A R Rajarajavarma

A.R. Rajaraja Varma (1863-1918), the celebrated poet, critic and grammarian is known as Kerala Panini for his lasting contributions to Malayalam literature. He wrote books on grammar and rhetoric which earned him the title of Kerala Panini and eventually prepared the ground for an enlightened renaissance in Malayalam poetry and literary criticism. He is said to have inaugurated a new era in modern Malayalam poetry. Kerala Panineeyam is considered to be an authoritative work on Malayalam grammar. He was a rare blend of scholarship and creative talent and was the moving spirit behind the great literary renaissance in Kerala. He wrote widely in Sanskrit and Malayalam and his poetic works were influenced by the study of British romantic poets of the 19th century. His essays are fine examples of excellent prose and his name will be remembered as long as Malayalam survives. Ulloor S. Parameshwar Iyer, one of the Kavitryas has stated: “While others embellished the walls of the mansion of Malayalam literature with their paintings and drawings, A.R. Rajaraja Varma worked both on its foundation and dome and made it a long enduring and imposing structure for the benefit of the people of Kerala. His fame rests on this architectural accomplishment and is bound to last forever”.

1850 to 1950 was considered as the Golden period of Malayalam literature. It was during this period that stalwarts like Kerala Varma Valia Koyi Thampuran, A.R. Rajaraja Varma, O. Chandu Menon, C.V. Raman Pillai, Kumaran Asan, Ulloor S. Parameshwar Iyer and Vallathol Narayana Menon lived and produced great literature.

Rajaraja Varma’s important works are Kerala Panineeyam, Bhashabhooshanam, and Vritha Manjari and Sahitya Sahyam. Sabda Sodhini, Pradhama Vyakaranam, Madhyama Vyakaranam and Mani Deepika are the grammar books written by him. English-style punctuation to Malayalam was introduced through Vritha Manjari. Bhanga Vilapam and Malaya Vilasam are his poems. Malaya Vilasam can be considered as