MALAYALAM
Biographical novel
K. KUNHIKRISHNAN
DAIVAGURUVINTE OZHIVU KAALAM: P. Mohanan; DC Books, DC Kizhakemuri Edam, Good Shepherd Street, Kottayam-686001. Rs. 80.
KUNCHAN NAMBIAR (1705-70) was the satirist par excellence that Malayalam literature ever had. With lively humour and knowledge of contemporary life, he created a new and simple form of performing art called “Thullal”. With its style of simple verse and background music and dance-like movements, Thullal weaned audiences from traditional Koothu performances of the Chakiars in Ambalappuzha temple.
Born in Killikkurissimangalam in Palakkad district, Kunjan Nambiar spent most of his life in palaces. It was in Ambalappuzha, the then capital of Chempakasseri kingdom, under Devanarayana Raja, that he spent a major part of his life.
The book is a commendable work of fiction, profiling the life of Kunchan Nambiar, also referred to as Ramapanivadan, because of his Sanskrit writings. It portrays with meticulous detail the social and cultural history of the period and traces his childhood in his native village, and the tumultuous journey he undertook with his maternal uncle to the south, his life in the palace, separation from his uncle and the illicit relationship with the queen.
The narrative technique is absorbing as it delves deep into the psyche of the main character. However, the chapter relating to the story of Buddha has not really jelled well with the main plot.
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