Ezhuthachan

Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan is widely regarded as the father of the Malayalam language and literature. Born in the 16th century, his exact birth and death dates are subjects of scholarly debate, but he is generally accepted to have lived between 1500 and 1600 CE. Ezhuthachan's real name was Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. The title "Ezhuthachan" was an honorific, meaning "teacher," as he was a respected scholar and instructor.

He is credited with reforming the Malayalam script, making it more accessible and standardized. His most significant contributions lie in his poetic works, which brought about a renaissance in Malayalam literature. Ezhuthachan's style is characterized by its lyrical beauty, profound philosophical insights, and devotional fervor. He primarily wrote devotional poems and retellings of Sanskrit epics.

Among his most famous works are Adhyathmaramayanam Kilippattu, a retelling of the Ramayana in Malayalam, and Mahabharatham Kilippattu, a similar rendition of the Mahabharata. These works were instrumental in popularizing the epics and their moral teachings among the common people. He also authored devotional hymns like Irupattinalu Vrutham and Chandrotsavam. Ezhuthachan's linguistic innovations and literary genius laid the foundation for modern Malayalam literature, and his works continue to be cherished and studied to this day. His influence on the cultural and literary landscape of Kerala is immeasurable.