Nalacharitham

This book presents, in a creative English translation, the Malayalam classic by Unnayiwarrier. The Nala charitham is the playscript, as it were, of the Kathakali rendering of the story of Nalaand Damayanthi. Since it's first performance in 1751, it has established itself as a classic not merely of astonishing literary value but a rich source-test for Kathakali as it exists to a day. The text is supplimented by a detailed introduction to the work, and by a critical commentary on each of the four parts.

UNNAYI WARRIER

The historians generally considered that Unnayi Warrier was born in 1674 at Akattutt Warriam, Irinjalakuda in Thrissur District, Kerala State. His mother was warrier lady and father a Namboothiri whose name is not recorded. He achieved deep insight in Vedantham, Ayurveda and Music. Warrier is widely cherished for his immortal work Nalacharitham. And also some scholars have imputed two works to his credit Ramapanchasathi- a Sanskrit piece and Girija Kalyanam- an epic poem in Manipravalam. In Ramapanchasathi on Sreerama stated that the author was a flower garland maker at Koodalmanikyam temple, lrinjalakuda. He died at the age of Sixty One.

V.SUBRAMANIA AYYAR

Mr.V.Subramania Ayyar, B.A.L.T., served the Education Department of Cochin and Tranvancore-Cochin States in various capacities, -Teacher, Deputy inspector. First Assistant in the training institution and High School Head Master. During this period he wrote extensively for periodicals and his contributions in English for the teachers magazine won a gold medal for him. He retired in 1951when he completed 55 years of age. Born and brought up at Tripunitura, the seat of the royal family he had, even as a boy, plenty of opportunities to witness the various performing arts of Kerala like Kootiattom and Kathakali. While as Headmaster of Cheruthuruthi High School on the eve of his retirement he came in close contact with poet Vallatho! and Kerala Kalamandalam. This association gave a new impetus and creative turn for his love of Kathakali. He wrote many articles on Classical Arts with special reference to Kathakali in English and Malayalam. And also he translated several major Attakkathas.

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