Moyinkutty Vaidyar

Moyinkutty Vaidyar Biography

Moyinkutty Vaidyar was one of the most renowned poets of the Mappila pattu genre of Malayalam language. He is titled Mahakavi (Great poet) and his major poetry works include Salaseel, Elippada, Baithila, Hijra, Ottakathinteyum maaninteyum kathaKilathimala, Moolapuranam, Uhad Padappattu, Theevandichinth, Karamath Mala, Swaleeqath and Mullappoocholayil. Shabvathul Badarul Kubra, also known as Badar Padappattu is considered one of the finest compositions of Mappilappattu. ‘Malappuram Padappatt’ is the next most noted song. He died at a comparatively young age of 40. None of his descendants survived after his children.

Moyinkutty was born to Unni Mammad and Kunjamina in 1852 at Ottupara, Malappuram district, Kerala. His father was a famous practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine and a poet. He completed the unfinished work of his son "Hijra" from the 27th Ishal onwards. Moyinkutty Vaidyar continued his family tradition of Ayurvedic medical practice and hence known as ‘Vaidyar’ (practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine). He learnt Sanskrit and Arabic languages. He composed the romantic epic Badarul Munir - Husnul Jamal (1872) at the age of 17. It was a fictional love story of Prince Badarul Muneer and Husnul Jamal and it included many fantasy pieces as well.

Towards the end of his life, he followed another style of writing. Among all his works, Mappilappattu (light/folk songs of Muslim communities) made him a popular poet.  He used to camp at Muchundi Mosque (Muchundipalli), Kuttichira while compiling some of his works. He died in the year 1892 at a comparatively younger age of 40 leaving behind his wife and three children. His father long-lived him and he completed the work, ‘Hijra’ on behalf of his son. Mahakavi Moyinkutty Vaidyar Smarakam was built at the poet's birthplace in Kondotty where many of his handwritten copies are preserved till now.

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Updated: February 28, 2014