->Normal Name: Adding local short description: "Indian poet", overriding Wikidata description "Indian activist and poet" (Shortdesc helper)

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Adding local short description: "Indian poet", overriding Wikidata description "Indian activist and poet" (Shortdesc helper)

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{{Short description|Indian poet}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix = Mahakavi
| name = Pandalam Kerala Varma
| honorific_suffix =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image = Pandalam Kerala Varma.jpg
| image_size =
| alt = Pandalam Kerala Varma
| caption = Pandalam Kerala Varma
| birth_name =
| birth_date = January 1879
| baptism_date =
| birth_place = [[Pandalam]], India
| death_date = June 1919 (age 40)
| residence =
| nationality = Indian
| other_names =
| ethnicity = 
| citizenship =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation = Poet, publisher, teacher
| years_active =
| agent =
| known_for =
| notable_works = ''Rugmamgadacharitham'', ''Vijayodayam''
| style =
| home_town =
| spouse = Ammukkutty Amma
| partner = 
| children =
| parents = Perinjeri Illathu Vishnu Namboothiri, Puthankoikkal Aswathynal Thanwangi Thamburatti
| relatives =
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'''Kerala Varma''' (January 1879 – June 1919), most commonly known as '''Mahakavi Pandalam Kerala Varma''', was an Indian poet, scholar, and publisher. He was born in [[Pandalam]], and belonged to the Pandalam Royal Family. He wrote two [[mahakavya]]s, more than a hundred narrative poems, translations, and [[children's poetry]].<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He is widely regarded as the author of the first complete mahakavya in [[Malayalam]].<ref name=KS/><ref name=Encyclopedia /> He was the owner and Chief Editor of ''Kavana Kaumudi'', the first Malayalam periodical, which was also the first to introduce special issues in Malayalam.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi />

==Personal life==
Kerala Varma was born in Pandalam in 1879, to [[Puthuppally, Kottayam|Kottayam Puthuppally]] Thrikkonamangalam Desathu Perinjeri Illathu Vishnu Namboothiri and Puthankoikkal Aswathynal Thanwangi Thamburatti.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He had two elder brothers and an elder sister.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He also had two paternal half-brothers; Neythelloor Koikkal Makayiramnal Kerala Varma Thampuran (1846–1890) and Neythelloor Kottarathil Thrikkettanal Veera Kerala Varma Thampuran.<ref name=halfbro>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram: Volume 4|year=1974|pages=714–715|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> Makayiramnal Kerala Varma Thampuran was the author of ''Bhoothanatholbhavam'' [[ottamthullal|thullal]] and ''Aardra Maholsavam'' [[Champu|Sanskrit champu]].<ref name=halfbro /> Thrikkettanal Veera Kerala Varma Thampuran was the author of ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' Sanskrit poem and ''Banayuddham'' Sanskrit champu.<ref name=halfbro /> He was also the logical reasoning [[guru]] of Pandalam Kerala Varma.<ref name=halfbro /> Pandalam Kerala Varma's relative Malikathazhe Bharaninal Kerala Varma Thampuran (1823–1883) was an astrology and grammar expert.<ref name="Volume 4">{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram: Volume 4|year=1974|page=713|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> It is believed that he had predicted that Pandalam Kerala Varma would become famous one day.<ref name="Volume 4" /> Another relative, Vadakke Kottarathil Thiruvathiranal Raja Raja Varma Valiya Thampuran (1817–1902), was the author of the hymns ''Dharmasathru Sathakam'', ''Krishnaleela'', ''Devi Sthothram'', ''Sabarigireesa Sthothram'', and ''Pandalam Mahadeva Sathakam''.<ref name="Volume 4" /> He took care of Pandalam Kerala Varma's poetic practice and grammatical studies.<ref name="Volume 4" /> Thekkekkettil Kottarathil Athamnal Godavarma Valiya Thampuran (1840–1911) was the grammar guru of Pandalam Kerala Varma.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

Kerala Varma started learning the alphabet at age 3 from Pandalam Achutha Warrier. After Warrier's death, Avittomnal Rama Varma Thampuran became his guru. Kerala Varma learnt ''Siddha Roopam'', ''Sree Ramodantham'', and ''Amara Kosam'' by age 10.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Thereafter he studied the poems ''Sree Krishna Vilasam'', ''Naishadheeya Charitha'', ''Kiratharjuneeyam'' and plays like ''abhigijñānaśākuntalam''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> From age 17 to 24, he studied ''Vyulpathi Vadaparyantham'' logical reasoning and ''Praudamanoramantham'' grammatical lessons.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Kerala Varma's [[upanayana]] was completed at the age of 14. He started writing [[Sanskrit]] poems from age 12, and Malayalam poems from age 19. He was established as a poet by the age of 20. Beside poetry, he was also skilled in other activities. In his childhood, he made a striking clock and a cycle for use in water.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

Kerala Varma married Ammukkutty Amma in 1905. The couple had two sons and three daughters.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> In 1914, he joined [[SMV High School, Thiruvananthapuram]] as language teacher. He also bought a house at [[Kaithamukku]] and settled in Thiruvananthapuram. During this period, he along with [[Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer]] learnt grammar and rhetorical figures under the guidance of Thuravoor Narayana Shastri.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He was appointed a member on the expert panel of the [[Maharaja of Travancore]] by the then king [[Moolam Thirunal|Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma]] and was granted 10 [[Indian rupee|rupees]] as salary.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He was conferred "Kavi Thilakan" honour by the [[Kingdom of Cochin|King of Cochin]].

Kerala Varma used to visit [[Thiruvananthapuram]] every year during [[Navratri]] festival time and engage in literary discussions with [[Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Kerala Varma Devan: Biography|year=1944|page=255|author=M. R. Balakrishna Warrier}}</ref> His last journey with Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer was to [[Kochi]] to receive the "Kavi Thilakan" honour.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Kerala Varma was friends with Kodungallur Kochunni Thampuran, Kochi Parikshith Thampuran, and Sahridaya Thilakan Rama Pisharody.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

Kerala Varma was disturbed by the unexpected deaths of his relatives and close associates in a short period. His guru Avittomnal Rama Varma Thampuran, mother, father, and brother Veera Kerala Varma Thampuran died in a span of six years.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Kerala Varma died in 1919 from fever known at that time as Bombay Fever.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> In 1979, a collection of his writings were reprinted and published in two volumes as 'selected works'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ayyappa.com/LiteratureAndArt.htm|title = Literature and Art - Website of Lord Ayyappa and Royal Family of Pandalam}}</ref>

==Literary career==

===Earlier works===
Kerala Varma's initial works were ''Sreekrishna Sthothram'', an [[astakam]] on [[Lord Ayyappa|Dharmasastha]], ''Kesadipada Sathakam'', and ''Rasavilasambhanam''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> His first work was published in ''Subhashini'' newspaper, [[Changanassery]] in 1898. It was the completion of a poetic puzzle ''Kunnennu Cholvathinu Kuttamaseshamundo'' by Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Later he published his poems in ''Malayala Manorama'', ''Rasika Ranjini'', ''Kavitha Vilasini'', ''Dakshina Deepam'', ''Vijnana Ratnakaram'', ''Kerala Varma'', ''Kerala Kesari'', ''Bhasha Sarada'', ''Sumangala'', ''Aryakesari'', ''Mahila Ratnam'', ''Kerala Vyasan'', ''Mangalodayam'', and ''Vani Vilasam''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> He used to engage two writers to note down his recitations.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mahatcharithamaala|year=1984|page=59|author=Perunna K. N. Nair}}</ref> He never wanted to monetise his poems.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Once he quipped that he did not want to publish poems immediately after writing, but wanted to review and correct it later before sending for publication.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pandalathu Kerala Varma Thampuran|year=1932|page=110|author=A. D. Hari Sarma}}</ref>

===Mahakavyas===
Kerala Varma authored 16 major works, including two mahakavyas ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' and ''Vijayodayam''.<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature|year=1988|publisher=Sahitya Academi|isbn=81-260-1194-7|page=1185}}</ref> Of these, ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' is considered his masterpiece.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> It was widely respected as an example of a typical mahakavya before Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer published ''Umakeralam''.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> Revealing Varma's command over the language and the medium of expression, ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' was meant for a scholarly audience.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> The book was first published in 1913 although it was completed five years before its publication.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> It contains 19 chapters.<ref name=Encyclopedia />

Both mahakavyas are considered as representations of [[Neoclassicism|neoclassical]] style.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Madasseri Madhava Warrier observed that ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' was a complete mahakavya in the old style and those who were familiar with that style would like it best.<ref name=KS>{{cite book|title=Kunchante Sesham|year=1973|page=70|author=Madasseri Madhava Warrier}}</ref> According to [[N. Krishna Pillai]], Kerala Varma's mahakavyas would astonish everybody with their word control and effortless beauty.<ref>{{cite book|title=Kairaliyude Katha|year=1986|page=279|author=N. Krishna Pillai}}</ref> [[Kumaran Asan]] reviewed ''Rukmamgadacharitham'' in ''Vivekodayam'' magazine and described it as a great work,<ref>{{cite book|title=Kerala Bhasha Sahitya Charithram: Volume 6|year=1957|page=21|author=R. Narayana Panicker}}</ref> although his review contained praises and criticism alike.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> In the preface to the book, Kerala Varma wrote that he never felt any sense of pride in writing a mahakavya, but wanted to give a place to the mythological story in Kerala literature.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pandalathinte Thiranjedutha Krithikal: Volume 1|year=1979|page=1|author=Pandalam Kerala Varma}}</ref> ''Vijayodayam'' is Kerala Varma's second mahakavya. It is a relatively smaller work as it contained only eight chapters which is the minimum requirement for a mahakavya.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> It deals with the story of Kirata and Arjuna.<ref name=Encyclopedia /> While some critics do not consider it as a mahakavya,<ref name=KSC_Ulloor_4>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram: Volume 4|year=1974|page=721|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> some others, most notably [[M. Leelavathy]], T. P. Balakrishnan Nair, and T. G. Madhavan Kutty rate it as a mahakavya.<ref name=Leelavathy>{{cite book|title=Malayala Kavitha Sahitya Charithram|year=1991|page=71|author=M. Leelavathy}}</ref><ref name=TPB>{{cite book|title=Mahakavya Prasthanam|year=1985|page=182|author=T. P. Balakrishnan Nair}}</ref><ref name=TGM>{{cite book|title=Mahakavya Prasthanam|year=1982|page=63|author=T. G. Madhavan Kutty}}</ref> It is believed that [[Bharavi]]'s ''[[Kirātārjunīya]]'' was Kerala Varma's inspiration to write ''Vijayodayam''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer opined that the poem was quite enchanting.<ref name=Encyclopedia /><ref name=KSC_Ulloor_4-728>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram: Volume 4|year=1974|page=728|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref>

===Narrative poems===
Kerala Varma's narrative poems were based on either history, mythology, or pure imagination.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> ''Marthanda Devodayam'', ''Vancheesa Sathakam'', ''Sreemoola Prakasika'', and ''Sreemoolaraja Vijayam'' fall into the history based category.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> ''Saubhadra Niryanam'', ''Urmila'', ''Bheema Prabhavam'', ''Lakshmana Pravasam'', ''Ghatolkkachan'', ''Subhadra'', ''Marthya Vaibhavam'', ''Barbareekan'', ''Sayoojyam'', and ''Vibheeshaabhishekam'' can be categorised as mythology based.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> ''Bhageerathi'', ''Oru Kadha'', ''Lakshmi'', ''Oru Puravriththam'', ''Naanikkutty'', ''Chelapparambu'' are based on pure imagination.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

===Children's poetry===
Kerala Varma wrote 35 poems for children.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Kerala Varma wrote the widely popular Malayalam prayer song for children ''Daivame Kai Thozham''.<ref>{{cite web|title=DC Books – Daivame Kai Thozham|url=http://onlinestore.dcbooks.com/author/pandalam-kerala-varma|work=DC Books}}</ref> Some of his other poetry for children include ''Kalikkutty'', ''Maasangal'', ''Neram Veluthu'', ''Thathammayum Penkuttiyum'', ''Aana'', ''Ponnu Thampuran'', ''Nakshathrangal'', ''Nazhikamani'', ''Sundara Viddi'', ''Ammepaksham'', ''Kanduvo Nee'', ''Kadannalum Theneechayum'', ''Arivu'', ''Manthan Chanthayil Poyathu'', ''Jalam'', ''Oru Tharkkam'', ''Chinthikkaran'', ''Payyeppayye'', ''Kallane Killan Pidikkum'', ''Vaayu'', ''Oru Vanchippattu'', ''Kallanaya Eli'', ''Dinacharya'', ''Kakkayum Kurukkanum'', ''Pasu'', ''Palliyunarthal'', ''Prarthana'', ''Vallamkali'', and ''Ambili Ammavan''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> His poems ''Kaliyum Karyavum'', ''Payyethinnal Panayum Thinnam'', and ''Othoruma'' contain advice for children.

===Translations===
Kerala Varma translated a drama and a vyayogam from Sanskrit to Malayalam. These are ''Veni Samharam'' by Bhatta Narayana and ''Dootha Vakyam'' by [[Bhasa]]. Kerala Varma later commented that he had only respected the original authors in his translations although he never translated the works word by word.<ref name=SelectedWorks1>{{cite book|title=Pandalathinte Thiranjedutha Krithikal: Volume 1|year=1979|pages=279–280}}</ref> According to Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, the translations were excellent and were comparable to [[Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran]]'s translation of ''Ascharya Choodamani''.<ref name=KeralaSahityaCharithram>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram|year=1974|page=728|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> He further added that it required remarkable skills to translate the works of Bhatta Narayana at the same quality.<ref name=KeralaSahityaCharithram1>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram|year=1974|page=729|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref>

===Hymns and essays===
Although his ancestral deity is [[Lord Ayyappa]], Kerala Varma wrote majority of [[hymn]]s in praise of [[Devi]].<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> ''Vani Panchakam'', ''Gauristhavam'', ''Devi Dasakam'', and ''Aryashtakam'' are such works. He also wrote hymns such as ''Ramesa Dasakam'' in praise of [[Lord Vishnu]].<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Kerala Varma wrote essays rarely. Two of his essays are ''Loka Vaichithyam'' and ''Iravan'', which are noted for their humour content and the writer's observation. ''Loka Vaichithryam'' explains the strange aspects of the world and poetry. ''Iravan'' discusses the mythological story of the tactical self-sacrifice of [[Iravan]] planned by [[Sree Krishna]] to sustain the fame of [[Arjuna]].<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Generally, Kerala Varma's works uphold moral values.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

===Other works===
Kerala Varma's narrative poem ''Sreemoolaraja Vijayam'' is essentially lyrics for an [[Ottamthullal]], although it did not have the ease and rhythm of traditional thullal lyrics.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> This contains the chronological life events of Sree Moolam Thirunal, from birth to his 60th birthday.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> His ''Yathra Kavyam'' is a neoclassical work which narrates his personal experience of visiting Sabarimala along traditional route, following traditional custom and rituals.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> This is an incomplete work.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

===Critical reception===
Kerala Varma had a vast vocabulary. According to his biographer A. D. Hari Sarma, Kerala Varma never faced an issue in finding the right choice of word and that once he started writing, apt words used to appear as the flow of river [[Ganges]].<ref name=HariSarma>{{cite book|title=Pandalathu Kerala Varma Thampuran|year=1932|pages=43–44|author=A. D. Hari Sarma}}</ref> Vallathol described him as "Padam kondu panthaadunna Pandalam" (One who juggles with words).<ref name=MohanakshanNair>{{cite book|title=Mahakavyas of Pandalam Kerala Varma: A Study|year=2013|author=A. Mohanakshan Nair|hdl=10603/7532}}</ref> Kerala Varma was severely criticised by Kumaran Asan in the literary periodical ''Vivekodayam''.<ref name=Vivekodayam>{{cite book|title=Kumaranasante Gadyalekhanangal: Volume 1|year=1981|page=61}}</ref> [[Joseph Mundassery]] also criticised Kerala Varma for his poetic style.<ref name=RajarajanMundasseri>{{cite book|title=Rajarajante Mattoli|year=1984|pages=57–58|author=Joseph Mundasseri}}</ref><ref name=MundasseriNanayathe>{{cite book|title=Nanayathe Meen Pidikkamo|year=1981|pages=52|author=Joseph Mundasseri}}</ref> P. V. Krishna Warrier criticised Kerala Varma in a special issue of ''Kavana Kaumudi''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Aadhunika Bhasha|journal=Kavana Kaumudi |author=P. V. Krishna Warrier}}</ref>

Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer called Kerala Varma "Prithveesan" for his uncanny ability to write poems in Prithvi [[metre (poetry)|metre]].<ref name=Vijnanodayam>{{cite book|title=Vijnana Deepika: Moonnam Bhagam|year=1973|page=12|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> He also remarked that Kerala Varma had absolute control over all words in Malayalam and Sanskrit.<ref name=Vijnanodayam/> [[Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker]] compared Kerala Varma to [[Garuda]] in his ''Kaviramayanam''.<ref name=Mooloor>{{cite book|title=Muloorinte Padyakrithikal|year=1980|page=102|author=Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker}}</ref>

==Publishing career==
Kerala Varma used to publish a fortnightly periodical ''Kavana Kaumudi'', which contained poetry and contemporary issues. The periodical was published from Pandalam.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> It was the first Malayalam periodical.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> The first issue of ''Kavana Kaumudi'' was published on 4 November 1904,<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /><ref>{{cite book|title=Kerala Sahitya Charithram: Volume 4|year=1974|page=718|author=Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer}}</ref> which was 1 [[Vrischikam]] 1080 as per the [[Malayalam calendar]].<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> Kerala Varma was the owner and Chief Editor of the periodical and P. K. Narayanan Namboothiri was the publisher and manager.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The editorials in the periodical discussed social, political, and contemporary issues. These were mainly targeted at corruption and inefficiency of administration. The periodical contained advertisements also.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi>{{cite web|title=100 years of Kavana Kaumudi|url=http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/keralcalnov04/p33.pdf|work=Official Web Portal of Government of Kerala|author=Ajith Nair|access-date=23 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224100432/http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/keralcalnov04/p33.pdf|archive-date=24 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> All contents in the periodical including advertisements were in poetic form.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The periodical also contained a column ''Balopadesam'' for children.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Poets like Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer opposed the idea of such a periodical initially, but later praised it and wrote in it.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

''Kavana Kaumudi'' was printed on a [[broadsheet]] with eight pages and four columns on each page.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> It was published on the 1st and 15th of all [[Malayalam calendar|Malayalam months]].<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> The earlier issues of the periodical were printed at Suvarnaratnaprabha Press, [[Kayamkulam]].<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> After the first three years, ''Kavana Kaumudi'' became a monthly publication. In 1905, the printing of the periodical was shifted to Kerala Kalpadrumam
Press in [[Thrissur]], which was managed by [[Vallathol Narayana Menon]].<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> In March 1910, the printing was further shifted to Lakshmisahayam Press at [[Kottakkal]].<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> The running of ''Kavana Kaumudi'' put Kerala Varma into financial crisis.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Later, P. V. Krishna Warrier joined as the co-editor of ''Kavana Kaumudi''.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of media in Kerala|url=http://pressacademy.org/content/history-media-kerala|work=Kerala Press Academy}}</ref> Following the death of Kerala Varma, Warrier became the Chief Editor of the periodical.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> Warrier introduced a book review column in the periodical by the name ''Njangalude Vayanamuri''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Later, advertisements and book reviews started appearing in prose. Several poems from Vallathol's ''Sahitya Manjari'' and [[G. Sankara Kurup]]'s ''Sahitya Kauthukam'' were first published in ''Kavana Kaumudi''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The periodical also carried several translations of English romantic poems.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

Kerala Varma used to write poetic editorials in ''Kavana Kaumudi''. Among those who wrote on ''Kavana Kaumudi'' were Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, [[A. R. Raja Raja Varma]], [[Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma]], [[Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran]], [[K. C. Kesava Pillai]], Vallathol Narayana Menon, Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker, Kuttippuram, and Kochunni Thampuran.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The earlier poems of Nalappattu Narayana Menon, G. Sankara Kurup, and [[V.C. Balakrishna Panicker|V. C. Balakrishna Panicker]] were also published in this periodical.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> Among the famous poets of that time, only Kumaran Asan had not written in the periodical.<ref name=MohanakshanNair />

Beside the regular issues, ''Kavana Kaumudi'' introduced special issues on nine occasions.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> It was the first time a special issue was being printed for a Malayalam publication.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> The special issues were titled ''Bhasha Vilasam''.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The first special issue was published in 1914 and the last in 1930.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The special issues contained both poems and prose.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The first special issue contained astakams by famous poets based on the subject train.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /> The periodical was in print for 11 more years after the death of Kerala Varma, until it stopped in 1930.<ref name=MohanakshanNair /><ref name=KavanaKaumudi />

''Kavana Kaumudi'' is considered to have served as a unifying factor, surpassing the regional differences and parochial discriminations that existed in the early 20th century.<ref name=KavanaKaumudi /> Poet [[O. N. V. Kurup]] observed that ''Kavana Kaumudi'' ushered the poets of Kerala who were split into three regions, to a single platform.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Kavana Kaumudi: Navotdhanathinte Navarasmi|journal=Pandalam Janmasathabdi Smaranika|year=1979|page=30|author=O. N. V. Kurup}}</ref> Even Kumaran Asan who was reluctant to publish his poems through the periodical, wrote that it would not be a mistake to consider ''Kavana Kaumudi'' as a standard for understanding the prosperity of poetic skills in Malayalam.<ref>{{cite book|title=Manmaranjan Masikakal|year=1971|page=62|author=G. Priyadarsanan}}</ref> In the souvenir published during the birth centenary of Kerala Varma, poet Cherukunnam Purushothaman observed that none of the obstacles such as the complexity of the topic, demand for fast completion, or lack of time for revision or correction marred Kerala Varma's priceless editorials.<ref name=Cherukunnam>{{cite journal|title=Kavana Kaumudiyile Mughalekhanangal|journal=Pandalam Janmasathabdi Smaranika|year=1979|page=68|author=Cherukunnam Purushothaman}}</ref> Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi has published a Monograph of Pandalam Kerala Varma ( by P. Ravi Varma) in 2013

==Other notable works==
*''Katha Kaumudi''
*''Sookthimaala''
*''Sabarimalayathra''
*''Shumbha Nishumbha Vadham''
*''Bhujamga Sandesham''

==Pandalam Kerala Varma Award==
The Pandalam Kerala Varma Smaraka Samithi is an association set up in remembrance of the poet. The Samithi, with the support of Pandalathu Kottaram Nirvahaka Sanghom (Pandalam Palace Managing Committee) offers two awards; a literary award to honour excellence in poetry and a media award to honour excellence in editorial. The award is known by the name Mahakavi Pandalam Kerala Varma Award. The award for poetry consists of a cash prize of [[Indian rupee|INR]] 15,001, plaque, and citation, and that for media consists of INR 10,001, plaque, and citation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam Kerala Varma awards announced|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/19/stories/2004011901290500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040422160222/http://www.hindu.com/2004/01/19/stories/2004011901290500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 April 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2004-01-19|accessdate=23 December 2013}}</ref> Media Awards were given to Editorials of Malayalam Newspapers and Periodicals from 2003 to 2012. From 2013 onwards the Media Award is given to the columns published/telecasted by journalists.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Year
!Recipient
!Award
|-
|1979
|[[O. N. V. Kurup]]
|Literary
|-
|2003
|[[Ayyappa Paniker]]
|Literary
|-
|2003
|[[Madhyamam]]
|Media
|-
|2004
|[[Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri]]
|Literary
|-
|2004
|[[Deepika (newspaper)|Deepika]]
|Media
|-
|2005
|[[K. Satchidanandan]]
|Literary
|-
|2005
|[[Mathrubhumi]]
|Media
|-
|2006
|[[Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan]]
|Literary
|-
|2006
|[[Kerala Kaumudi]]
|Media
|-
|2007
|[[Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri]]
|Literary
|-
|2007
|[[Deshabhimani]]
|Media
|-
|2008
|[[Sugathakumari]]
|Literary
|-
|2009
|[[Attoor Ravi Varma]]
|Literary
|-
|2010
|[[D. Vinayachandran]]
|Literary
|-
|2011
|[[K. G. Sankara Pillai]]
|Literary
|-
|2012
|[[Ezhacherry Ramachandran]]
|Literary
|-
|2013
|[[Kavalam Narayana Panicker]]
|Literary
|-
|2013
|[[Thomas Jacob (journalist)|Thomas Jacob]]
|Media
|-
|2014
|[[Chemmanam Chacko]]
|Literary
|-
|2014
|[[T. J. S. George]]
|Media
|-
|2015
|[[V. Madhusoodanan Nair]]
|Literary
|-
|2015
|[[T. N. Gopakumar]]
|Media
|-
|2016
|[[Prabha Varma]]
|Literary
|-
|2016
|[[Jose Panachippuram]]
|Media
|-
|2017
|[[Kureepuzha Sreekumar]]
|Literary
|-
|2017
|[[N. P. Rajendran]]
|Media
|-
|2018
|[[Rafeeq Ahamed]]
|Literary
|-
|2018
|G. Sekharan Nair
|Media
|}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}39.Pandalam Keralavarma(Monograph),Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi-P.Ravivarma

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kerala Varma, Pandalam}}
[[Category:People from Pandalam]]
[[Category:Malayalam poets]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Poets from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Kerala]]
[[Category:1919 deaths]]
[[Category:1879 births]]
[[Category:Malayali people]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language writers]]
[[Category:Indian Sanskrit scholars]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:19th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:Indian publishers (people)]]
[[Category:19th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]

Pandalam Kerala Varma - Revision history

->Normal Name: Adding local short description: "Indian poet", overriding Wikidata description "Indian activist and poet" (Shortdesc helper)