P. Kesava Pillai (20 July 1904 – 1 July 1983), better known by his pen-name P. Kesavadev, was a novelist and social reformer of Kerala, India. He is remembered for his speeches, autobiographies, novels, dramas, short stories, and films. Odayil Ninnu, Nadhi, Bhrandalayam, Ayalkar (Central Academi Award-winning novel), Ethirppu (autobiography) and Oru Sundariyude Athmakadha are some among his 128 literary works. Kesavadev along with Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer are considered the exponents of progressive Malayalam Literature.[1][2]
Kesavadev, born Kesava Pillai, on July 21, 1904, at Kedamangalam, a small hamlet near North Paravur, then British Raj, to Appu Pillai-Karthyayani Amma couple.[3] He had formal education only up to High School levels when he had to abandon it due to financial constraints and take up part-time jobs such as a collection agent, tuition teacher and cloth merchant. It was during this time, he was influenced by the thoughts of Sahodaran Ayyappan and participated in the Mishra Bhojanam, a grand feast organized by Ayyappan where around 200 people including people of the lower castes sat together to eat. Subsequently, he joined Arya Samaj and adopted the name Kesavadev to get rid of his last name "Pillai" which denoted his caste. He later aligned himself with the Indian National Congress and with the Communist Party of India.[3] He was involved with several publications, starting with Swadeshabhimani as an interim editor when A. K. Pillai, the then editor traveled to the UK. Malayala Rajyam, Bhaje Bharatham, Prathidinam and Thozhilali were some of the other publications he was involved with; the last one when he was an active communist.[4] He also wrote propaganda literature for the communist movement[5] and served as the president of the Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham (Sahitya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society) and Kerala Sahitya Akademi.[3]
Kesavadev published his autobiography, Ethirppu, in 1959,[6] which reflected his communist ideals.[7] He was a recipient of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.[8] In 1964, Sahitya Akademi selected his work, Ayalkkar for their annual award for Novel.[9][10] He was also a recipient of the Soviet Land Nehru Award.[3]
Kesavadev's first marriage was to Gomathy Amma but the marriage did not last long.[11] His married again in 1957 when he was in the sixties and working at the All India Radio; Seethalekshmi Dev, his second wife was a known novelist and was much younger to him in her thirties.[3] Jothydev Kesavadev, their son, is a diabetologist and a pioneer in telemedicine in diabetes care.[12]
Kesavadev died on July 1, 1983, at the age of 78.[3]
Novels
Kesavadev emerged as one of the makers of modern Malayalam fiction.[13] He can be referred to as the first writer to usher in the Renaissance in Malayalam literature, by writing the novel Odayil Ninnu (From the Gutter; 1942) with a rickshaw puller as its hero.[14] Dev was in the forefront among the writers who employed new norms in the content and characterisation in Malayalam fiction. Odayil Ninnu came as a shocking revelation that a finest piece of literature can be produced with commonplace themes and unconventional style of prose with ordinary mortals as heroes and heroines. Apart from the fact that the appearance of rickshaw puller was a thrilling experience at that time, he was known to have started a new trait in Malayalam literature and many writers followed suit.[15] The novel was made into a movie with the name unchanged, by K. S. Sethumadhavan in 1965.[16]
His second novel, Bhranthalayam (The Mad House; 1949), was novel based on the tragedy of partition of the nation and showed Kesavadev as a humanist.[17][18]Rowdy, his next novel, was published in 1958, which was based on the story of an abused orphan, taking to arms in defense against the community, narrated in a sarcastic style.[19]K. S. Sethumadhavan's 1966 film, Rowdy was based on this novel.[20]Ayalkar (The Neighbours), published in 1963, is considered by many as his masterpiece.[3] This novel is acclaimed as the chronicle of the evolution of the three leading communities of the State of Kerala, the Nairs, Christians and Ezhavas from the days of feudalism to the post independent era.[21] Writing about the tragedy of the disintegration of the two major tharavads – Mangalassery and Pachazhi, Kesavadev recreates their past and also narrates the trials and tribulations paving the way for their total destruction as well as the history of the state for a period of about fifty years from the times of feudalism to the rise of the new era. The novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award.[22]
Kesavadev was a prolific writer.[27] He has written about 300 short stories. His stories offer a very wide range and variety in theme and technique and deal with the trivialities of the ordinary people as their themes.[13]
Plays
Though Kesavadev is primarily known for his contributions as a Novelist and Short Story writer, the full-length plays and one act plays he has written were very popular in those days and attracted huge audience when enacted on stages.[28] His plays reflect his social criticism. Plays like Pradhanamanthri (Prime Minister) have political undertones and were popular.[13]
P. Kesavadev Trust has instituted P. Kesavadev Awards to be presented yearly to two dignified personalities.[29] One award goes to literature (poetry, novel, and essays). Diabscreen Kerala- Kesavadev Trust Award is presented to best health related article/report alternatively to visual and print media.[30][31]Sugathakumari, Gopinath Muthukad, G.N. Panicker[32] and Mohanlal are among the recipients of the award.[7][33]
Bibliography
Novels
P. Kesavadev (1942). Odayil Ninnu. Poorna Publications. ISBN978-8171801343.
P. Kesavadev (1949). Bhranthalayam. Sahitya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society Ltd. ISBN9780000103727.
^"List of works". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
^P, Kesavadev (1967). "Kesavadevinde Nadakangal". find.uoc.ac.in (in Malayalam). Retrieved 25 January 2019.
^. The Hindu. 11 July 2007. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
^. The Hindu. 4 June 2005. Archived from the original on 6 April 2005. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
^. The Hindu. 29 June 2008. Archived from the original on 4 July 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
^"P.Kesavadev Awards 2016". diabscreenkerala.net. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
^"Had Kesavadev been alive today, his speeches would have invited intolerance: Prabha Varma". The New Indian Express. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
^Kesavadev, P. (1957). "Orumurithenga". find.uoc.ac.in (in Malayalam). Retrieved 25 January 2019.
External links
"P.Kesavadev: the life of the legendary Malayalam writer of India". YouTube. 25 January 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
Works by or about Works by or about P. Kesavadev in libraries (WorldCat catalog)
Works by or about Works by or about Seethalekshmi Dev in libraries (WorldCat catalog)
"Biography". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2019.</ref>
"Portrait". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
January 06, 2023
kesavadev, kesava, pillai, july, 1904, july, 1983, better, known, name, novelist, social, reformer, kerala, india, remembered, speeches, autobiographies, novels, dramas, short, stories, films, odayil, ninnu, nadhi, bhrandalayam, ayalkar, central, academi, awar. P Kesava Pillai 20 July 1904 1 July 1983 better known by his pen name P Kesavadev was a novelist and social reformer of Kerala India He is remembered for his speeches autobiographies novels dramas short stories and films Odayil Ninnu Nadhi Bhrandalayam Ayalkar Central Academi Award winning novel Ethirppu autobiography and Oru Sundariyude Athmakadha are some among his 128 literary works Kesavadev along with Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer are considered the exponents of progressive Malayalam Literature 1 2 P KesavadevBorn 1904 07 20 20 July 1904Kedamangalam North Paravur Ernakulam British RajDied1 July 1983 1983 07 01 aged 78 Trivandrum Kerala IndiaNotable awardsSahitya Akademi AwardSoviet Land Nehru AwardKerala Sahitya Akademi FellowshipSpouseSeethalekshmi DevChildren1RelativesAppu Pillai father Karthiyayani Amma mother Websitekesavadev wbr net Contents 1 Life and career 2 Novels 3 Short stories 4 Plays 5 Kesavadev Awards 6 Bibliography 6 1 Novels 6 2 Short stories 6 3 Plays 6 4 Memoirs 6 5 Other books 7 Film Adaptations 8 References 9 External linksLife and career EditKesavadev born Kesava Pillai on July 21 1904 at Kedamangalam a small hamlet near North Paravur then British Raj to Appu Pillai Karthyayani Amma couple 3 He had formal education only up to High School levels when he had to abandon it due to financial constraints and take up part time jobs such as a collection agent tuition teacher and cloth merchant It was during this time he was influenced by the thoughts of Sahodaran Ayyappan and participated in the Mishra Bhojanam a grand feast organized by Ayyappan where around 200 people including people of the lower castes sat together to eat Subsequently he joined Arya Samaj and adopted the name Kesavadev to get rid of his last name Pillai which denoted his caste He later aligned himself with the Indian National Congress and with the Communist Party of India 3 He was involved with several publications starting with Swadeshabhimani as an interim editor when A K Pillai the then editor traveled to the UK Malayala Rajyam Bhaje Bharatham Prathidinam and Thozhilali were some of the other publications he was involved with the last one when he was an active communist 4 He also wrote propaganda literature for the communist movement 5 and served as the president of the Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham Sahitya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society and Kerala Sahitya Akademi 3 Kesavadev published his autobiography Ethirppu in 1959 6 which reflected his communist ideals 7 He was a recipient of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship 8 In 1964 Sahitya Akademi selected his work Ayalkkar for their annual award for Novel 9 10 He was also a recipient of the Soviet Land Nehru Award 3 Kesavadev s first marriage was to Gomathy Amma but the marriage did not last long 11 His married again in 1957 when he was in the sixties and working at the All India Radio Seethalekshmi Dev his second wife was a known novelist and was much younger to him in her thirties 3 Jothydev Kesavadev their son is a diabetologist and a pioneer in telemedicine in diabetes care 12 Kesavadev died on July 1 1983 at the age of 78 3 Novels EditKesavadev emerged as one of the makers of modern Malayalam fiction 13 He can be referred to as the first writer to usher in the Renaissance in Malayalam literature by writing the novel Odayil Ninnu From the Gutter 1942 with a rickshaw puller as its hero 14 Dev was in the forefront among the writers who employed new norms in the content and characterisation in Malayalam fiction Odayil Ninnu came as a shocking revelation that a finest piece of literature can be produced with commonplace themes and unconventional style of prose with ordinary mortals as heroes and heroines Apart from the fact that the appearance of rickshaw puller was a thrilling experience at that time he was known to have started a new trait in Malayalam literature and many writers followed suit 15 The novel was made into a movie with the name unchanged by K S Sethumadhavan in 1965 16 His second novel Bhranthalayam The Mad House 1949 was novel based on the tragedy of partition of the nation and showed Kesavadev as a humanist 17 18 Rowdy his next novel was published in 1958 which was based on the story of an abused orphan taking to arms in defense against the community narrated in a sarcastic style 19 K S Sethumadhavan s 1966 film Rowdy was based on this novel 20 Ayalkar The Neighbours published in 1963 is considered by many as his masterpiece 3 This novel is acclaimed as the chronicle of the evolution of the three leading communities of the State of Kerala the Nairs Christians and Ezhavas from the days of feudalism to the post independent era 21 Writing about the tragedy of the disintegration of the two major tharavads Mangalassery and Pachazhi Kesavadev recreates their past and also narrates the trials and tribulations paving the way for their total destruction as well as the history of the state for a period of about fifty years from the times of feudalism to the rise of the new era The novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award 22 The other works of Dev adapted as movies are Aadhyathe Katha 1972 directed by K S Sethumadhavan 23 Oru Sundariyude Athmakatha renamed as Oru Sundariyude Katha and directed Thoppil Bhasi 1972 24 and Swapnam 1973 the directorial debut of Babu Nanthankode 25 His unfinished novel Padicha Kallanmar was later rewritten and published by his wife Seethalekshmi Dev 26 Short stories EditKesavadev was a prolific writer 27 He has written about 300 short stories His stories offer a very wide range and variety in theme and technique and deal with the trivialities of the ordinary people as their themes 13 Plays EditThough Kesavadev is primarily known for his contributions as a Novelist and Short Story writer the full length plays and one act plays he has written were very popular in those days and attracted huge audience when enacted on stages 28 His plays reflect his social criticism Plays like Pradhanamanthri Prime Minister have political undertones and were popular 13 Kesavadev Awards EditMain article P Kesavadev Literary Award P Kesavadev Trust has instituted P Kesavadev Awards to be presented yearly to two dignified personalities 29 One award goes to literature poetry novel and essays Diabscreen Kerala Kesavadev Trust Award is presented to best health related article report alternatively to visual and print media 30 31 Sugathakumari Gopinath Muthukad G N Panicker 32 and Mohanlal are among the recipients of the award 7 33 Bibliography EditNovels Edit P Kesavadev 1942 Odayil Ninnu Poorna Publications ISBN 978 8171801343 P Kesavadev 1949 Bhranthalayam Sahitya Pravarthaka Co operative Society Ltd ISBN 9780000103727 P Kesavadev 1958 Roudy Poorna Publications ISBN 978 8171803842 P Kesavadev 1951 Nadi National Book Stall P Kesavadev 1951 Ulakka S P C S P Kesavadev 1961 Kannadi DC Books ISBN 9788126407415 P Kesavadev 1961 Sakhavu Karottu Karanavar DC Books P Kesavadev 1963 Pankalaaksheede Diary ISBN 9788126409990 P Kesavadev 1963 Prema Viddi P Kesavadev 1967 Swapnam Current Books P Kesavadev 1967 Sughikkan Vendi Poorna Publishers ISBN 978 8130013251 P Kesavadev 1968 Adhyathe Kadha National book stall P Kesavadev 1968 Adhikaram National Book Stall P Kesavadev 1970 Oru Sundariyude Atmakatha Poorna Publications ISBN 978 8171808427 P Kesavadev 1974 Velicham Kerunnu DC Books ISBN 8126411228 Kesavadev P 1974 Njondiyude Kadha find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1975 Randammayum Oru Makanum find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1986 Nahna Thettukaran find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 P Kesavadev 1995 Ayalkkar Kōṭṭayaṃ DC Books ISBN 8171304532 OCLC 35169081 P Kesavadev Enikkum Jeevikkanam H amp C p 112 ISBN 978 9382776369 P Kesavadev Oru Lakshavum Carum Poorna Publications ISBN 978 8130008561 Short stories Edit P Kesavadev 1969 Therenjedutha Kadhakal find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1969 Theranjedutha Kathakal Part II find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 P Kesavadev 2012 Sarvarajya Kozhikale Sangadikkuvin DC Books ISBN 978 8126439201 P Kesavadev 2007 Prathijnayum Mattu Pradhana Kathakalum DC Books ISBN 9788126405619 P Kesavadev 2011 Kesavadevinte Kathakal DC Books ISBN 9788126431670 P Kesavadev 2010 Kesavadeinte Samboornakathakal Poorna Publications ISBN 978 8130010793 Kesavadev P 1965 Swargathil Oru Cheguthan find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Plays Edit Pradhanamanthri 1940 Munnottu 1947 Manthriyaakkalle 1949 Njanippokamunistaavum 1953 Thondukari 1954 Mazhayangum Kudayingum 1956 Orumuri thenga 1959 34 Memoirs Edit P Kesavadev Ethirppu DC Books ISBN 978 8126453108 Other books Edit Kesavadev P 1946 Samarakavi find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1954 Russiayude Kamukan find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1992 Novel Ente Kazhchappadil find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 Film Adaptations EditOdayil Ninnu 1965 Rowdy 1966 Aadhyathe Katha 1972 Oru Sundariyude Katha 1972 Swapnam 1973 References Edit Thakazhi passes away The Indian Express 12 April 1999 Retrieved 4 November 2008 Award winning Malayalam authors www indianscripts com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 a b c d e f g Biography published by Kerala Sahitya Akademi Kerala Sahitya Akademi 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Anandan S 6 November 2017 A catalyst that triggered progressive literature The Hindu Retrieved 26 January 2019 Pradeep K 20 July 2014 A rebel s manifesto The Hindu Retrieved 26 January 2019 P Kesavadev 10 February 1959 Ethirppu Prabhath Book House Retrieved 26 January 2019 a b Poet Sugathakumari receives Kesavadev Literary Award Times of India The Times of India 20 July 2017 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship Kerala Sahitya Akademi 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Profile of Malayalam Story Writer P Kesavadev en msidb org 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Kendra Sahitya Academy Awards Malayalam Public Relations Department Government of Kerala Archived from the original on 24 May 2007 Retrieved 11 April 2011 Portrait of a Rebel kesavadev net 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Constant monitoring reduces risk of diabetes gulftoday ae 23 June 2014 Retrieved 25 January 2019 a b c Sasidharan K p 1990 Kesavadev a biography Retrieved 25 January 2019 Odayil Ninnu synopsis www goodreads com 25 January 2019 Retrieved 25 January 2019 A Sreedhara Menon 1979 Social and cultural history of Kerala Sterling Odayil Ninnu 1965 film IMDb 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Bhranthalayam synopsis www goodreads com 25 January 2019 Retrieved 25 January 2019 Bhranthalayam Synopsis on Good Reads www goodreads com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Sasidharan K p 1990 Kesavadev Sahitya Akademi archives Retrieved 26 January 2019 Rowdy 1966 www malayalachalachithram com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Ayalkkar synopsis on Good Reads www goodreads com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 P Kesavadev Author profile www goodreads com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Aadyathe Kadha 1972 www malayalachalachithram com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Oru Sundariyude Kadha 1972 www malayalachalachithram com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Swapnam 1973 www malayalachalachithram com 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 P Kesavadev Seethalakshmi Dev 2006 Padicha Kallanmar 1st ed Kozhikode Poorna Publications ISBN 8130004879 OCLC 77049064 List of works Kerala Sahitya Akademi 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 P Kesavadev 1967 Kesavadevinde Nadakangal find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 P Kesavadev awards announced The Hindu 11 July 2007 Archived from the original on 7 October 2008 Retrieved 4 November 2008 Kesavadev Award presented The Hindu 4 June 2005 Archived from the original on 6 April 2005 Retrieved 4 November 2008 Kesavadev Award announced The Hindu 29 June 2008 Archived from the original on 4 July 2008 Retrieved 4 November 2008 P Kesavadev Awards 2016 diabscreenkerala net 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Had Kesavadev been alive today his speeches would have invited intolerance Prabha Varma The New Indian Express 12 July 2018 Retrieved 26 January 2019 Kesavadev P 1957 Orumurithenga find uoc ac in in Malayalam Retrieved 25 January 2019 External links Edit P Kesavadev the life of the legendary Malayalam writer of India YouTube 25 January 2019 Archived from the original on 13 December 2021 Retrieved 25 January 2019 Works by or about Works by or about P Kesavadev in libraries WorldCat catalog Works by or about Works by or about Seethalekshmi Dev in libraries WorldCat catalog Biography Kerala Sahitya Akademi 25 January 2019 Retrieved 25 January 2019 lt ref gt Portrait Kerala Sahitya Akademi 26 January 2019 Retrieved 26 January 2019 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