Rajalakshmi (writer)

Rajalakshmi (writer) Biography

Rajalakshmi was an Indian writer who authored works in Malayalam language. She lived a very short life of 34 years during June 2, 1930 – January 18, 1965. In that short period she authored three novels, two poetry anthologies and a collection of short stories. She received Kerala Sahitya Akademi for best novel in 1960, for her work, Oru Vazhiyum Kure Nizhalukalum. She was only the third recipient of Academy awards in this category back then. Njanenna Bhavam and Uchavelyilum Ilamnilavum are other major works. She committed suicide on January 18, 1965 and her dead body was found in her room, hanging from the ceiling on a saree. She was a lecturer too.

Thakkathu Amayankottu Rajalakshmi, simply known as Rajalakshmi was born on June 2, 1930 in Cherpulassery, Palakkad district, Kerala, British India. She was the youngest daughter to Achutha Menon and Thakkathu Amayankottu Kuttymalu Amma. Her elder sister T. A. Sarasvati Amma was a well-known mathematician and scholar of 20^th century. Rajalakshmi graduated in Physics from Maharaja's College, Ernakulam and later took master’s in physics from Banaras Hindu University. After studies she started her career as a college lecturer and worked in different colleges till her death.

She is known as Emily Brondie of Malayalam. She came to limelight for the first time after she published a short story titled ‘Makal’ in Mathrubhumi weekly in 1956. Since then for the brief period of 9 years, she contributed short stories, novels and poetry to Malayalam literature before she committed suicide. Her celebrated novel which fetched her Sahitya Academy award - Oru Vazhiyum Kure Nizhalukalum, was later made into a radio play. Abhayam, the 1970 movie by Ramu Kariat was based on her life.

Published: January 05, 2020

Updated: January 05, 2020