IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES

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K

KALAMANDALAM KRISHNAN NAIR
Krishnan Nair is the most popular free-lance artiste in Kathakali. He learnt the rudimentary lessons of Kathakali under Guru Chandu Panickar. Vallathol brought
him to Kalamandalam and gave rigorous training in Kathakali under the famous
guru Pattikkaamthoti Ravunni Menon. He presented almost all characters in Kathakali. Krishnan Nair won Padmashree and Central Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award.

 

KAREEM ABDUL VALAIYA PRABIL

Born in 1961 at Kinasseri, Pokkunnu, Calciut. Son of Abu & Ayshabi.Wife: Khaulath Kareem Children: Khamil and Khamis.

After his graduation in Commerce from Gururvayurappan College, he joined in the transportation industry at Coimbatore and gained a working experience.Then he decided to move on to the IT field and set up his own business.With a noble vision to set up a world-class computer education for young undergraduate mass,at an affordable price,he started GTEC compuer education centres, all over South India. Now he owns more than 160 branches of GTEC computer education centres.GTEC is one of the fastest growing computer education institution, rapidly and successfully spreading its wings globally. His other business ventures are MUNDRA Middle East LLC and BLUE TECH Engg in Middle east countries.One of the major contributing factors for the success is Mr. Mehroof Manalody,the Managing Director of GTEC Computer Education.His intimate companions are Sudheesh George and Madhavan Unni.Kareem does lot of charity work and maintains a simple life.

 

KARUNAKARAN. C.O. (Dr.)
Born in 1893 (Medom 7, 1068-ME). Father: Umminikunju Channar. Moher: Comath Kunhiyamma. Dr.C.O.Karunakaran was a genius among physicians of Kerala. He passed MBBS with high rank in 1921. He continued higher studies at Cambridge University and obtained DTMH and DPH degrees. On his return to native place he was appointed as Health Officer of Thiruvananthapuram town in 1932. He was selected to Rock Feller Foundation Scholarship and again underwent higher studies. He developed vaccine for Small Pox and rabies vaccine indigenously with the limited facilities of Public Health Laboratory of Thiruvananthapuram. When Government decided to establish a Medical College at Thiruvananthapuram, Dr.Karunakaran was chosen as the Special Officer and he was appointed as the first Principal of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. From 1937 to 1966 he was a Syndicate Member of the University of Kerala. He was the Dean, Faculty of Medicine from 1960 to 1966. He died on November 30, 1970

 

KARUNAKARAN.K
Born in July 1918 at Kannur. Sri.K.Karunakaran is known as a firebrand in Kerala
politics. He successfully overcomes many tough situations in politics and rose to the central leadership of the Congress party. He entered politics through Indian National Congress and became its National leader.His political activities started through INTUC at Thrissur and later he became the Secretary of INTUC. He was the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly during 1968 with a back up of 9 M.L.As. He rose like phoenix and became Chief Minister of Kerala in 1977, 1981, 1982 and 1991. He was also the Minister for Industries of the Government of India in 1995. It was his ardent efforts that helped the re-vitalisation of the Congress party in the state. In 2004 he elected as the member of Rajya Sasbha. Consequent on the serious differences of opinion with the state leadership of the Congress party and Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr.Oommen Chandy, he resigned his membership from Parliament and formed a new party viz., Democratic Indiara Congress (Karunakaran) on 1st May 2005

 

KATTAKKAYAM (CHERIYAN MAPPILA)
Born on July 24, 1859. Father: Ulahannan Mappila. Mother: Siscili. Kattakkayam Cheriyan Mappila better known as Kattakkayam was a great poet and Sanskrit scholar. His early poems were published in a journal called Satyananda Kahalam. He has written plays on the temptation of Christ on the story of Oliver and Charlemagne and St. Thomas, the Apostle. His greatest work is SreeYesu Vijayam. Esther Charitham, Oliver Vijayam, Kalavathy, Asannamarana Chinthasathakom are his other important works. He died on November 29,1936.

 

KALYANI AMMA.B.
Born on 11 Kumbhom 1059 (ME). Kalyani Amma is the wife of Swadeshabhimani
Ramakrishna Pillai who was exiled from Travancore by the Maharajah of Travancore on account of his criticism against Diwan’s corruption and illegal activities. She suffered a lot being the wife of a courageous journalist. She was a notable litterateur also. Her important works: Vyazhavatta Smaranakal, Karmaphalam, Mahathikal, Atmakatha. She also translated a novel written by Rabindranatha Tagore.

 

KELAPPAN. K.
Born on September 9, 1889. Father: Karunakaran Nair. Mother: Kozhappally Kunjamma. Kelappaji was a leader of the people in all respects. He stood in the forefront of the national movement in India. He is known as Kerala Gandhi. He came to the scene through the Nair Service Society and the founder President of Nair Service Society. Later he was attracted to the national movement and became part and parcel of the movement. He was KPCC President and AICC member. He was also served as the editor of Mathrubhoomi daily. He was elected as Malabar District Board President in 1938. He experienced severe sufferings for the uplift of the harijans who were made slaves for centrueis. He gave leadership to the Vaikom and Guruvayoor Sathyagraha for temple entry of all classes of people. He also established a Rural Institute at Tavanur, Malappuram District (now Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology under Kerala Agricultural University) and Gandhi Home at Kozhikode. The eventful life of Kelappaji was a great source of information to understand the socio-political developments of the state. He died on October 6, 1971.

 

KERALA VARMA VALIYA KOI THAMPURAN
Born on February 19, 1845 at Changanassery. Kerala Varma Valiya Koi Thampuran was a great Malayalam scholar and poet. He is considered as the Emperor of Malayalam Letters. He translated Abhinjana Sakunthalam written by great poet Kalidasa from Sanskrit to Malayalam and thereafter he is known as Kerala Kalidasa. He was the Chairman of the Text Book Committee appointed by the erstwhile Travancore Government for the preparation of textbooks and preparation of curricula for the schools. Mayoora Sandesam, Mahacharitha Sangraham, Akbar are his famous works. He passed away in 1914.

 

KESAVA DEV.P.
Born in 1901. Kesavadev was a veteran novelist and playwright. He was always a rebel. He is known as leader of anti-establishment movement in literature and gave shape to a new culture in literature. He accepted intellectual rowdism as his ideology. Important works: Odayil Ninnu, Ayalkar, Kannadi. Died on 3 July 1983

 

KESAVAN.C.
Born on 1891 May 21 at Mayyanad, Kollam. Father: Kunchan. Mother: Chakki. C.Kesavan, Pattom Thanu Pillai and T.M.Varghese were the famous and powerful political trios of erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. He was a capable orgniser, great orator and political genius. C.Kesavan started his career as an advocate. In 1933 he was elected as the Secretary of S.N.D.P.Yogam. He was also the President of the State Congress. He gave leadership to the Nivarthana movement and imprisioned. He was arrested alleging as a traitor. When the court sentenced to imprison him for one year his immediate retortation was that he thought that he would be hanged for the charges. This comment provocated the prosecution and the Government filed appeal against the judgement before the High Court. The High Court increased the punishment to two years. He was inducted as Minister in the first Travancore Government led by Pattom Thanu Pillai. In 1951 he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin Government. As remarked by K.C.Mammen Mappila, C.Kesavan was the King of Travancore without a crown. He died on July 7, 1969.

 

KESAVA MENON.K.P.
Born on 1886. Father: Bheeman Achan. Mother: Meenakshy Nethyar of Palakkad Swaroopam. K.P.Kesava Menon is one of the famous leaders of Kerala has ever seen. He was an idealist who was true to his words and deeds. Persons like him were very rate in Kerala. He started practice as an advocate in Kozhikode after his studies in England. He actively participated in National Movement. He led Vaikom Sathyagraha and Guruvayoor Sathyagraha against untouchable and for temple entry to lower caste. He is the founder and was the Chief Editor of Mathrubhumi, the national daily in Malayalam. He wrote a dozen of books. He died in 1978.

 

KESAVA PILLAI.K.C.
Born on 3 February 1868. Father: Raman Pillai. Mother: Lekshmy Amma. Mahakavi Kesava Pillai ruled over the poetic kingdom even before the period of the poetic trio (Ulloor, Vallathol and Kumaranasan) in Kerala. Through his Kesaveeyam, he found an eternal place in the world of Malayalam poetry. He wrote many Attakatha (athakali poems/stories) and several poems. His literary works strongly influenced the next generation. His important works are Sadarama (drama), Kesaveeyem, Bhasha Narayaneeyam. His initials denote “Kanakku Chembakaraman”, an honorific title awarded by the Maharajah of Travancore. He died on 4 September 1913.

 

KESAVAN NAIR.P. (P.K.NAIR)

Born in 1953 at Palakkad. Father: Kiranghat Padmanabhan Nair. Mother: Puthaveetil Janaki Amma. P.K.Nair is the General Manager of Al Hugayet group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He belongs to famous Kiranghat family of Mundoor, Palakkad, Kerala. After earning his degree in Business Administration, he went for Saudi Arabia and has been there since 1981. He is the main source of strength for the progress and prosperity of the Al Hugayet business group He is the brother of P.Unnikrishnan, former Director (Administration) of Babha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay. He is an ardent believer in God and contributes liberally to many temples of Kerala and used to visit the temples in and around his native place on his holidays every year. Girija Kesavan is his wife. Vinayak Kiranghat and Uthara Kiranghat are his children

 

KESAVAN VAIDYAR, C.R.
Born in August 1905 at Ramapuram, Pala. Father: Chullikkad Raman Mother: Kunhilayachi. C.R.Kesavan Vaidyar was a well-known industrialist, social and cultural leader, teacher and an ayurvedic physician. He was the President of SNDP Yogam and publisher of Vivekodayam monthly, the journal of SNDP. He was also served as a member in the AIR advisory committee, Executive Committee Member of Sahithya Parishad.

 

KODUNGALLUR KUNHIKUTTAN TAMPURAN
Born in 1865. Father: Venmony Aphan Namboothiri. Kodungallur Kinhikuttan Thampuran was an extraordinary genius of Malayalam literature has ever seen. He was a poet, historian, essayist and journalist. He translated the Epic, Mahabharatha, which consists of 1,25,000 Sanskrit slokas (stanzas) within a short period of 874 days. This shows his amazing and in-depth knowledge in Sanskrit and Malayalam. It was he who found out the Leelathilakom, an important grammatical work and scientific study of Malayalam language. He has contributed innumerous poems in Sanskrit and Malayalam, translations, essays, satires etc. Aryasathakom, Kiratharudarsthavam, Subhadraharanam, Dashakumaracharitham (all Sanskrit), Dakshayagasathakom, Hamsasandesam, Mangalamala, Keralam, Bhasha Bharatham (all Malayalam) are his famous works.

 

KRISHNA IYER. V.R.
Born on November 15, 1915 at Palakkad. Father: V.V.Rama Iyer. V.R.Kishna Iyer started his career as an advocate. He was the advocate of several leaders of Communist party including K.P.R.Gopalan, veteran freedom fighter and known revolutionist. Influenced by the socialist movement, he attached with leftist activists. He was elected to Madras Legislative Assembly in 1952. When first general elections to the State of Kerala were declared in 1957 he was also contested as an independent candidate supported by Communist Party and won the elections. He was inducted as the Minister for Law in the first Kerala Government (EMS Ministry). He was also elected as a member of Legislature in 1960. He became a judge in the High Court in the year 1967. In 1973 he was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge. He retired from the Supreme Court in 1980. He contested in the Presidential ship elections in 1987 against R.Venkitaraman and lost.

 

KRISHNA MENON.T.K.
Born in 1870 (26 Vrichikam 1045-ME). Father: Chathukutty Panicker. Mother: Kuttiparu Amma. T.K.Krishna Menon was an eminent historian. It was he who translated ‘Kerala Charithram’ (History of Kerala) written by K.P.Padmanabha Menon to English. His important works are Progress of Cochin, Kerala Samskaram, Lekhamala, Bhasa Kavyaprakashika. He was the Member, Board of Studies of Madras University; Legislature Secretary; and Member Text Book Committee. He died on 9 May 1949

 

KRISHNA MENON.V.K.
Born on May 8, 1896 at Kozhikode. Father: Vengola Komath Krishna Kurup. Mother: Lekshmykutty Amma. Sri.V.K.Krishna Menon was a famous diplomat who surpassed the rulers of the world. He roared like a lion in the UN Assembly on the vital issue of Kashmir. He was a famous orator. He was a brave son of Kerala who upheld the dignity of the nation among the world leaders. He was one of the greatest Defense Ministers India has ever seen. He was an advocate in England and member in the London Township Administration. He was a staunch worker of Home Rule Movement and Theosophical Society. He actively participated in the national movement and gave leadership in the struggle for freedom. He became the secretary of India League in 1932. He was a close colleague of Pandit Jawarlal Nehru and Defense Minister in his cabinet. He was one of the founders of Penguin Books. He was also elected to Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram constituency once. He died on October 6, 1975.

 

KRISHNA PILLAI, CHANGAMPUZHA
Born on 11 October 1911. Father: Narayana Menon. Mother: Parukutty Amma. Idappally (in Eranakulam district of Kerala) is the land, which gave birth to two musical wizards. They are Changampuzha Krishna Pillai and Idappally Raghavan Pillai. He was the editor of Mangalodayam magazine. Altogether Changampuzha wrote fifty-seven poems, many of them are dear even to the rural folk. Changampuzha was an emotional person. This excessive emotionalism led him to alcoholic addiction and his health deteriorated, which ultimately claimed his life. Then he was only thirty-four. His most famous work Remanan is still popular. Remanan is a lament on the death of Edappalli. Changampuzha wrote Remanan at his age of 20 years. The poem is of the pastoral elegy type, characterized by beautiful and straightforward verses. Whatever be the changes that may happen to the Malayalam poetry, the poems of Changampuzha will shine as glittering stars in the literature sky. He died on 17 June 1948.

KRISHNA PILLAI. N. (Prof.)
Born on 22 September 1916. Father: Kakkattu Matom Kesavar. Mother: Parvathy Amma Prof. N.Krishna Pillai was a prominent playwright who gave a new outlook to the Malayalam drama. He is known as “Kerala Ibson”. He excelled himself in various rolls as a critic, historian, actor and learned guru. He died on 10 July 1988

 

KRISHNA PILLAI. C.
Born in 1852 (ME 1027 Vrichikam). Father: Padamanabha Pillai. Mother: Lekshmy Amma. C.Krishan Pillai was a reformist who toiled hard for the welfare of the Nair community. From the very early childhood itself he plunged into the field of social work and continued his unending efforts till his last days. His life
was a sacrifice not only for the nair community but for the other communities also. It is a sad truth that his life and activities of this great man was not fully remembered by the next generation. He was a teacher and later appointed as
Headmaster, Range Inspector for Schools and Special Officer for Grant-in-aid Schools. It was his leadership that Nair Samajom was established in the year 1903. The Nair Samajom was later converted as Keraleeya Nair Samajom. It was he who paved the path for the reformation of nair community and nair organizations. He died in 1916 (ME 1091 Midhunam 25).

 

KRISHNA PILLAI. E.V.
Born on 14 September 1894 at Kunnathur Taluk of Kollam. Father: Pappu Pillai Mother: Karthyani Amma. E.V.Krishna Pillai is an eminent satirist and an expert
in the field of comedy. He was amultitalented personality as an advocate, member of legislative assembly, editor and writer. He started career as a government servant. He was the editor of Malayali and Malayala Manorama. He was member of Sree Moolam Assembly of Travancore. Important works: Seetha lekshmy, Iravikuttypilla, B.A.Mayavi, Maya Manushyan, Jeevitha Smaranakal, Chiriyum, chinthayum. He died on 30 March 1938

 

KRISHNA PILLAI. P.
Born in 1906 at Vaikom. Father: Narayanan Nair. Mother: Parvathy Amma. Comrade P.Krishna Pillai was the founder leader of communist movement in Kerala. It was he who for the first time put forward the slogan “Saghakkale Munnott” (Comrades, march forward) which became the lifeblood of the leftist movement in Kerala. He participated in freedom struggle as a volunteer of Congress. Later he became He was the labour union leader in the coir sector of Alapuzha. He participated in Vaikom sathyagraha, Salt Sathyagraha etc. He had gone underground and continued party work in 1948 when the Government banned Communist party. A poisonous snake bit him and thereby he died on August 19, 1948.

 

KRISHNA PISHARADY, ATTOOR
Born in 1878 (Kanni 12, 1054 – ME) at Vadakkanchery in Thrissur District. Father: Narayanan Namboothiri. Mother: Pappikutty Pisharasyar. Attoor Krishna Pisharady was a multifarious genius. He was a scholar, researcher, critic, historian, poet and a teacher. He brought out many ancient books, which did not exposed to light through his research. He translated many Sanskrit works into Malayalam. He was a teacher in the Maharaja College (now University College), Thiruvananthapuram. He was the personal teacher of Sri Chithra Thirunal Maharajah of Travancore. He published Leelathilakom and Unnuneeli Sandesam with interpretation. His work Sangeetha Chandrika is considered as an authentic work on music. Sankunthalam (translation), Vishavaidya Sara Sangraham, Sahasrayogam, Neethimala, Uthara Ramayanam are his other important works.

 

KRISHNAN NAIR.C.P. Captain
Born on 9 February 1923. Captain Krishan Nair is a far famed personality in the
field of industry. He is the Chairman of the Leela Group Hotels and other multinational organizations. He is a freedom fighter also who actively participated in independence struggle. He served as a commissioned officer in
the army for a short period. He resigned from army service and started handloom industry at Cannanore. He also established a fibre foam-matting unit. Later he started business in collaboration with Oberoi Group of Hotels. Then he became a partner of Penta Group and established Leela-Penta Business Group. Now Leela Group of star hotels are the best ones of its kind in India and abroad

 

KRISHNAN NAIR.M. (Prof.)
Born on 3 March 1923. Prof.M.Krishnan Nair is a notable critic in Malayalam literature. His foray into criticism started with the publication of essay, ‘Criticism’. Many Malayalam writers experienced the sharp stiffness of his criticism. They include Kuttikrishna Marar, Basheer, Sukumar Azheekode, Thakazhy, Dev etc. He brought immense popularity to literary criticism through
his weekly column Sahithya Varabhalam, which is commonly familiar to the ordinary readers. It is true that no other article excited the readers so much as that of Sahithya Varabhalam. He was a voracious reader. He pointed out quality literature published world over to the Malayalam readers. He expired on
February 23, 2006

 

KRISHNAN. R.S. (Dr.)
Born in 1911 at Thrissur. Dr.R.S.Krishnan was one of the greatest Indian scientists. After obtaining M.A. and D.Sc. from the Madras University, he joined as a researcher at the Cavendish Laboratory of the Cambridge University. He played a vital role in developing 37’ Cyclotron. Later he held full charge of the instrument and its maintenance. There he observed the deuteron-induced fission in uranium and thorium. In 1941 he was awarded Ph.D.Degree by the Cambridge University. On his return to India, he was appointed in the Physics Department of Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore and worked under the famous scientist Dr.C.V.Raman. He is well known for the new effects that he discovered in colloid optics. He discovered the reciprocity relations between the intensity of the horizontally polarised incident light getting scattered with horizontal polarization irrespective of the colloidal particles. This is known as Krishnan (reciprocity) Effect. His work on the Second Order Raman Spectra in diamond and in alkali halide crystals has also gained worldwide recognition. In 1948 when Dr.C.V. retired, Dr.Krishnan became the Head of Department of Physics of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He represented India in several International Conferences and Seminars like 2nd International Conference on crystallography, Stockholm (1951), International Science Conference at Edinburough, 5th Australian Spectroscopic Conference, 1st International Conference on ‘Raman Spectra on Crystals’ at Paris (1965) etc. He guided more than 60 students in their Ph.D.programme and published more than 500 research articles in various international journals. He was a member of Indian Academy of Sciences, London Institute of Science, American Physical Society. He was a visiting Professor to many universities of Europe and United States of America. After his retirement from the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore in 1972, Dr.Krishnan was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala in 1973 and continued in his office till 1977. After his retirement he returned to Bangalore and spent the remaining period of his life for compiling the research publications related with Raman Effect and authoring some science works. He died on October 2, 1999.

 

KUMARA PILLAI, KAINIKKARA
Born on 27 September 1900 at Haripad (Alappuzha Dist). Mother: Parvathy Pillai Kainikkara is known as an honoured teachers, playwright, actor. He followed Gandhian principles throughout his life. He led a clear and simple life. He won Odakkuzhal award and Puthezhan award. He died on 9 December 1988

 

KUMARAGURUDEVAN
Born on February 19, 1879 at Thiruvalla. Father: Poikayil Kandan. Mother: Lechy. Kumaran’s parents were the slaves of a landlord at Thiruvalla and hence he did not get formal education. In his younger days the landlord engaged him as a shepherd. Muthoot Kochukunju, a local Christian priest taught him and subsequently Kumaran was converted to Christianity. He was named as Yohannan after baptism. Soon Yohannan became very popular for his speeches and discourses, which attracted many to Christian fold. He believed that Christianity alone could save the oppressed from untouchability and racial discrimination. Later he understood that the church also treating the converted Christians as a lower class. So he gave up Christianity and started to organise members of Paraya community (in which he also belonged) and founded a new religion without caste or creed in the year 1909. The religion – rather to say an organisation – is the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS). The headquarters of PRDS is Iraviperoor at Thiruvalla. It has a few branches in other parts of Kerala. Consequent on the formation of PRDS, he was known as Kumara Gurudevan. Kumara Gurudevan could bring about 14 lower class communities under the umbrella of PRDS. Kumara Gurudevan was nominated as a member in the Sreemoolam Praja Sabha, the legislative council of Travancore in recognition to his social reform activities. He died on June 29, 1939.

 

KUMARAN ASAN. N.
Born on April 1873 at Kaikkara near Chirayinkil in Thiruvananthapuram District. Father: Sri.Narayanan. Mother: Smt.Kaliyamma. Kumaran Asan was a great poet, scholar, philosopher, and a radical social reformer. He is one of the poet-trios who represented the poetic revolution in the first quarter of the 20th century. Kumaran was the name given to him by his parents. On completion of his secondary education, Kumaran employed as a teacher in a school near to his native place. Since he was a teacher, people began to call him as Kumaran Asan. Later he gave up the employment and underwent Sanskrit education at Varkala. It was then Sree Narayana Guru happened to note Kumaran Asan and sent him to Dr.Palpu, who at that time was serving to the Mysore Government, for higher studies. After completing studies at Bangalore, Dr.Palpu sent Kumaran Asan to Calcutta. Asan spent two years in Calcutta. In 1903 he returned to native place and according to the directions of Sree Narayana Guru, Kumaran Asan took over the Secretaryship of SNDP Yogam. The year 1907 saw a poet in Kumaran Asan when his first poem Veenapoovu was published. The popularity and recognition gained by Veenapoovu, encouraged Kumaran Asan to write new and new poems. Nalini, Leela, Karuna, Duravastha, Chandalabhikshuki, Duravastha, Budhacharitham and so many other poems were started flowing from the pen of this genius poet one after other. The beauty, radiance and magnificence of his poems were a new experience to the readers. His two poems Nalini and Leela are love stories depicting human relationships. He stressed the ultimate victory of love over life through these poems. Chintaavishtayaaya Sita is considered as one of the best poem in Malayalam. His Duravasta tells is the love story of a Namboothiri girl and a Pulaya youth. His Chandaalabhikshuki portrays the sphere of love and humanity. Kumaran Asan passed away on January 16, 1924 in a boat accident held at Alappuzha.

 

KUNCHAN NAMBIAR
Kunchan Nambiar was a great Malayalam poet-satirist in the court of Marthanda Varma. Kunchan Nambiar is the founder of Ottan Thullal art form. He was born at Killikkurrisimangalam in Malabar. Later, he went to Ambalapuzha and became court poet of Ambalapuzha Raja. It is believed that Kunchan Nambiar wrote his first Thullal katha while he was here. When Marthanda Varma of Travancore conquored Ambalapuzha, Nambiar became the court poet of Travancore palace. Kunchan Nambiar who wrote Thullal poems and presented it in the stage. He wrote about 60 Thullal poems. All stories composed by Kunchan Nambiar are stuffed with humour, and social criticism. Thullal has three divisions Seethankan, Ottan and Parayan. It is a solo performance. The songs, written in simple Malayalam with full of humour and wit became very popular. His birthday (Fifth of May) is celebrated as “Kunchan dinam”

 

KUNHALI MARAKKAR
Marakkar means navigator. In Tamil the ship is known as Marakkala. It is believed that the word Marakkar was derived from this word. Kunhali is the honorific title awarded to the Marakkar family by the Zamorin. Kunhali Marakkars were the admirals of Zamorins naval force. They were great patriots who fought for their motherland till their last breath. It was the stubborn resistance of Marakkars that compelled the Portuguese to shift their establishments to Kochi and to Goa. Kozhikode was one of the famous trade centres of oriental region and Arabs maintained monopoly over the trade with Kozhikode. The attempts of Portuguese to win over the Arabs did not fructified as the Zamorin was in favour of the latter. This led to confrontation between the Portuguese and Arabs. The first Kunhali Marakkar was a victim of the atrocities of Portuguese and suffered heavy loss. He concluded a treaty with the Zamorin and fought against the Portuguese. Zamorin pleased and appointed him as the admiral of naval force and conferred honorific title Kunjali. Kunhali Marakkar I, Kunhali Marakkar II, Kumhali Marakkar III alias Pada Marakkar, Kunhali Marakkar IV alias Muhammed Kunhali Marakkar were the great valors and masters of maritime warfare. In the battle held during 1599, Kunhali Marakkar was defeated and caught as a prisoner. Later he was sentenced to death.

 

KUNHAN PILLAI, N. Dr.
Born in 1881. Dr.Kunhan Pillai was a selected personality in many field with profound knowledge and a stern mind. He acquired his Ph.D. in Chemistry and headed the Department of Agriculture. He attained top positions in the official
hierarchy such as Revenue Commissioner, Chief Secretary and Acting Diwan. He was the President of Agriculture Section in the Indian Science Congress held in 1923. He became the President of Nair Service Society in 1939. Died in November 1939.

 

KUNHIKKANNAN, KEELERI
Born in 1858 at Talassery. Keeleri Kuhikkannan was a great maestro of circus. He is known as the father of Kerala Circus. His teacher in circus was Kadathanad Unnikkurup who is an expert in Kalari treatment. Kunhikkannan was a teacher in gymnastics at the Basal Mission School. He established the first Indian Circus School at Thalassery in 1901. In 1904 he and his two disciples, Kannan and Poovadan Kunhambu established Malabar Circus. But it could not survive much due to the high competition in the field. After two years, he established another circus company with name as White Way. It was the first circus company in all respects and conducted shows in all towns of India successfully. He is the teacher of almost all circus artists of early 1950s. He died in 1939.

K.KUNHIKRISHNAN

Mother: The late K.Lakshmi AmmaM Father: the late P Raman Nambiar)Mr.K. Kunhikrishnan is a writer and heralded television programming in Malayalam, as the first Director(1985) of the Trivandrum Doordarshan Kendra; he retired voluntarily from DD as Deputy Director General, after holding various positions. Born in Peralam village, near Payyanur, in Kannur district, he studied for post-graduation in Calicut University and was trained in television production and management in national and international institutions. He represented the country in various global television  as he had the professional expertise in public service and commercial programming. He had bagged the Doordarshan Award for Excellence in work, for executing “Narrowcasting”.  Mr. Kunhikrishnan is a writer of repute and has published nine books, including translations of Junichiro Tanizaki’s The Key (Thakkol), Desmond Morris’ The Naked Ape (Nagna Vaanaran), The Naked Woman (Nagna Naari) and two books on television. He has also published more than 500 articles in English and Malayalam. He recently chaired the Committee for restructuring the Information&Public Relations department of the Government of Kerala.

 

KUNHIRAMAN NAIR.P.
Born on 15 January 1906 at Kanhangad in Kasargode District. Father: Kunhambu Ezhuthachan. Mother: Kunhamma Amma. Mahakavi P.Kunhiraman Nair began to write poems from his very early age of twelve years and continued till his last breath. His autobiography, Kaviyude Kalpadulal (foot prints of a poet) is quite different from other autobiographies and sweet as his poetries. He worshipped nature and traveled extensively. He is a poet who forgot to live amidst his unending journey in quest of nature and poems. He is loved by many and known as a devotional poet. Devotion, natural beauty of Kerala, temples, deities, stories of epics, rituals and customs are resembled in his poetry His important works are Sreerama Charitham, Bhadradeepam, Thamaramala, Pookkalam, Radholsavam, Vayalkkarayil, Thamarathoni, Kaliyachan, Pookalam, Narabali, Moothamoosariyodu etc. He won Kerala Sahithya Academy Award and Central Sahithya Academy Award. He died on May 27, 1978 at Thiruvananthapuram.

 

KUNJAN PILLAI, SOORANAD
Born in 1911. Sooranad Kunjan Pillai was a multi-lingual scholar, learned saint having command over so many languages. He contributed about 100 works in various field of literature, spiritual and physical life for more than half a century. He was a member of Kendra Sahithya Academy and served as a member in the Indian Historical Records Commission representing Kerala. Meerut University conferred D.Lit on him. Government of India awarded Padmasree to him. He died in 1995

 

KUNJAN PILLAI. P.N., ELAMKULAM
Born in 1904. Father: Krishna Kurup. Mother: Narayani Amma. Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai set apart his life to enrich the field of historical research of Kerala.
Through his tireless efforts the Malayalam language was greatly benefited. He
was a renowned historical researcher who showed light to the dark era of history. He started his career as a College Lecturer and retired as Professor. His important works are Janmi Sambradayam Keralathil, Keralam Anchum Aarum
Noottandukalil, Kerala Bhashayude Vikasa Parinamangal, Leela Thilakom (study), Unnuneeli Sandesam (study). He died in 1973.

 

KUNJURAMAN. C.V.
Born in 1871 at Mayyanad. C.V.Kunjuraman was a rationalist, renowned journalist and a famous litterateur. It was he who founded the Kerala Kaumudi daily in1911. From the very young age, he was rebellious in nature and hence he had to discontinue his studies in IV Form (VIII Standard). He was appointed in the Excise Department in 1893 but he resigned the job in the very next year. Then he underwent Criminal Lawyer Course and passed the test. He started practice in Paravur courts. However, he discontinued the practice in 1920. For a short period he had worked in the Deshabhimani daily founded by T.K.Madhavan. He became disciple of Sree Narayana Guru and in 1927 he was electd as the General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam. In 1936 he put forth a new idea of massive conversion of Izhava community into Christianity to eradicate untouchability. Having understood the consequences of such a massive conversion, the Government compelled to declare the Temple Entry Proclamation. Ente Sree Kovil, Rajaparinamam, Panchavadi, Ournoottandinu Mumpu, Kanthimathi, Malathi Kesavam (drama) are some of his important works.

 

KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA
Born on February 8, 1805. Kuriakose Elias Chavara was the second from the Syro-Malabar Church who had been elevated to the rank of blessed. Father Elias Chavara accepted priesthood at his age of 24 years. He was the first Vicar General of Kerala. In the year1831 he established a monastery at Mannanam under the Syro-Malabar church. Father Chavara was a poet, scholar and a great orator. His famous work Nalagamam is the history of Christianity in Kerala. He died on January 3, 1870.

 

KURUP. O.N.V.
Born in 1931. Father: O.N.Krishna Kurup. Mother: Lekshmykutty Amma. O.N.V. Kurup is a veteran lyrist and famous poet. He published his first poem at his age of 14 years. He won Sahithya Academy Awards for his poetical works. He is ardent follower of communist and socialist philosophy. He has written lyrics for more than 100 films.

 

KUTTAMATH KUNHIRAMA KURUP
Born in 1880. Father: Vandatt Udaya Varman Unnithiri. Mother was Kuttamath
Devakiyamma. Kuttamath Kunhirama Kurup was a great poet and veteran freedom fighter. Kuttamath was a teacher of Neeleswaram Rajas High school. He entered the freedom struggle as a follower of Kalappaji. He authored many musical dramas. Devayani Charitham, Vidya Sankha, Dhwani Baala, Gopala Atbudha Paarana , Harichandran, Dhroova Madhavam Nachikethas, Draupadi Keechakam , Rugmini Swayamvaram are some of them

 

KUTTIKRISHNA MARAR
Born on June 14, 1901 at Thrissur. Kuttikrishna Marar was the most prominent
among the critics of Malayalam literature. Perhaps he was an odd personality who showed courage to question anything that he felt wrong in the field of literary criticism. He never hesitated to show his antipathy to adoration and imitation in the literature. He started his career as Sahithyacharya at the Keala Kalamandalam. Later he joined Mathrubhoomi as the Chief Proof Reader. Bharatha Paryadanam, Sahithyasallapam, Danthagopuram, Kaivilakku (collections of literary criticism) are his important works on literary criticism. Bharatha Paryadanam shows his immense knowledge in Mahabharatha. In addition to the above, there are more than 19 collections essays on literary criticism. He died on April 6, 1973.

 

KUTTIKRISHNAN.P.C. (UROOB)
Born in 1915 at Ponnani in Malappuram District. Father: Vazhappally Karunakara Menon. Mother: Chalappurathu Parukutty Amma. P.C.Kuttikrishnan, is known by the pen name Uroob. He was a celebrated novelist and won wide acclaim. He changed the outlook of the Malayalam literature with his magical words and superb ability. He had a place in the minds of the ordinary people of Kerala. He was the editor of Mangalodayam, Kumkuman, Malayala Manorama Weekly. He won Sakthi award, Kerala and Kendra Sahithya Academy Awards. Important Works: Ummachu, Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum, Aniyara, Mindapennu. He died on 10 July 1979

 

KUTTIMALU AMMA.A.V.
Born on 23 April 1905. Father: Govinda Menon. Mother: Ammu Amma. Kuttimalu Amma was a lone adventuress who gave courageous leadership in Malabar area during the independence struggle. She had undergone several severe sufferings. Her life enthralled the freedom fighters of those days. She became Member of Legislative Assembly. She was AICC member, Director, Mathrubhumi publications, President of Malabar Hindi Prachar Sabha. Died on 14 April 1985

 

KUTTYKUNJU THANKACHY

Born in 1820. Kuttykunju Thankacy was a notable poetess who enriched kairali
through her valuable contributions in the field of ‘Thiruvathira’ songs, ‘Kurathypattu’, ‘Unjalpattu’, bhajans etc. She was the daughter of famous poet Irayimman Thampi. Hre important works are Swargavathil Ekadashy, Ekadashy Mahatmyam, Gangasnanam, Anjathavasam, Naradamohanam, Seetha Swayamvaram, Kiratham, Nalacharitham.She died in 1914.

 
 
 

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