Pandalam Kerala Varma

Pandalam Kerala Varma Biography

Mahakavi Pandalam Kerala Varma, popularly known as Kerala Varma was a noted writer, scholar, publisher and poet from Pandalam, Kerala. He was the owner and Chief Editor of Kavana Kaumudi, the first Malayalam periodical. Apart from two Mahakavyas - Rukmamgadacharitham and Vijayodayam, he has also authored more than hundred narrative poems. His works also include some major translations and children poetry. Rukmamgadacharitham is regarded as his masterpiece work and he is credited to complete the first Mahakavya in Malayalam language.

Kerala Varma was born at Pandalam in 1879 in a Royal family. He was the youngest of 4 children. He also had two paternal half-brothers - Neythelloor Koikkal Makayiramnal Kerala Varma Thampuran and Neythelloor Kottarathil Thrikkettanal Veera Kerala Varma Thampuran and both were noted authors. Famous astrologer Malikathazhe Bharaninal Kerala Varma Thampuran was his close relative, who once predicted that Kerala Varma will become famous one day. Noted writer, Vadakke Kottarathil Thiruvathiranal Raja Raja Varma Valiya Thampuran too was a close relative who helped Varma in poetic practice and grammatical studies. Pandalam Achutha Warrier was his first guru from whom Varma started learning alphabets at the age of 3. Avittomnal Rama Varma Thampuran was his second guru who helped Varma to by heart many famous works at a younger age.

He started writing at the age of 12 with Sanskrit poems, followed by Malayalam at the age of 19. By the age of 20, he became an established writer. He has worked as language teacher in SMV High School, Thiruvananthapuram. He was also a member on the expert panel of Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore. He was conferred the title of "Kavi Thilakan" by Ruler of Kochi. Kerala Varma died in 1919 suffering from fever. Kerala Varma authored 16 major works including poetry works and essays.

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Updated: April 16, 2014