Malayalam is one of the six classical languages of India, and it has one of the most rich and extensive literatures in all of Indian languages. Epic poems, novels that brought about intellectual revolutions, short stories, essays, travelogues, and plays—Malayalam literature is incredibly diverse, and the classical and modern writers in Malayalam were cultural icons who led the society. Literature nurtures a language and the people who speak it, and the literary icons of Malayalam deserve all praise for coveying even intellectually challenging subjects with the regular public using their writing prowess. In this article, you will be introduced to some of the most celebrated writers and poets of Malayalam and their most notable works.

M.T. Vasudevan Nair

M.T. Vasudevan Nair is one of the most notable names among modern Malayalam writers. Born in 1933 in the Palakkad district of Kerala, M.T. is a prolific screenplay writer and director of many Malayalam movies. He wrote his first novel ‘Naalukettu’ at the age of 23 and won a Kerala Sahitya Academy award for it in 1958. Most of his novels have a familial and cultural background of Kerala and feature complicated characters and emotions. Asuravithu, Kaalam, and Manju are some of his other most notable and loved works. The 1984 Randamoozham, written by M.T., is a retelling of the epic Mahabharata from Bheesenan’s point of view, and it is among M.T.’s most critically acclaimed works. M.T. Vasudevan Nair is one of the torchbearers of modern Malayalam literature, and through his screenplays and movies, he has become one of the most influential Malayalam writers of this generation.

Kumaran Asan

Known as Mahakavi (great poet), Kumaran Asan is one of the most prominent Malayalam poets who revolutionized Malayalam literature in the early 20th century. One of the major figures of the romantic movement in Malayalam, Kumaran Asan’s poems were characterized by their lyrical beauty, social reforming themes, romanticism, introspection, spirituality, and philosophical depth. Veena poovu (fallen flower) is one of the most famous poems written by Kumaran Asan. His other notable works include Chinthavishtayaya Seetha, Nalini, Leela, Chandala Bhikshuki, Karuna, and Duravastha.

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Famously tagged as the ‘Beypore Sultan’, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is a legendary Malayalam writer, freedom fighter, and humanist of 20th-century Kerala. The simplicity and uniqueness of his work and writing style were acclaimed by critics and common people alike. Basheer wrote several short stories and novels, and some of his novels and short stories made it onto the big screen. Some of his most popular works include Balyakalasakhi, Mathilukal, Shabdangal, Pathummayude Aadu, Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, Anargha Nimisham, Premaleganam, Viswavikhyathamaaya Mukku, and Janmadinam.

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai

One of the most famous romantic poets in Malayalam, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, is predominantly known for his most notable work, 'ramanan.’ The poem Ramanan depicts the tragic love story between his title character Ramanan and love interest Chandrika, and this poem became a cultural phenomenon that forever engraved Changampuzha’s name in the list of legendary Malayalam poets. His other notable works include Vazhakkula, Bashpanjali, Spandikkunna Asthimatam, Divyageetham, Yavanika, Udyana lakshmi, Manaswini, Sankalpakanthi, and Padunna Pisachu.

O.V. Vijayan

Cartoonist and writer O.V. Vijayan is one of the most prominent names in modern Malayalam literature. Vijayan has written numerous short stories, novels, and essays throughout his lifetime and the relevance of the intellectual subjects and profound themes he chose to write about have always received great critical acclaim. Khasakkinte Ithihasam (the legend of Khasak), written by O.V. Vijayan, is considered one of the most notable works in modern Malayalam literature and a literary masterpiece. It is a pathbreaking work that led the way in Malayalam literature and is a subject of study in many literature courses. Other notable works of Vijayan include Gurusagaram, Dharmapuranam, Pravachakante Vazhi, Kadaltheerathu, Madhuram Gaayathi, and Ithihasathinte Ithihasam.

Conclusion

Apart from the literary personalities mentioned above, Malayalam literature has numerous legendary figures who shaped their generations. Madhavikutty, Sugatakumari, Satchidanandan, M. Mukundan, Sarah Joseph, Vallathol, Idassery, Kunjunni Master, S.K. Pottekkatt, and Vailopilli are all literary names Malayali’s have grown up with. Malayalam literature hoards treasures, and if you have read some share of that treasure, you would know how precious it is. The magical element of many of the literary masterpieces mentioned above might get lost in translation, so teach your little one Malayalam with Akshharam’s beginner Malayalam learning class online and equip them to explore the vast Malayalam literature! Connect with us to learn more about our Malayalam language communication class online today!