Oyyarathu Chandu Menon
Tellicherry, Cannanore | |
---|---|
Other names | Oyyarath Chandu Menon |
Occupation(s) | Writer, novelist, social reformer |
Spouse | Lakshmikutty Amma |
Parent(s) | Chandu Nair Edappadi, Parvathy Amma Chittezhath |
Awards | Rao Bahadur |
Oyyarathu Chandu Menon (popularly known as O. Chandu Menon; 1847–1899) was a
Life
Chandu Menon was born on 9 January 1847 in Naduvannur near Perambra in the present day Kozhikode District.[1] His family moved to Thalassery when he was an infant.
Chandu Menon got his first lessons from Koran Gurukkal, one of his neighbors. He learnt Sanskrit poetry, drama and grammar from Pandit Kunjanbu Nambiar. About the same time, he received English lessons from a local school and later from K. Kunjan Menon. He had higher school education in the
Chandu Menon married Lakshmikutty Amma in 1872. The couple had six children.
Chandu Menon started his career as a clerk in the government service.
Chandu Menon was also a social reformer. He was a member of the committee constituted to inquire on Marumakkathayam and report on the Malabar Marriages Bill. His observations on matrimony among Nairs that prevailed during the time are of historical importance.[3] He was given the title of Rao Bahadur in 1898 for excellent service. Chandu Menon died on 7 September 1899 at his Oyyarath residence in Thalassery[4] due to cardiac failure.
Literary career
He was inspired by his wife to write his first novel Indulekha. He attempted to fashion the work after the English novels popular during those days[5] and depicted the love and life of an upper-caste woman and her destiny. The novel attempted to discuss the topics of feudalism, polygamy and caste oppression.[6]
His 1889 work,
He began a second novel named Sarada, the first part of which appeared in 1892.This novel was meant to be in two parts. However, he was unable to complete the sequel, which never got published.
Two English speeches made by Chandu Menon, one on Administration of Justice in Ancient Times and another under the auspices of the Sir T. Muthuswamy Iyer Memorial Committee have been published in book form.[3]
Major awards and recognitions
- He reportedly received a letter from the W. E. Gladstone, passing on Queen Victoria's appreciation of Chandu Menon's services to Malayalam literature in 1892.[3]
- The Government of India conferred on him the title of Rao Bahadur in 1897.
- Madras Universityrecognised his merits, appointed him as Examiner for the Law Degrees in 1898.
- He was also honoured by Madras Universityby nominating him as a Fellow of the University.
References
- ^ "Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal". Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ^ a b Biography
- ^ a b c d Genealogy
- ^ "Important Personalities". Sreekeshu.xp3.biz. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Daily News Online Edition - Sri lanka :: Print Page". Archives.dailynews.lk. 4 July 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Voice of rebellion". The Hindu. 7 September 2004. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
Further reading
- R. E. Asher (1970). "Three Novelists of Kerala". In T. W. Clarke (ed.). The Novel in India: Its Birth and Development. California: University of California. pp. 205–234.