Malayalam Literature

Malayalam Literature is a conglomeration of the scholarly languages of Sanskrit and Tamil. These strains can be detected in poetry of the nascent stages. The birth of the lay person’s language led to the advent of the Malayalam novels. The treasure trove of Malyalam literature is further enriched by the copious body of children’s literature. Besides poetry, fiction, and literature dedicated to children, the critical essays are also plentiful.

Malayalam Poetry
Pattu, Manipravalam, Champus, Sandesha-Kavyas, Niranam School of poetry, Thullals, Attakathas are the various poetic traditions of the gaunt Malayalam literature. E.R. Ezuthachan, K.K. Nambiyar, the Panikkar’s of Kannassa descent are some of the leading luminaries of the world of Malayalam poetry.

Malayalam Fiction
Alike English Novels, which blossomed with the rising of the middle class, Malayalam novels came into being with the fruition of the language of the lay person. The society with its vices formed the staple fodder for the novelists. A society divided along the lines of caste and class, the stories of the Christians and Muslims, the analysis of the mind of man, the wretched condition of women- the themes were all encompassing. V.K Nayannar, C.V Raman Pillai, V.M.Basheer, Madhavikutty are some of the distinguished writers of novels and short stories.

Malayalam Children’s Literature
The print medium led to the phenomenal surge in the realm of literature for children. Chilamboli, Poompatta, Baalarama and Kalikkutukku are important magazines for children. Sumangala, Kunjuni and Madhavan Nair are important figures of this world of literature.

Critical Essays
Besides the plenteous body of work comprising poetry, fiction and children’s literature, Malayalam literature also has an enriching body of literary criticism.