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{{short description|Indian journalist and social reformer (1871 – 1949)}}
{{short description|Indian journalist and social reformer (1871–1949)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
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| image      =
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| image_size  =  
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| native_name = സി. വി. കുഞ്ഞിരാമൻ
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|1871|02|06|df=yes}}
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|1871|2|6}}
| birth_place = [[Mayyanad, Kollam, Kerala]], India
| birth_place = [[Mayyanad, Kollam, Kerala]], India
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|1949|4|10|1871|2|6}}
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|1949|04|10|1871|02|06|df=yes}}
| death_place =  
| death_place =  
| education  =  
| education  =  
| occupation  = Social reformer<br>Journalist
| occupation  = {{hlist|Social reformer|Journalist}}
| known_for  = {{ubl|[[Kerala reformation movement]]|[[Kerala Kaumudi]]}}
| known_for  = {{ubl|[[Kerala reformation movement]]|[[Kerala Kaumudi]]}}
| spouse      = Kunjikkavu
| spouse      = Kunjikkavu
| parents    =  
| parents    =  
| children    = 3, including [[K. Sukumaran]] (son)
| children    = 3, including [[K. Sukumaran (journalist)|K. Sukumaran]] (son)
| relatives  = [[C. Kesavan]] (son-in-law)
| relatives  = [[C. Kesavan]] (son-in-law)
| awards      =  
| awards      =  
}}
}}
{{Reformation in Kerala}}
{{Reformation in Kerala}}
'''C. V. Kunhiraman''' (1871 &ndash; 1949) was an Indian social reformer, journalist and the founder of [[Kerala Kaumudi]] daily. A follower of [[Sree Narayana Guru]], Kunhiraman was the author of a number of books covering the genres of novels, short story, poetry, biographies and essays. He was one of the leaders involved in the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] of [[Kerala reformation movement|Reformation movement in Kerala]] which led to the [[Temple Entry Proclamation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nastiknation.org/product/c-v-kunjuraman/|title=C V Kunjuraman – Nastik Nation}}</ref>
 
'''C. V. Kunhiraman''' (6 February 1871{{snd}}10 April 1949) was an Indian social reformer, journalist and the founder of ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'' daily. A follower of [[Sree Narayana Guru]], Kunhiraman was the author of a number of books covering the genres of novels, short story, poetry, biographies and essays. He was one of the leaders involved in the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] of [[Kerala reformation movement|Reformation movement in Kerala]] which led to the [[Temple Entry Proclamation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nastiknation.org/product/c-v-kunjuraman/|title=C V Kunjuraman – Nastik Nation}}</ref>


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Kunhiraman was born on February 6, 1871 at [[Mayyanad]] in [[Kollam district]] of the south Indian state of [[Kerala]] to Njarakkal Vasudevan, an astrologer and magician, and Kallumpurathu Kunjichali.<ref name="Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman">{{Cite web |url=https://www.keralapscgk.com/2017/11/kerala-psc-leaders-of-renaissance-in_70.html |title=Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman |last=Nair |first=Santhosh |date=2019-04-20 |website=keralapscgk.com |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref> After early education at Mayyanad L. M. S. School, he joined the Government High School, Kollam but had to discontinue studies after 8th standard and started his career at the Forest department in 1893 as a clerk during which time he resumed his studies to pass the teachers' examination to become a teacher in 1894 at Vellamanal School, Mayyanad.<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/CVKunhiraman/Html/CVKunhuramangraphy.htm |title=Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |date=2019-04-20 |website=Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref> He taught at a number of schools at Kollam, [[Kadakkavoor]], Kayikkara and [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] before returning to Vellamanal school by which time he had passed the lawyers' examination and resigned from the school in 1913 to take up the career of a lawyer by practicing at the Magistrate Court at Paravur. In between, he founded ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'' daily in 1911 and later, he shifted his base to Kollam, after quitting his career as a lawyer, resuscitated [[Kerala Kaumudi]] daily in 1920 with the assistance of his son, [[K. Sukumaran]].<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" /> His early journalistic articles were published in ''Sujananadini'', run by [[:ml:പരവൂർ വി. കേശവനാശാൻ|Paravoor Kesavan Asan]] , where he became a sub-editor in due course and wrote poems and articles, mostly on social affairs.<ref name="C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi">{{Cite web |url=https://www.veethi.com/india-people/c._v._kunhiraman-profile-5618-22.htm |title=C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi |date=2019-04-20 |website=veethi.com |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref>
Kunhiraman was born on 6 February 1871 at [[Mayyanad]] in [[Kollam district]] of the south Indian state of [[Kerala]] to Vasudevan of Njarakkal house, an astrologer and magician, and Kunjichali of Kallumpurathu house.<ref name="Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman">{{Cite web |url=https://www.keralapscgk.com/2017/11/kerala-psc-leaders-of-renaissance-in_70.html |title=Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman |last=Nair |first=Santhosh |date=2019-04-20 |website=keralapscgk.com |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref> After early education at Mayyanad L. M. S. School, he joined the Government High School, Kollam but had to discontinue studies after 8th standard and started his career at the Forest department in 1893 as a clerk during which time he resumed his studies to pass the teachers' examination to become a teacher in 1894 at Vellamanal School, Mayyanad.<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/CVKunhiraman/Html/CVKunhuramangraphy.htm |title=Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |date=2019-04-20 |website=Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref> He taught at a number of schools at Kollam, [[Kadakkavoor]], Kayikkara and [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] before returning to Vellamanal school by which time he had passed the lawyers' examination and resigned from the school in 1913 to take up the career of a lawyer by practising at the Magistrate Court at Paravur. In between, he founded ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'' daily in 1911 and later, he shifted his base to Kollam, after quitting his career as a lawyer, resuscitated ''Kerala Kaumudi'' daily in 1920 with the assistance of his son, [[K. Sukumaran (journalist)|K. Sukumaran]].<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" /> His early journalistic articles were published in ''Sujananadini'', run by [[:ml:പരവൂർ വി. കേശവനാശാൻ|Paravoor Kesavan Asan]], where he became a sub-editor in due course and wrote poems and articles, mostly on social affairs.<ref name="C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi">{{Cite web |url=https://www.veethi.com/india-people/c._v._kunhiraman-profile-5618-22.htm |title=C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi |date=2019-04-20 |website=veethi.com |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref>


Kunhiraman was married to Kunjikkavu<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" /> and the couple had two sons, [[K. Sukumaran]] and K.Damodaran and a daughter, Vasanthi, who was married to [[C. Kesavan]], former chief minister of [[Travancore-Cochin]].<ref name="DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF EX-CM C KESAVAN OBSERVED">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ezhavainternational.com/2015/07/death-anniversary-of-ex-cm-c-kesavan.html |title=DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF EX-CM C KESAVAN OBSERVED |date=2019-04-21 |website=www.ezhavainternational.com |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> He died on April 10, 1949, at the age of 78.<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" />
Kunhiraman was married to Kunjikkavu<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" /> and the couple had two sons, K. Sukumaran and K. Damodaran and a daughter, Vasanthi, who was married to [[C. Kesavan]], former chief minister of [[Travancore-Cochin]].<ref name="DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF EX-CM C KESAVAN OBSERVED">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ezhavainternational.com/2015/07/death-anniversary-of-ex-cm-c-kesavan.html |title=DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF EX-CM C KESAVAN OBSERVED |date=2019-04-21 |website=www.ezhavainternational.com |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> He died on 10 April 1949 at the age of 78.<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
=== Kerala Kaumudi===
=== ''Kerala Kaumudi'' ===
To launch a newspaper of his own was his all time-dream. In 1911, C.V. launched [[Kerala Kaumudi]] as a weekly newspaper. He was the proprietor - editor, printer, publisher and even the proofreader! Started in 1911, in Mayyanad, it had grown over the years as one of the most influential dailies in [[Malayalam]]<ref name="NATARAJAN1955">{{cite book|author=J. NATARAJAN|title=History of Indian Journalism|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofindianj00nata|year=1955|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|isbn=978-81-230-2638-1|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historyofindianj00nata/page/320 320]–}}</ref> with 9 editions from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kollam]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Pathanamthitta]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kochi]], [[Thrissur]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Kannur]].<ref name="Kerala Kaumudi Online - About Us">{{Cite web |url=https://www.keralakaumudi.com/news |title=Kerala Kaumudi Online - About Us |last=Online |first=Kerala Kaumudi |date=2019-04-21 |website=www.keralakaumudi.com |language=ml |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref>
To launch a newspaper of his own was his all-time dream. In 1911, Kunhiraman launched ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'' as a weekly newspaper. He was the proprietor, editor, printer, publisher and even the proofreader. Started in 1911, in Mayyanad, it had grown over the years as one of the most influential dailies in [[Malayalam]]<ref name="NATARAJAN1955">{{cite book|author=J. NATARAJAN|title=History of Indian Journalism|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofindianj00nata|year=1955|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|oclc=1046590747|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historyofindianj00nata/page/320 320]}} {{isbn|978-81-230-2638-1}}</ref> with nine editions from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kollam]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Pathanamthitta]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kochi]], [[Thrissur]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Kannur]].<ref name="Kerala Kaumudi Online - About Us">{{Cite web |url=https://www.keralakaumudi.com/news |title=Kerala Kaumudi Online - About Us |last=Online |first=Kerala Kaumudi |date=2019-04-21 |website=www.keralakaumudi.com |language=ml |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref>


=== Other journalistic contributions ===
=== Other journalistic contributions ===
Kunhiraman was also the editor of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Kathamalika, [[Yukthivadi]], Navasakthi and Vivekodayam. He had the rare distinction in [[Malayalam]] journalism being the founder of [[Kerala Kaumudi]] and founder editor of Malayalarajyam. He had been on the editorial board of Malayala Rajyam, Navajeevan, Navasakthi, [[Malayala Manorama]], [[Bhashaposhini]], Kathamalika, Vivekodayam and Yuktivadi.<ref name="C.V. Kunhuraman (1871-1949)">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/Profile.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908174940/http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/Profile.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-09-08 |title=C.V. Kunhuraman (1871-1949) |last=Sreevarahom Balakrishnan |date=2007-09-08 |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref>
Kunhiraman was also the editor of ''[[Malayalarajyam]], Navajeevan, Kathamalika, [[Yukthivadi]], Navasakthi'' and ''[[Vivekodayam]]''. He had the rare distinction in [[Malayalam]] journalism being the founder of ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'' and founder editor of ''Malayalarajyam''. He had been on the editorial board of ''Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Navasakthi, [[Malayala Manorama]], [[Bhashaposhini]], Kathamalika, Vivekodayam'' and ''Yukthivadi''.<ref name="C.V. Kunhuraman (1871-1949)">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/Profile.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908174940/http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/Profile.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-09-08 |title=C.V. Kunhuraman (1871-1949) |last=Sreevarahom Balakrishnan |date=2007-09-08 |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref>


=== Literary contributions ===
=== Literary contributions ===
Kunhiraman's oeuvre comprises 14 books, covering the genres of novel, short story, poetry, biography and other works including the condensed versions of [[Mahabharata]] and [[Ramayana]],<ref name="List of works">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/CVKunhiraman/Html/CVKunhiramanBooks.htm |title=List of works |date=2019-04-21 |website=Kerala Sahitya Akademi |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> of which ''Valmiki Ramayanam'', a prose rendering of the epic, was his first work to come out in print, in 1901, followed by ''Vyasabharatam'', ''Panchavadi'' and other works. This include four novels, a short story anthropology, a book of poetry and his reminiscences of [[Kumaran Asan]].<ref name="List of works" />
Kunhiraman's oeuvre comprises 14 books, covering the genres of novel, short story, poetry, biography and other works including the condensed versions of ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and ''[[Ramayana]]'',<ref name="List of works">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/CVKunhiraman/Html/CVKunhiramanBooks.htm |title=List of works |date=2019-04-21 |website=Kerala Sahitya Akademi |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> of which ''Valmiki Ramayanam'', a prose rendering of the epic, was his first work to come out in print, in 1901, followed by ''Vyasabharatam'', ''Panchavadi'' and other works. This include four novels, a short story anthropology, a book of poetry and his reminiscences of [[Kumaran Asan]].<ref name="List of works" />


=== Social activities ===
=== Social activities ===
Kunhiraman was a close associate of [[Narayana Guru]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/|title=Welcome to C.V. Kunhuraman.com|website=www.cvkunhuraman.com|access-date=2017-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703034652/http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/|archive-date=3 July 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and an active participant in the intellectual and social activities of [[Sivagiri Mutt]].<ref name="Social Uplift">{{Cite web |url=http://www.sreenarayanaguru.in/book/export/html/586 |title=Social Uplift |website=www.sreenarayanaguru.in |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> He was one of the leaders of the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]], a social protest against [[untouchability]], centred around the [[Vaikom Temple|Shiva temple at Vaikom]] during 1924–25.<ref name="Perry">{{cite book|author=Richard Perry|title=At the turn of the tide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bu5DleCmksAC&pg=PA124|publisher=Lakshmi Raghunandan|pages=124–|id=GGKEY:A9UEU5JTT0P}}</ref> He continued to be a part of the agitation which resulted in the [[Temple Entry Proclamation]] of 1936.<ref name="Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman" /> He was a part of the [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam]] and served as its general secretary during 1928–29 and 1931–32.<ref name="Sree Narayana.com ... My Guru My Lord">{{Cite web |url=http://sreenarayana.com/Sndp_Yogam_General_Secretaries.html |title=Sree Narayana.com ... My Guru My Lord |website=sreenarayana.com |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Raman2010">{{cite book|author=K. Ravi Raman|title=Development, Democracy and the State: Critiquing the Kerala Model of Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CF2LAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT89|date=14 April 2010|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-15005-1|pages=89–}}</ref> He started a school for low caste Hindus at Vellamanal, Mayyanad, Quilon and became its headmaster.<ref name="C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi" /> He was also a member of the [[Sree Moolam Popular Assembly]].<ref name="Kunhiraman CV - Kerala Media Academy">{{Cite web |url=http://archive.keralamediaacademy.org/tags/kunhiraman-cv |title=Kunhiraman CV - Kerala Media Academy |date=2019-04-01 |website=archive.keralamediaacademy.org |access-date=2019-04-01 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401080946/http://archive.keralamediaacademy.org/tags/kunhiraman-cv |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Kunhiraman was a close associate of [[Narayana Guru]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/|title=Welcome to C.V. Kunhuraman.com|website=www.cvkunhuraman.com|access-date=2017-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703034652/http://www.cvkunhuraman.com/|archive-date=3 July 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and an active participant in the intellectual and social activities of [[Sivagiri Mutt]].<ref name="Social Uplift">{{Cite web |url=http://www.sreenarayanaguru.in/book/export/html/586 |title=Social Uplift |website=www.sreenarayanaguru.in |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> He was one of the leaders of the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]], a social protest against [[untouchability]], centred around the [[Vaikom Temple|Shiva temple at Vaikom]] during 1924–25.<ref name="Perry">{{cite book|author=Richard Perry|title=At the turn of the tide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bu5DleCmksAC&pg=PA124|publisher=Lakshmi Raghunandan|pages=124–|id=GGKEY:A9UEU5JTT0P}}</ref> He continued to be a part of the agitation which resulted in the [[Temple Entry Proclamation]] of 1936.<ref name="Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman" /> He was a part of the [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam]] and served as its general secretary during 1928–29 and 1931–32.<ref name="Sree Narayana.com ... My Guru My Lord">{{Cite web |url=http://sreenarayana.com/Sndp_Yogam_General_Secretaries.html |title=Sree Narayana.com ... My Guru My Lord |website=sreenarayana.com |access-date=2019-04-21 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410140750/http://sreenarayana.com/Sndp_Yogam_General_Secretaries.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Raman2010">{{cite book|author=K. Ravi Raman|title=Development, Democracy and the State: Critiquing the Kerala Model of Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CF2LAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT89|date=14 April 2010|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-15005-1|pages=89–}}</ref> He started a school for low caste Hindus at Vellamanal, Mayyanad, Quilon and became its headmaster.<ref name="C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi" /> He was also a member of the [[Sree Moolam Popular Assembly]].<ref name="Kunhiraman CV - Kerala Media Academy">{{Cite web |url=http://archive.keralamediaacademy.org/tags/kunhiraman-cv |title=Kunhiraman CV - Kerala Media Academy |date=2019-04-01 |website=archive.keralamediaacademy.org |access-date=2019-04-01 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401080946/http://archive.keralamediaacademy.org/tags/kunhiraman-cv |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Honours ==
== Honours ==
C. V. Kunhiraman Foundation, an eponymous organization which had [[O. N. V. Kurup]] as the founder chairman,<ref name="The Hindu : C. V. Kunhiraman foundation to be formed">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2001/09/12/stories/0412404q.htm |website=[[The Hindu]] |title=C. V. Kunhiraman foundation to be formed |date=2001-09-12 |access-date=2019-04-20}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> have instituted an annual award, C. V. Kunhiraman Literary Award,<ref name="Changder">{{cite book|author=Mr Narayan Changder|title=One lakh current affairs MCQ's BOOK: GK and CA|date=January 2020|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MXiQDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA307|publisher=Changder Outline|pages=307–|id=GGKEY:CU2J8JHRU5E}}</ref> to recognize excellence in [[Malayalam literature]]<ref name="Poet Sugathakumari bags CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize">{{Cite web |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/books/books-news/poet-sugathakumari-bags-cv-kunhiraman-literary-prize--1.3683279 |title=Poet Sugathakumari bags CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref> and [[M. Sukumaran]], the writer,<ref name="M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize">{{Cite web |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/m-sukumaran-chosen-for-cv-kunhiraman-literary-prize-1458617052-1 |title=M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize |date=2016-03-22 |website=Jagranjosh.com |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> and [[Sugathakumari]], the noted poet, feature among the recipients of the award which carries a purse of {{INR}}&nbsp;10,001, a citation and a statuette designed by noted artists, B. D. Dathan.<ref name="Honour for Sugathakumari">{{Cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/mar/26/honour-for-sugathakumari-1955845.html |title=Honour for Sugathakumari |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref>
C. V. Kunhiraman Foundation, an eponymous organisation which had [[O. N. V. Kurup]] as the founder chairman,<ref name="The Hindu : C. V. Kunhiraman foundation to be formed">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2001/09/12/stories/0412404q.htm |website=[[The Hindu]] |title=C. V. Kunhiraman foundation to be formed |date=2001-09-12 |access-date=2019-04-20}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> has instituted an annual award, C. V. Kunhiraman Literary Award,<ref name="Changder">{{cite book|author=Mr Narayan Changder|title=One lakh current affairs MCQ's BOOK: GK and CA|date=January 2020|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MXiQDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA307|publisher=Changder Outline|pages=307–|id=GGKEY:CU2J8JHRU5E}}</ref> to recognise excellence in [[Malayalam literature]],<ref name="Poet Sugathakumari bags CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize">{{Cite web |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/books/books-news/poet-sugathakumari-bags-cv-kunhiraman-literary-prize--1.3683279 |title=Poet Sugathakumari bags CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize |website=Mathrubhumi |language=en |access-date=2019-04-20 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420181204/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/books/books-news/poet-sugathakumari-bags-cv-kunhiraman-literary-prize--1.3683279 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[M. Sukumaran]], the writer,<ref name="M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize">{{Cite web |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/m-sukumaran-chosen-for-cv-kunhiraman-literary-prize-1458617052-1 |title=M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize |date=2016-03-22 |website=Jagranjosh.com |access-date=2019-04-21}}</ref> and [[Sugathakumari]], the noted poet, feature among the recipients of the award which carries a purse of {{INR}}&nbsp;10,001, a citation and a statuette designed by noted artist B. D. Dathan.<ref name="Honour for Sugathakumari">{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/mar/26/honour-for-sugathakumari-1955845.html |title=Honour for Sugathakumari |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref>


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
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* ''Unniyarcha, Oru Pdanam'' (essay)
* ''Unniyarcha, Oru Pdanam'' (essay)
* ''Chekavar'' (essay)
* ''Chekavar'' (essay)
* ''Radharani'' (Novel)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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* [[Ayyathan Gopalan]]
* [[Ayyathan Gopalan]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
{{Portal|India|Literature}}


 
=== Other social reformers of Kerala ===
== See Also (Social reformers of Kerala) ==


* [[Narayana Guru|Sree Narayana Guru]]
* [[Narayana Guru|Sree Narayana Guru]]

Latest revision as of 01:51, 5 December 2025


C. V. Kunhiraman
Born(1871-02-06)6 February 1871
Mayyanad, Kollam, Kerala, India
Died10 April 1949(1949-04-10) (aged 78)
Occupation
  • Social reformer
  • Journalist
Known for
Spouse(s)Kunjikkavu
Children3, including K. Sukumaran (son)
RelativesC. Kesavan (son-in-law)

Template:Reformation in Kerala

C. V. Kunhiraman (6 February 1871 – 10 April 1949) was an Indian social reformer, journalist and the founder of Kerala Kaumudi daily. A follower of Sree Narayana Guru, Kunhiraman was the author of a number of books covering the genres of novels, short story, poetry, biographies and essays. He was one of the leaders involved in the Vaikom Satyagraha of Reformation movement in Kerala which led to the Temple Entry Proclamation.[1]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Kunhiraman was born on 6 February 1871 at Mayyanad in Kollam district of the south Indian state of Kerala to Vasudevan of Njarakkal house, an astrologer and magician, and Kunjichali of Kallumpurathu house.[2] After early education at Mayyanad L. M. S. School, he joined the Government High School, Kollam but had to discontinue studies after 8th standard and started his career at the Forest department in 1893 as a clerk during which time he resumed his studies to pass the teachers' examination to become a teacher in 1894 at Vellamanal School, Mayyanad.[3] He taught at a number of schools at Kollam, Kadakkavoor, Kayikkara and Paravur before returning to Vellamanal school by which time he had passed the lawyers' examination and resigned from the school in 1913 to take up the career of a lawyer by practising at the Magistrate Court at Paravur. In between, he founded Kerala Kaumudi daily in 1911 and later, he shifted his base to Kollam, after quitting his career as a lawyer, resuscitated Kerala Kaumudi daily in 1920 with the assistance of his son, K. Sukumaran.[3] His early journalistic articles were published in Sujananadini, run by Paravoor Kesavan Asan, where he became a sub-editor in due course and wrote poems and articles, mostly on social affairs.[4]

Kunhiraman was married to Kunjikkavu[3] and the couple had two sons, K. Sukumaran and K. Damodaran and a daughter, Vasanthi, who was married to C. Kesavan, former chief minister of Travancore-Cochin.[5] He died on 10 April 1949 at the age of 78.[3]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Kerala Kaumudi[edit | edit source]

To launch a newspaper of his own was his all-time dream. In 1911, Kunhiraman launched Kerala Kaumudi as a weekly newspaper. He was the proprietor, editor, printer, publisher and even the proofreader. Started in 1911, in Mayyanad, it had grown over the years as one of the most influential dailies in Malayalam[6] with nine editions from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.[7]

Other journalistic contributions[edit | edit source]

Kunhiraman was also the editor of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Kathamalika, Yukthivadi, Navasakthi and Vivekodayam. He had the rare distinction in Malayalam journalism being the founder of Kerala Kaumudi and founder editor of Malayalarajyam. He had been on the editorial board of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Navasakthi, Malayala Manorama, Bhashaposhini, Kathamalika, Vivekodayam and Yukthivadi.[8]

Literary contributions[edit | edit source]

Kunhiraman's oeuvre comprises 14 books, covering the genres of novel, short story, poetry, biography and other works including the condensed versions of Mahabharata and Ramayana,[9] of which Valmiki Ramayanam, a prose rendering of the epic, was his first work to come out in print, in 1901, followed by Vyasabharatam, Panchavadi and other works. This include four novels, a short story anthropology, a book of poetry and his reminiscences of Kumaran Asan.[9]

Social activities[edit | edit source]

Kunhiraman was a close associate of Narayana Guru[10] and an active participant in the intellectual and social activities of Sivagiri Mutt.[11] He was one of the leaders of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a social protest against untouchability, centred around the Shiva temple at Vaikom during 1924–25.[12] He continued to be a part of the agitation which resulted in the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936.[2] He was a part of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam and served as its general secretary during 1928–29 and 1931–32.[13][14] He started a school for low caste Hindus at Vellamanal, Mayyanad, Quilon and became its headmaster.[4] He was also a member of the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly.[15]

Honours[edit | edit source]

C. V. Kunhiraman Foundation, an eponymous organisation which had O. N. V. Kurup as the founder chairman,[16] has instituted an annual award, C. V. Kunhiraman Literary Award,[17] to recognise excellence in Malayalam literature,[18] and M. Sukumaran, the writer,[19] and Sugathakumari, the noted poet, feature among the recipients of the award which carries a purse of ₹ 10,001, a citation and a statuette designed by noted artist B. D. Dathan.[20]

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Oru Noottandinu Munpu (short stories)
  • Shree karthikodayam (poetry)
  • Panchavadi (novel)
  • Ragaparinamam (novel)
  • Sreekovil (novel)
  • Somanathan (novel)
  • Njan (memoirs)
  • Asan Smaranakal (biography)
  • Valmiki Ramayanam (condensed prose)
  • Vysabharatham (condensed prose)
  • Sree Narayana Smruthi (reminiscences)
  • Thiruvithamkoor Ezhava Rashtriya Mahasabha Adhyaksha Prasangam (speech)
  • Unniyarcha, Oru Pdanam (essay)
  • Chekavar (essay)
  • Radharani (Novel)

See also[edit | edit source]

Other social reformers of Kerala[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "C V Kunjuraman – Nastik Nation".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Nair, Santhosh (20 April 2019). "Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala - C V Kunhiraman". keralapscgk.com. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal". Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal. 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "C. V. Kunhiraman on Veethi". veethi.com. 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  5. ↑ "DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF EX-CM C KESAVAN OBSERVED". www.ezhavainternational.com. 21 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  6. ↑ J. NATARAJAN (1955). History of Indian Journalism. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. pp. 320. OCLC 1046590747. ISBN 978-81-230-2638-1
  7. ↑ Online, Kerala Kaumudi (21 April 2019). "Kerala Kaumudi Online - About Us". www.keralakaumudi.com (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  8. ↑ Sreevarahom Balakrishnan (8 September 2007). "C.V. Kunhuraman (1871-1949)". Archived from the original on 8 September 2007. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "List of works". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 21 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  10. ↑ "Welcome to C.V. Kunhuraman.com". www.cvkunhuraman.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  11. ↑ "Social Uplift". www.sreenarayanaguru.in. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  12. ↑ Richard Perry. At the turn of the tide. Lakshmi Raghunandan. pp. 124–. GGKEY:A9UEU5JTT0P.
  13. ↑ "Sree Narayana.com ... My Guru My Lord". sreenarayana.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  14. ↑ K. Ravi Raman (14 April 2010). Development, Democracy and the State: Critiquing the Kerala Model of Development. Routledge. pp. 89–. ISBN 978-1-135-15005-1.
  15. ↑ "Kunhiraman CV - Kerala Media Academy". archive.keralamediaacademy.org. 1 April 2019. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  16. ↑ "C. V. Kunhiraman foundation to be formed". The Hindu. 12 September 2001. Retrieved 20 April 2019.[dead link]
  17. ↑ Mr Narayan Changder (January 2020). One lakh current affairs MCQ's BOOK: GK and CA. Changder Outline. pp. 307–. GGKEY:CU2J8JHRU5E.
  18. ↑ "Poet Sugathakumari bags CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  19. ↑ "M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize". Jagranjosh.com. 22 March 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  20. ↑ "Honour for Sugathakumari". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 April 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

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