M. P. Paul

M. P. Paul Biography

M. P. Paul, a scholar was known as a renowned literary critic of Malayalam. He was among the torchbearers of the progressive literature movement in Malayalam literature. He was also a scholar, theatre director and college professor from Puthenpally, Varapuzha of Ernakulam district. He is a prominent figure in the field of Malayalam literary criticism who is one among the magical trio of Malayalam critics during 20^th century, the other two being Kesari Balakrishna Pillai and Joseph Mundassery. He was the founder President of Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sanghom, an organisation known for publishing books. ‘M P Paulinte Sahityavimarsanam’ is a biopic written by Dr M Muraleedharan which includes his study on the literary contributions of the renowned critic, M. P. Paul.

He was born on May 1, 1904 in Ernakulam district. His full name is Menachery Poulose Paul and he was born to Poulose and Rosamma. After studies Paul started his career as a teacher at St.Thomas College, Thrissur. He has also taught at Mar Ivanious College, Thiruvananthapuram and S.B.College, Changanassery. He established M. P. Paul's Tutorial College at different districts of Kerala. Noted Malayalam writer and novelist, Muttathu Varkey has worked as a tutor in one of his tutorials.

He served as the president of the Kerala Purogamana Saahitya Sanghatana for a brief period. He founded Shakespeare Theatre in 1937 and was active in theater. Cherukathaprasthanam, Novel Sahithyam and Soundary Nireekshnam are some of his famous works on literary criticism. He introduced a modern approach to literary criticism in Malayalam. He criticized religious orthodoxy which earned him wrath of his own community and for the same reason his dead body was not allowed to be buried in church cemetery. M P Paul Award is instituted in memory of this renowned critic.  

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Updated: September 24, 2014