Kunchan Nampyar - Makers of Indian Literature (An Old and Rare Book)

Kunchan Nampyar (1705-1770) the foremost satirist poet of Kerala founded the audio – visual art form Thullal. This style of dance is a blend of the classical and folk tradition prevalent in Kerala. Kunchan Nampyar by profession, was a ‘Mizhavu’ player for Kuthu and Kuttiyatam. Assimiliating the characteristics of Kathakali. He refined the folk itern of ‘Thullal’ which was part of performing arts like patayani. Thus he framed and established three types of Thullal – Qttan. Parayan. and Sitankan. In all these dance forms. The Vachikabinaya is the most important aspect. Kunchari Nampyar composed more than Thullal poems suited to the purpose. All are based on puranic themes. But appealing with contemporary touch and satirical diction.

Nampyar has written many worthly Non-Thullal works also. Mainly in Dravidian metres. And highly devotional and moral in character. Kunchan Nampyar was an artist par excellence as well as a poet of great genius. His personality stands unique in the fields of literature and the performing arts of Kerala.

In this brief study, the learned author Dr. V.S. Sharma. Former Professor and Dean of Kerala University. And former Chairman. Kerala Kalamandalam. Reveals the greatness of the master-mind of Malayalam literature, Kunchan Nampyar.