Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran

Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran Biography

Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran was a great Sanskrit scholar and poet who lived in Kodungallur of Thrissur district, Kerala in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. One of the major writers of ancient Malayalam literature, this great scholar is also addressed as Kerala Vyasa for translating the entire Mahabharata within 874 days. He wrote 14 works in Sanskrit and 18 poem collections in Malayalam. His contribution to Malayalam literature is outstanding which also include - 11 Ruupakams, 16 Gathas, 38 Khanda Kaavya, 3 grammar and 18 translation works. He was a member of famous Venmani Illam who has given many literals to Malayalam literature. He started two great literary movements in Malayalam literature - Paccha Malayalam which literally means Pure Malayalam and Puranetihasa Vivartanam which is the translation of ancient works.

He belonged to famous Brahmin family of literal figures - Venmani Illam. He was born as the son of famous Malayalam poet, Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad and was the grandnephew of Venmani Vishnu Nambudiripad of early 19^th century. His brother Venmani Mahan Nambudiripad was also a prominent poet and a literary figure of the Venmani Movement of Malayalam Literature. "Kunjikkuttan" was the nick name of Rama Varma, the elder son of Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad, who later became popular as Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran.

He learnt under Valappil Unni Asan, Moonnaamkoor Godavarma Thampuran and Kunhirama Varman Thampuran. He started writing poetry at a very young age and by the age of 16, became a good poet and scholar. He published his first book - "Kavibharatam" at the age of 22, one year after his marriage. After the death of his wife, he re-married at the age of 39. He passed away aged 49. His 100^th death anniversary is being celebrated in a grand way in 2014.

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Updated: September 19, 2014