K. N. Ezhuthachan

K. N. Ezhuthachan (21 May 1911 – 28 October 1981) was an Indian writer and scholar of Malayalam literature. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his book Keralodayam, a long narrative poem written in Sanskrit.^[1] He died on October 28, 1981 while delivering a lecture at Calicut University.^[2]

Early life

Ezhuthachan was born in the village Cherpulassery in Palakkad district, Kerala. After passing the Vidwan examination he began his career as a teacher and taught at two schools. He also worked as a clerk and stenographer in Bombay for a brief period. Later, he took his Masters degrees in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and English. In 1953, he joined Madras University as Lecturer and simultaneously worked for his Ph.D. in the same University. After completing his Ph.D. on Bhashakautaleeyam, Ezhuthachan joinned University of Calicut as a Lecturer. He also served as a Senior Research Officer at Kerala State Institute of Languages, Research Fellow of Dravidian Linguistics Association and Visiting Professor at University of Calicut.^[3]

Literary career

Ezhuthachan was the author of many books in Malayalam, including short stories, poems, and essays. His book, The history of the grammatical theories in Malayalam^[4] published in 1975, is considered to be a seminal work in the field of Malayalam grammar.He has also authored a research thesis on Adhyathma Ramayanam.

Works

Short stories

• Kadhamalika
• Kadhabhooshanam
• Kadhamanjusha

Poems

• Kusumopaharam
• Prathijna
• Keralodayam Mahakvyam (long narrative poem in Sanskrit)

Essays

• Ilayum Verum
• Kathirkkula
• Uzhutha Nilangal
• Ezhilampala
• Kiranangal
• Deepamala

Translation

• Kurunthokai
• Kavithakkoru Sadhookaranam
• Veneesamharam

References