Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian poet (1864–1913)}}
{{about|the Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar|the Malayalam film actor and Kathakali artist|Kunjikkuttan Thampuran (actor)}}
{{about|the Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar|the Malayalam film actor and Kathakali artist|Kunjikkuttan Thampuran (actor)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}


'''Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran''' (1864 - 1914) also transliterated as ''Kotungallur Kunhikkuttan Thampuran'',  was a [[Malayalam]] poet and [[Sanskrit]] scholar lived in [[Kerala]], [[India]]. His birth-name was '''Rama Varma'''.  He is famous for his single-handed, word-by-word translation of entire [[Mahabharata]] within 874 days. He is commonly known as '''Kerala Vyasa''', meaning [[Vyasa]] of [[Kerala]].
{{Infobox person
| name              = Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran
| image              = Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran.png
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1864|9|8}}
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|1913|1|22|1864|9|8}}
}}


==Birth ==
'''Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran'''{{efn|also transliterated as Kotungallur Kunhikkuttan Thampuran}} (1864 - 1914) was a [[Malayalam]] poet and prominent [[Sanskrit]] scholar of [[Kerala]]. His birth-name was '''Rama Varma'''. He is famous for his single-handed, word-by-word translation of entire [[Mahabharata]] within 874 days for which he gained the epithet '''Kerala Vyasa''' ({{literally|the [[Vyasa|Vyāsa]] of Kerala}}).
Born on 18 September 1864 (i.e., [[Malayalam era]] 1040 Kanni 4.).<ref>A.D. Harisarma (Introduction to NBS second edition). Mahakavi Kunhikuttan Thampuran: Jiivitavum kritikaLum by Prof. K. Sivarama Menon, published by The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. Calicut (1989)</ref>  His father was [[Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad]] and mother was Kunjippilla Thampuratti.  In his childhood he was known by his nickname "Kunjikkuttan".


==Life ==
== Birth ==
His family teacher, Valappil Unni Ashaan was his first teacher.  Later he studied under Moonnaamkoor Godavarma Thampuran.  He learned [[Tarka Shastra]] from Vidwan Kunhirama Varman Thampuran and [[Jyothisha]] from Valiya Kochunni Thampuran. He started writing poetry in ME 1047. At the age of 16, turned full-time to writing poetry. Started in Sanskrit. Turned to writing poetry in Malayalam under the influence of Venmani Achan and Venmani Mahan. He married Kodungallur Koippalli Pappiyamma at his age of 21.  In ME 1062, at his age of 22, his first book "Kavibharatam" was published.<ref>Pallippattu Kunjukrishnan; Mahachcharitha Samgraha sagaram, The great Indians- A biographical Dictionary; Vol V. Minarva Press, 1967.</ref> At his age of 39, when Pappiyamma died, he married [[Thrissur]] Kizhakke Srambil Kuttipparu Amma.  Later he married Sridevithampuratti of [[Zamorin]] family. In 1914 January 22 (i.e. on Makaram 10th of ME 1088), at his age of 49, he died.
He was born on 18 September 1864 (i.e., [[Malayalam era]] 1040 Kanni 4).<ref>A.D. Harisarma (Introduction to NBS second edition). Mahakavi Kunhikuttan Thampuran: Jiivitavum kritikaLum by Prof. K. Sivarama Menon, published by The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. Calicut (1989)</ref>  His father was [[Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad]] and his mother was Kunjippilla Thampuratti. During his childhood, he was known by the nickname "Kunjikkuttan".{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}
 
== Life ==
His family tutor, Valappil Unni Ashaan, was his first teacher.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} Later, he studied under Moonnaamkoor Godavarma Thampuran.  He learned [[Tarka Shastra]] from Vidwan Kunhirama Varman Thampuran and [[Jyothisha]] from Valiya Kochunni Thampuran. He started writing poetry in ME 1047. At the age of 16, turned full-time to writing poetry. Started in Sanskrit. Turned to writing poetry in Malayalam under the influence of Venmani Achan and Venmani Mahan. He married Kodungallur Koippalli Pappiyamma at his age of 21.  In ME 1062, at his age of 22, his first book "Kavibharatam" was published.<ref>Pallippattu Kunjukrishnan; Mahachcharitha Samgraha sagaram, The great Indians- A biographical Dictionary; Vol V. Minarva Press, 1967.</ref> At his age of 39, when Pappiyamma died, he married [[Thrissur]] Vadakke kuruppath(Kizhakke Srambil) Kuttipparu Amma.  Later he married Sridevithampuratti of [[Zamorin]] family. In 1914 January 22 (i.e. on Makaram 10th of ME 1088), at his age of 49, he died.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}


==Literary movements==
==Literary movements==
Kunjikkuttan Thampuran started two literary movements in Malayalam: '''Paccha Malayalam ''' (Pure Malayalam) and Puranetihasa Vivartanam (Translation of Itihasas and Puranas).
Kunjikkuttan Thampuran started two literary movements in Malayalam: '''Pacha Malayalam ''' (Pure Malayalam) and Puranetihasa Vivartanam (Translation of Itihasas and Puranas).{{citation needed|date= September 2022}}


===Paccha Malayalam Movement===
===Paccha Malayalam Movement===
Kunjikkuttan thampuran had too many scholar friends. Their meeting "Kavi Sammelanam" was also famous. They started writing poems in pure Malayalam, avoiding the over influence of [[Sanskrit]]. This movement came to be known as "Paccha Malayalam" Movement.
Kunjikkuttan Thampuran had many scholar friends. Their meetings, called "Kavi Sammelanam", were also famous. They began writing poems in pure Malayalam, avoiding the excessive influence of [[Sanskrit]]. This movement came to be known as the "Paccha Malayalam" Movement. {{citation needed|date=September 2022}}


===Translations===
===Translations===
He collected and studied the old scriptures of India. He has translated the entire [[Mahabharata]] within 874 days. In the Malayalam era of 1068, under the leadership of C.P. Achuta Menon, effort was taken to translate Mahabharata as [[kilippaattu]]. Advertisement appeared in the [[Malayala Manorama]] daily of ME 1068 Kanni 17. The plan was to finish the translation in five years. Whatever portion Kunhikkuttan Thampuran was assigned, he supposedly finished. But manuscript not found.
He collected and studied the ancient scriptures of India. He translated the entire [[Mahabharata]] within 874 days. In the Malayalam Era year 1068, under the leadership of C. P. Achuta Menon, an effort was made to translate the Mahabharata as [[kilippaattu]]. An advertisement appeared in the [[Malayala Manorama]] daily on ME 1068, Kanni 17. The plan was to finish the translation in five years. Whatever portion Kunhikkuttan Thampuran was assigned, he supposedly completed. However, the manuscript was never found. {{citation needed|date=September 2022}}
 
After 8–10 years Katatthanaattu Udayavarman Thampuran started the effort to translate Bharata Manjari by [[Kshemendra]]. Kunhikkuttan Thampuran finished Drona Parva. Effort unfinished due to the death of Udayavarman Thampuran. Work finished up to Santi Parva.
After 8 to 10 years, Katatthanaattu Udayavarman Thampuran began an effort to translate Bharata Manjari by [[Kshemendra]]. Kunhikkuttan Thampuran completed the Drona Parva. The effort remained unfinished due to the death of Udayavarman Thampuran. The work was completed up to the Santi Parva. {{citation needed|date=September 2022}}
Kunhikkuttan Thampuran started translation single handedly on ME 1079 Metam 25. He planned to translate 50 slokas a day, during one yaama (till 9 o'clock), so that the work can be finished in 4–5 years. As he started translating, speed increased up to 150 slokas in one yaama. Translation completed on ME 1082 Kanni 12 (874 days). This was a metre-by-metre translation. He has been truthful to even broken metres in the original.
 
Kunhikkuttan Thampuran started the translation single-handedly on ME 1079, Metam 25. He planned to translate 50 slokas a day during one yaama (until 9 o'clock), so that the work could be finished in 4 to 5 years. As he continued translating, his speed increased to up to 150 slokas in one yaama. The translation was completed on ME 1082, Kanni 12 (874 days). This was a metre-by-metre translation. He remained faithful even to broken metres in the original. {{citation needed|date=September 2022}}


==Works ==
== Works ==
14 in Sanskrit. In Malayalam: 18 poems, 11 Ruupakams, 16 Gathas, 38 Khanda Kaavya, 3 in health, grammar, 18 translations.
14 in Sanskrit. In Malayalam: 18 poems, 11 Ruupakams, 16 Gathas, 38 Khanda Kaavya, 3 in health, grammar, 18 translations.


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* ''Ghoshayathra''
* ''Ghoshayathra''


===Poems ===
=== Poems ===
* ''Ayoddhyakandham''
* ''Ayoddhyakandham''
* ''Athmabodham Pana''
* ''Athmabodham Pana''
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* ''Kodungallur Bhagavati Kurathippattu''
* ''Kodungallur Bhagavati Kurathippattu''


===Translations ===
=== Translations ===
*[[Mahabharata]] as [[Bhasha Bharatam]]
*''[[Mahabharata]]'' as ''Bhasha Bharatam''
**[[Bhagavad Gita]] as [[Bhasha Bhagavad Gita]]
**''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' as ''Bhasha Bhagavad Gita''
*[[Kadambari]]
*''[[Kadambari]]''
* [[Vikramorvashiyam]]
* ''[[Vikramorvashiyam]]''
* [[Shukasandesham]]
* ''Shukasandesham''


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/kkkt.html Kunhikkuttan Thampuran - Basic Information]
* [[iarchive:vyasamahabharatham-gadyam-padyam/srimahabharatham-kunjikuttan-thampurnan-vol2/page/n33/mode/2up|''Bhasha Bharatam'' (or ''Shri Mahabharatam'') in Malayalam]] by Kodungallur Kunjikuttan Thampuran
* [http://kktmgovtcollege.tripod.com/ College by Kerala Government]
* ''[https://ia801909.us.archive.org/2/items/sreyas-ebooks/bhasha-bhagavad-gita-janathaykku.pdf Bhasha Bhagavadgita]'' by Kodungallur Kunjikuttan Thampuran
* [http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/kkkt.html Kunhikkuttan Thampuran - Basic information]


== References ==
== References ==
<references/>
{{Notelist}}<references/>


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
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[[Category:Writers from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Writers from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Malayalam poets]]
[[Category:Malayalam poets]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language writers]]
[[Category:Poets from Kerala]]
[[Category:Poets from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]

Latest revision as of 20:00, 25 March 2026


Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran
Born(1864-09-08)September 8, 1864
DiedJanuary 22, 1913(1913-01-22) (aged 48)

Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran[lower-alpha 1] (1864 - 1914) was a Malayalam poet and prominent Sanskrit scholar of Kerala. His birth-name was Rama Varma. He is famous for his single-handed, word-by-word translation of entire Mahabharata within 874 days for which he gained the epithet Kerala Vyasa (lit. 'the Vyāsa of Kerala').

Birth[edit | edit source]

He was born on 18 September 1864 (i.e., Malayalam era 1040 Kanni 4).[1] His father was Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad and his mother was Kunjippilla Thampuratti. During his childhood, he was known by the nickname "Kunjikkuttan".[citation needed]

Life[edit | edit source]

His family tutor, Valappil Unni Ashaan, was his first teacher.[citation needed] Later, he studied under Moonnaamkoor Godavarma Thampuran. He learned Tarka Shastra from Vidwan Kunhirama Varman Thampuran and Jyothisha from Valiya Kochunni Thampuran. He started writing poetry in ME 1047. At the age of 16, turned full-time to writing poetry. Started in Sanskrit. Turned to writing poetry in Malayalam under the influence of Venmani Achan and Venmani Mahan. He married Kodungallur Koippalli Pappiyamma at his age of 21. In ME 1062, at his age of 22, his first book "Kavibharatam" was published.[2] At his age of 39, when Pappiyamma died, he married Thrissur Vadakke kuruppath(Kizhakke Srambil) Kuttipparu Amma. Later he married Sridevithampuratti of Zamorin family. In 1914 January 22 (i.e. on Makaram 10th of ME 1088), at his age of 49, he died.[citation needed]

Literary movements[edit | edit source]

Kunjikkuttan Thampuran started two literary movements in Malayalam: Pacha Malayalam (Pure Malayalam) and Puranetihasa Vivartanam (Translation of Itihasas and Puranas).[citation needed]

Paccha Malayalam Movement[edit | edit source]

Kunjikkuttan Thampuran had many scholar friends. Their meetings, called "Kavi Sammelanam", were also famous. They began writing poems in pure Malayalam, avoiding the excessive influence of Sanskrit. This movement came to be known as the "Paccha Malayalam" Movement. [citation needed]

Translations[edit | edit source]

He collected and studied the ancient scriptures of India. He translated the entire Mahabharata within 874 days. In the Malayalam Era year 1068, under the leadership of C. P. Achuta Menon, an effort was made to translate the Mahabharata as kilippaattu. An advertisement appeared in the Malayala Manorama daily on ME 1068, Kanni 17. The plan was to finish the translation in five years. Whatever portion Kunhikkuttan Thampuran was assigned, he supposedly completed. However, the manuscript was never found. [citation needed]

After 8 to 10 years, Katatthanaattu Udayavarman Thampuran began an effort to translate Bharata Manjari by Kshemendra. Kunhikkuttan Thampuran completed the Drona Parva. The effort remained unfinished due to the death of Udayavarman Thampuran. The work was completed up to the Santi Parva. [citation needed]

Kunhikkuttan Thampuran started the translation single-handedly on ME 1079, Metam 25. He planned to translate 50 slokas a day during one yaama (until 9 o'clock), so that the work could be finished in 4 to 5 years. As he continued translating, his speed increased to up to 150 slokas in one yaama. The translation was completed on ME 1082, Kanni 12 (874 days). This was a metre-by-metre translation. He remained faithful even to broken metres in the original. [citation needed]

Works[edit | edit source]

14 in Sanskrit. In Malayalam: 18 poems, 11 Ruupakams, 16 Gathas, 38 Khanda Kaavya, 3 in health, grammar, 18 translations.

  • Kavibharatam
  • Ambopadesham
  • Dakshayaga Satakam
  • Nalla Bhasha
  • Thuppal Kolampi
  • Palulli Charitham
  • Madirasi Yathra
  • Krithirathna Panchakam
  • Kamsan
  • Keralam - Onnam Bhagam
  • Dronacharyar (incomplete)
  • Nalacharitam
  • Chandrika
  • Santhanagopalam
  • Seetha Svayamvaram
  • Ganga Vitharanam
  • Marthanda Vijayam (incomplete)
  • Madusoodana Vijayam
  • Ghoshayathra

Poems[edit | edit source]

  • Ayoddhyakandham
  • Athmabodham Pana
  • Pattabhishekam Pana
  • Doshavicharam Kilippattu
  • Radhamadhava Yogam Vanchippattu
  • Kodungallur Bhagavati Kurathippattu

Translations[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. also transliterated as Kotungallur Kunhikkuttan Thampuran
  1. A.D. Harisarma (Introduction to NBS second edition). Mahakavi Kunhikuttan Thampuran: Jiivitavum kritikaLum by Prof. K. Sivarama Menon, published by The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. Calicut (1989)
  2. Pallippattu Kunjukrishnan; Mahachcharitha Samgraha sagaram, The great Indians- A biographical Dictionary; Vol V. Minarva Press, 1967.