in Trivandrum in 1950 with the aim of reforming Malayalam theatre. Its founders include N . Krishnapilla, P. K. Vikraman Nair, S. Guptan Nair, Ananda Kuttan and C. J. Thomas. The Samithi presented Krishna Pillai's Anuranjanam and Bhagnabhavanam, and C. J. Thomas's Avan Veendum Varunnu but closed down soon afterward.[21] Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai's Dramatic Bureau and C. N. Sreekantan Nair's Kalakerala were also short-lived.[21]

In 1956, a theatre group called Kalavedi was formed with N. Krishna Pillai as president and C. N. Sreekantan Nair as Secretary. Most of the prominent figures in Malayalam drama have worked in connection with Kalavedi. Vikraman Nair, T. N. Gopinathan Nair and Adoor Bhasi are some of them. Kalavedi presented dramas such as Nashta Kachavadam, Kunhali Marakkar, Kanchana Sita etc.[21] Nataka Kalari was established by K. Ayyappa Panicker, G. Sankara Pillai and C. N. Sreekantan Nair and was instrumental in the growth of indigenous theatre in Kerala.[21] Other theatre groups include Brothers Music Club (Calicut–K. T. Muhammed), Navatarangam (Kottayam–G. Sankara Pillai), Pratibha Arts (Cochin-P. J. Antony), Sopanam Theatre (Trivandrum–Kavalam Narayana Panicker), Kalidasa Kalakendram (Kollam–O. Madhavan) and Kalanilayam (Trivandrum–Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair).[21]

## Playwrights

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The following is a list of dramatists and playwrights in Malayalam.

* A. Santha Kumar
* C. J. Thomas
* C. L. Jose
* C. N. Sreekantan Nair
* C. V. Raman Pillai
* Cherukad
* E. V. Krishna Pillai
* G. Sankara Pillai
* Ibrahim Vengara
* Jagathy N. K. Achary
* K. T. Muhammed
* K. Thayat
* Kainikkara Kumara Pillai
* Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai
* Kavalam Narayana Panicker
* Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai
* N. Krishna Pillai
* N. N. Pillai
* N. N. Pisharody
* N. P. Chellappan Nair
* Narendra Prasad
* Ochira Velukkutty
* Omchery N. N. Pillai
* P. Balachandran
* P. Kesavadev
* P. M. Taj
* Ponkunnam Varkey
* S. L. Puram Sadanandan
* Surasu
* T. M. Abraham
* Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
* Thikkodiyan
* Thoppil Bhasi
* Thuppettan
* Vaikom Chandrasekharan Nair
* Vayala Vasudevan Pillai

## Major works

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Some of the important plays in Malayalam drama include:[22][23]

Historical plays

* Sitalakshmi, Raja Kesavadas, Iravikuttippillai — E. V. Krishna Pillai
* Kalvariyile Kalpa Padapam, Velu Thampy Dalava — Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai

Humorous plays and farces

* Kaimalassante Kadassikkai (1915), Pandathe Pachan (1918), Butler Pappan (1922) — C. V. Raman Pillai
* B. A. Mayavi, Pranayakkamishan, Mayamanushan, Pennarasunad — E. V. Krishna Pillai
* Nilavum Nizhalum, Parivartanam, Akavum Puravum — T. N. Gopinathan Nair

Social plays

* Mariyamma Natakam — Kocheeppan Mappillai
* Adukkalayil Ninnum Arangathekku (1929) — V. T. Bhattathiripad
* Ritumati — M. P. Bhattathiripad
* Marakkudakkullile Maha Narakam (1927) — M. R. Bhattathiripad
* Bhagnabhavanam, Kanyaka and Balabalam — N. Krishna Pillai
* Tharavaditham — Cherukad
* Ithu Bhoomiyanu — K. T. Muhammed

Political plays

* Pattabakki — K. Damodaran
* Pratima, Vellappokkam — K. Ramakrishna Pillai
* Ningalenne Communistakki (1952), Innale Innu Nale, Mudiyanaya Puthran — Thoppil Bhasi
* Nammalonnu, Swatantra — Cherukad
* Jnanippam Communistavum, Pradhana Mantri, Munnottu — P. Kesavadev
* Koottu Krishi (1940) — Edasseri Govindan Nair
* Jethakkal and Visarikku Katu Venda — Ponkunnam Varkey
* Inquilabinte Makkal — P. J. Antony

## References

[edit]

1. ^ George, K. M. (1968). A survey of Malayalam literature (1st ed.). Bombay: Asia Publishing House. p. 191.
2. ^ K. Ayyappa Panicker (1977). A Short History of Malayalam Literature. Trivandrum: Department of Information and Public Relations, Kerala. p. 76.
3. ^ George 1968, p. 190.
4. ^ a b George 1968, p. 191.
5. ^ Krishna Chaitanya (1971). A History of Malayalam Literature. New Delhi: Orient Longman. p. 351\. ISBN 9788125004882.
6. ^ Dr. V. S. Sharma; Vallathol Narayana Menon. "തിരനോട്ടം". സംസ്‌കൃത നാടക തർജ്ജമകൾ (PDF) (in Malayalam). Vallathol Granthalayam. pp. 12–15.
7. ^ a b c George 1968, p. 192.
8. ^ a b Chaitanya 1971, p. 352.
9. ^ മലയാള ഭാഷ സാഹിത്യസംഗ്രഹം (PDF) (in Malayalam). Calicut: University of Calicut. 2011a. p. 21.
10. ^ Dodderi Aswathanarayanarao Shankar (1999). Shakespeare in Indian Languages. Indian Institute of Advanced Study. p. 127\. ISBN 978-8-185-95265-9. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
11. ^ a b c University of Calicut 2011a, p. 21.
12. ^ Manju V. V. (2019). P. K. Babu (ed.). "Indianizing the Bard: A diachronic study of Shakespeare reception in India" (PDF). Singularities. 1 (2). Postgraduate Department of English, Unity Women's College, Manjeri: 106–111. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
13. ^ a b c d e f g h i University of Calicut 2011a, p. 22.
14. ^ George 1968, p. 196.
15. ^ "The man who gave academic discipline for theatre". The Hindu. 2 January 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
16. ^ George 1968, p. 201.
17. ^ University of Calicut 2011b, p. 24.
18. ^ നാടകം (PDF) (in Malayalam). University of Calicut. 2011b. p. 38.
19. ^ University of Calicut 2011b, p. 38.
20. ^ University of Calicut 2011b, p. 39.
21. ^ a b c d e University of Calicut 2011b, p. 40.
22. ^ George 1968, p. 193–201.
23. ^ University of Calicut 2011b, p. 37.

## Further reading

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English

* K. M. George (1958). "Malayalam Drama" (PDF). Indian Literature. 1 (2). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi: 102–112. JSTOR 23329299. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
* Krishna Chaitanya (1971). A History of Malayalam Literature. New Delhi: Orient Longman. pp. 349–399. ISBN 9788125004882.
* K. Ayyappa Panicker (1977). A Short History of Malayalam Literature (PDF). Trivandrum: Department of Information and Public Relations, Kerala. pp. 76–80, 104–107.

Malayalam

* C. J. Thomas (1950). ഉയരുന്ന യവനിക [Uyarunna Yavanika] (PDF). Kottayam: N.B.S.
* N. N. Pillai (1971). നാടകദർപ്പണം [Nataka Darpanam]. Kottayam: N.B.S.
* G. Sankara Pillai (1987). മലയാള നാടക സാഹിത്യ ചരിത്രം [Malayala Nataka Sahitya Charitram]. Trichur: Kerala Sahitya Akademi.
* Kattumadam Narayanan (1990). മലയാള നാടകപ്രസ്ഥാനം [Malayala Nataka Prasthanam]. Trichur: Kerala Sahitya Akademi.
* Madavoor Bhasi (1996). മലയാള നാടകവേദിയുടെ കഥ [Malayala Natakavediyude Katha]. Trivandrum: Chaitanya Publications.
* A. N. P. Ummarkutty, ed. (1997). രംഗാവതരണം: നാടകാവതരണ തത്വങ്ങൾ [Rangavataranam]. Trivandrum: Kerala Bhasha Institute.
* Vayala Vasudevan Pillai (2005). മലയാള നാടക സാഹിത്യ ചരിത്രം [Malayala Nataka Sahitya Charitram]. Trichur: Kerala Sahitya Akademi.
* K. Sreekumar (2005). ഒരു മുഖം: ജനപ്രിയ നാടകവേദിയുടെ മിടിപ്പുകള്‍ [Oru Mukham: Janapriya Nataka Vediyude Midippukal]. Calicut: Lipi Publications.
* Valsala Baby (2012). നാടകത്തിന്റെ കഥ [Natakathinte Katha] (3rd ed.). Trivandrum: Chintha Publishers.
* L. Thomaskutty (2005). പരീക്ഷണപ്രവണതകൾ മലയാളനാടകത്തിൽ [Pareekshana Pravanathakal Malayala Natakathil. Trivandrum: University of Calicut.
* നാടകം [Natakam] (PDF). Calicut: University of Calicut. 2011. pp. 1–56.
* "മലയാള നാടകം, തിരക്കഥ". മലയാള ഭാഷ സാഹിത്യസംഗ്രഹം [Malayala Bhasha Sahitya Samgraham] (PDF). Calicut: University of Calicut. 2011. pp. 21–23.
* M. K. Sanu (2016). നാടകവിചാരം [Nataka Vicharam]. Trichur: Kerala Sahitya Akademi.
* K. C. Sasidharan (2021). മലയാളത്തിലെ സാമൂഹികനാടകങ്ങളിലെ രാഷ്ട്രീയമാനം: തോപ്പിൽ ഭാസി, കെ.ടി. മുഹമ്മദ്, പി.ജെ. ആൻറണി എന്നിവരുടെ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത നാടകങ്ങൾ മുൻനിർത്തിയുള്ള പഠനം [The political dimension of social dramas in Malayalam: Study of selected plays by Thoppil Bhasi, K. T. Muhammed and P. J. Antony] (Thesis). Kannur University. hdl:10603/386972.

## External links

[edit]

* Malayalam Drama, Socially Relevant Dramas, The Heyday of Malayalam Drama, Drama during the 1960s, Modernist Malayalam Theatre. Articles at the website of the Department of Public Relations, Government of Kerala.

* v
* t
* e

Malayalam literature

Organisations|

* Kerala Sahitya Akademi
* Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad
* Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham
* Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society

Literary awards|

* Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award
* Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram
* Cherukad Award
* Edasseri Award
* Ezhuthachan Puraskaram
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Biography and Autobiography
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Children's Literature
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Drama
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Literary Criticism
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Miscellaneous Works
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Overall Contributions
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Scholarly Literature
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Story
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Translation
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Travelogue
* Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
* Mathrubhumi Literary Award
* Muttathu Varkey Award
* O. N. V. Literary Award
* O. V. Vijayan Literary Award
* Odakkuzhal Award
* Padmarajan Award
* P. Kesavadev Literary Award
* Ulloor Award
* Vallathol Award
* Vayalar Award

Fiction writers|

* Ajijesh Pachat
* Akbar Kakkattil
* Anand
* Anita Nair
* Anoop Sasikumar
* Appu Nedungadi
* Ashitha
* Ashtamoorthi K. V.
* Aymanam John
* Babu Bharadwaj
* B. M. Suhara
* B. Sandhya
* C. Radhakrishnan
* C. V. Balakrishnan
* C. V. Raman Pillai
* C. V. Sreeraman
* Chandramathi
* Cherukad
* E. Harikumar
* E. Vasu
* G. R. Indugopan
* George Onakkoor
* Gracy
* I. K. K. Menon
* Jayasree Kalathil
* John Abraham
* Jose Panachippuram
* Joy J. Kaimaparamban
* K. J. Baby
* Arch Deacon Koshy
* K. L. Mohana Varma
* K. N. Ezhuthachan
* K. P. Nirmal Kumar
* K. P. Ramanunni
* K. R. Meera
* K. Rekha
* K. Surendran
* K. P. Joseph Kalarickal
* K. Thayat
* Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai
* Kakkanadan
* Kamala Surayya
* Kanam EJ
* Karunakaran
* Karur Neelakanta Pillai
* Khadija Mumtaz
* Kottayam Pushpanath
* Kovilan
* K. V. Anoop
* Lajo Jose
* Lalithambika Antharjanam
* M. Govindan
* M. Mukundan
* M. Sukumaran
* M. T. Vasudevan Nair
* Madampu Kunjukuttan
* Madhupal
* Malayath Appunni
* Malayattoor Ramakrishnan
* Mallika Yunis
* Muttathu Varkey
* N. Mohanan
* N. N. Pisharody
* N. P. Chellappan Nair
* N. P. Mohammed
* N. S. Madhavan
* Nandanar
* Narayan
* O. V. Vijayan
* Omchery N. N. Pillai
* Oyyarathu Chandu Menon
* P. Ayyaneth
* P. Surendran
* P. F. Mathews
* P. K. Balakrishnan
* P. Kesavadev
* P. R. Nathan
* P. R. Shyamala
* P. Surendran
* P. Valsala
* Padmarajan
* Pamman
* Parappurath
* Pattathuvila Karunakaran
* Paul Chirakkarode
* Paul Zacharia
* Perumbadavam Sreedharan
* Ponjikkara Rafi
* Ponkunnam Varkey
* Punathil Kunjabdulla
* Raghunath Paleri
* S. Hareesh
* S. K. Pottekkatt
* Santhosh Echikkanam
* Sarah Joseph
* Sarah Thomas
* Savithri Rajeevan
* Socrates K. Valath
* Sudhakar Mangalodayam
* Sethu
* Shihabuddin Poythumkadavu
* Sohanlal
* Sreekrishnapuram Krishnankutty
* Subhash Chandran
* T. P. Rajeevan
* T. Padmanabhan
* T. V. Kochubava
* T. V. Varkey
* Tatapuram Sukumaran
* Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
* Thikkodiyan
* Thomas Joseph
* U. A. Khader
* U. K. Kumaran
* Unnikrishnan Puthur
* Unnikrishnan Thiruvazhiyode
* Uroob
* V. K. N.
* V. P. Sivakumar
* Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
* Vallachira Madhavan
* Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar
* Vilasini
* Vinoy Thomas

Poets|

* A. Ayyappan
* A. C. Sreehari
* A. R. Raja Raja Varma
* Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri
* Arnos Pathiri
* Attoor Ravi Varma
* Balachandran Chullikkadu
* Balamani Amma
* Bodheswaran
* Chandiroor Divakaran
* Changampuzha Krishna Pillai
* Cherukad
* Cherusseri Namboothiri
* D. Vinayachandran
* Edappalli Raghavan Pillai
* Edasseri Govindan Nair
* G. Shankara Kurup
* Irayimman Thampi
* K. Ayyappa Paniker
* K. C. Kesava Pillai
* K. V. Ramakrishnan
* Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan
* Kadathanat Madhavi Amma
* Kadavanad Kuttikrishnan
* Kamala Surayya
* Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai
* Kavitha Balakrishnan
* Kumaran Asan
* Kunchan Nambiar
* Kureepuzha Sreekumar
* Lalitha Lenin
* M. Govindan
* M. P. Appan
* M. S. Banesh
* Manoj Kuroor
* Mary John Thottam
* Mohanakrishnan Kaladi
* Moyinkutty Vaidyar
* N. N. Kakkad
* N. V. Krishna Warrier
* Nalapat Narayana Menon
* Nellikkal Muraleedharan
* Niranam poets
* O. N. V. Kurup
* Olappamanna Subramanian Namboothirippad
* P. Kunhiraman Nair
* P. P. Ramachandran
* Pala Narayanan Nair
* Poonthanam Namboothiri
* Pulikkottil Hyder
* Punaloor Balan
* Puthussery Ramachandran
* S. Joseph
* Satchidanandan
* Satyan Madakkara
* Savithri Rajeevan
* Sugathakumari
* Thirunalloor Karunakaran
* Tholan
* Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan
* Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer
* Unnayi Variyar
* V. Madhusoodanan Nair
* V. C. Balakrishna Panicker
* V. M. Girija
* Vadakkumkur Rajarajavarmaraja
* Vallathol Narayana Menon
* Vayalar Ramavarma
* Veerankutty
* Vennikkulam Gopala Kurup
* Vijayalakshmi
* Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri
* V Madhusoodanan Nair
* Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon
* Sreedevi Kakkad

Playwrights|

* C. J. Thomas
* C. L. Jose
* C. N. Sreekantan Nair
* Cherukad
* G. Sankara Pillai
* K. T. Muhammed
* M. Govindan
* Nalapat Narayana Menon
* S. L. Puram Sadanandan
* Thoppil Bhasi
* T. N. Gopinathan Nair
* V. T. Bhattathiripad

Children's literature|

* Malayath Appunni
* P. Narendranath
* Sumangala
* Shebaly
* Sippy Pallippuram
* Kiliroor Radhakrishnan

Essayists/Critics|

* Annie Thayyil
* C. N. Ahmad Moulavi
* C. S. Venkiteswaran
* Joseph Mundassery
* K. M. Daniel
* K. P. Appan
* K. P. Sankaran
* K. Damodaran
* K. M. George
* Kesari Balakrishna Pillai
* Kozhikodan
* Kuttikrishna Marar
* Kuttipuzha Krishna Pillai
* M. K. Sanu
* M. Krishnan Nair (author)
* M. Leelavathy
* M. N. Karassery
* M. N. Vijayan
* M. P. Paul
* M. R. Chandrasekharan
* Narendra Prasad
* O. V. Vijayan
* P. Surendran
* S. Guptan Nair
* S. Rajasekharan
* Sabeena Rafi
* Sanjayan
* Sukumar Azhikode
* V. C. Sreejan
* V. T. Bhattathiripad
* Vijayakrishnan
* V. V. K. Valath

Scholars and
Grammarians|

* A. R. Raja Raja Varma
* Arnos Paathiri
* George Mathan
* Hermann Gundert
* Jyeṣṭhadeva
* Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran
* Kottarathil Sankunni
* Krishna Chaithanya
* R. Narayana Panickar
* Vadakkumkur Rajarajavarmaraja

Translators|

* Leela Devi
* M. K. Kumaran
* M. N. Sathyaardhi
* N. K. Damodaran
* Nileena Abraham

Genre|

* Champukkal
* Drama
* Kilippattu
* Manipravalam
* Novel
* Vadakkan Pattukal
* Venmani School
* Vanchippattu

Novels|

* Aalahayude Penmakkal
* Aalohari Anandam
* Aadujeevitham
* Aarachaar
* Akkapporinte Irupathu Nasrani Varshangal
* Anal Haq
* Anargha Nimisham
* Anuragathinte Dinangal
* Agnisakshi
* Ara Nazhika Neram
* Arabi Ponnu
* Arohanam
* Asuravithu
* Avakasikal
* Ayussinte Pusthakam
* Balyakalasakhi
* Barsa
* Chemmeen
* Cheviyorkkuka! Anthimakahalam
* Daivathinte Vikrithikal
* Delhi Gadhakal
* Enmakaje
* Ente Katha
* Ente Thankam
* Francis Itty Cora
* Gurusagaram
* Indulekha
* Kaalam
* Kayar
* Kesavante Vilapangal
* Khasakkinte Itihasam
* Kocharethi
* Kundalatha
* Manju (novel)
* Manushyanu Oru Aamukham
* Maranathinte Nizhalil
* Marthandavarma
* Mathilukal
* Maya
* Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil
* Mucheettukalikkarante Makal
* Mullappoo Niramulla Pakalukal
* Muthassi
* Naadan Premam
* Naalukettu
* Nakshathrangale Kaaval
* Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu
* Odayil Ninnu
* Ormayude Arakal
* Oru Desathinte Katha
* Oru Sankeerthanam Pole
* Oru Theruvinte Katha
* Othappu
* Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha
* Pathummayude Aadu
* Peruvazhiyambalam
* Ponni
* Pravasam
* Premalekhanam
* Randamoozham
* Randidangazhi
* Rathinirvedam
* Sarada
* Shabdangal
* Smarakasilakal
* Sufi Paranja Katha
* Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum
* Thottiyude Makan
* Ummachu
* Vasanavikriti
* Vasanthathile Poomarangal
* Verukal
* Viddikalude Swargam
* Visappu
* Yakshi
* Yanthram

Treatises|

* Aithihyamala
* Alphabetum grandonico-malabaricum sive samscrudonicum
* Kerala Panineeyam
* Nātyakalpadrumam
* Sarvavijnanakosam
* State Institute of Encyclopaedic Publications
* Viswasahityavijnanakosam
* Yuktibhāṣā

Poems|

* Atmopadesa Śatakam
* Daiva Daśakaṁ
* Jnanappana
* Omanathinkal Kidavo
* Makarakoythu
* Puthen Pana
* Ramanan (play in verse)
* Rani (poem)
* Sree Bhoothanaathopakhyaanam
* Unnuneeli Sandesam
* Kuchelavritham Vanchippattu
* Krishnagatha

Assorted articles|

* Arabi Malayalam
* Arabi Malayalam script
* Chakara
* Malayalam grammar
* Malayalam poetry
* Mathrubhumi Yearbook
* Jewish copper plate
* Judeo-Malayalam
* Malayalam script
* Malayalam triumvirate poets
* Malayanma
* Mannan language
* Mappila dialect
* Mozhi (transliteration)
* Mullu Kurumba language
* Pandy Malayalam
* Romanisation of Malayalam

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