Kumaran Ashan

Kumaran Ashan Biography

Kumaran Ashan often referred to as ‘Mahakavi Kumaran Ashan’ is one among the three ‘Kavithrayam’ of modern Malayalam literature. i.e. 20^th century. Kumaran Ashan, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ullur S.Paramesarayyar together consist of ‘Kavithram’ of modern world and all the three poets are referred to as ‘Maha Kavi’ meaning ‘Great poet’. It’s also to be noted that though ‘Maha kavi’ tagi is given only to poets who have written Mahakavyam, Kumaran Ashan is the only poet of Malayalam literature who has enjoyed ‘Mahakavi’ tag without writing a Mahakavyam! That shows the real talent of this great poet of Malayalm, Kerala has ever witnessed in the recent times. He created a revolution in Malayalam poetry world during the beginning of 20^th century and till now its flames have not cooled yet. He was a great disciple of saint Narayana Guru, a social reformer.

Kumaran Asan was born in a merchant family of Kayikkara village of Chirayinkeezhu. It belongs to Thiruvananthapuram district. His father was versed in Malayalam and Tamil while his mother was interested in classical music and Kathakali. After studies, he earned a job in school as teacher. Yet his mind didn’t stay there. He quit his accountant job too, to learn Sanskrit. Then he studied poetry and later learned Yoga and Tanthra from Subramaniya temple at Vaikkom. He started writing poems at this time and initiated with devotional songs. His initial works Subramanya Sathakam and Sankara Sathakam belong to this period.

His collection of short poems ‘Veena poovu’ is one among the best three works of Kumaranasan. This literally work is considered as classic and helped him a lot to become popular among readers. But it’s most surprising that this collection of poems has been rejected many times by almost all leading Malayalam magazines that time! But ‘Veena poovu’ (Fallen flowers) has brought great reforms to modern Malayalam literature! His most popular works include Karuna (1923), Chinthavishyaaya sita (1919), Bala Ramayanam (1916), Nalini (1911), Leela (1914), Manimaala (1924), Vanamaala (1925) and Chandala bhikshuki (1922). Asan’s letter poems are collectively known as ‘Oru Kath’ (One letter). He died in 1924 at the age of 51 in a boat sinking incident when he returned after meeting Narayana Guru. Readers lost this great modern poet at the peak of his poetic life, thus missing to read a lot of literary works!

Published: N/A

Updated: June 16, 2013