Kollam, the capital of the erstwhile Venad, was a great centre of
learning and culture. It attracted distinguished scholars from all
parts of south India. Leelethilakam and Unnuneeli Sandesam, two outstanding
literacy works of historical importance, is contributions o0f 14th
century Kollam. The dance from of Kathakali in its new version of
Ramanattam was the creation of Kottarakkara Thampuran, who also improved
Krishnanattam by substituting Malayalam for Sanskrit.
Paravoor K.C.Kesava Pillai, a gifted
poet, prose writer, dramatist and Scholar, originated the musical
play in Malayalam through his work Sadarama. His Kesaveeyam, a Mahakavyam,
is of outstanding literary importance. In the history of Malayalam
music, he has a prominent place as a gifted composer of songs. Paravoor
Kesavan Asan, the founder editor of Sujananandini, another prominent
literacy figure, was a journalist and a prose writer of eloquence.
His Saratchadrika is a contribution to the study of Ayurvedic system
of medicine. E.V.Krishna Pillai, another literacy celebrity has etched
his name in the field of humor and satire. C.V.Kunjuraman, editor
of Kerala Kaumudi and Malayalarajayam was a poet, literacy critic,
prose writer and journalist of outstanding distinction.
Coming to modern times, Elamkulam Kunjan
Pillai and Sooranadu Kunjan Pillai, noted literary luminaries hailing
from this district. Oyoor Kochu Govinda Pillai, the Katha Kali artist,
Paris Viswanathan and Jayapala Panicker the renowned artists also
belong to this district.
Leaders like T.M.Varghese, C.Kesavan
and Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, were the architects of freedom movement
in Kollam. R.Shanker, who played a prominent role as an educationalist
and social reformist, hails from Kolam. The district gave birth to
well known freedom fighters like Chandiran Kali ambi (Kadakkal Manthri)
and Franco Raghavan Pillai.
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