The missionaries did a pioneering
and exemplary work in Kerala with their substantial contributions to Malayalam
language. There are many notable
individuals. Benjamin Baily translated books from English to Malayalam like ‘Upanishadhwakayanam’
‘Bharathiya Theerthadakan.’ Clodius Bukanan translated Bible into Malayalam in1811.
In 1818 Benjamin Baily gave a better translation of the Bible.
Dr. Gundert, a Basal Missionary
considered Malayalam language as his mother tongue. His was a life dedicated to
Malayalam language a visible expression of which is the 24 books he wrote in
Malayalam. Notable ones include Pazhamcholmala (1850, Keralapazhama (1852)etc.
Story and Novel
The written language deeply
influenced and refined the life and culture of the people during that time. It
was Benjamin Baily who introduced stories in Malayalam in the poetic
language. He translated it from English to Malayalam like Randattinkuttikal, Bharathiya
Theerthadakan etc. John Burnian, Arch Decon K. Koshy and Gundert have also made
contributions in this field.
In 1858 Rev. Joseph Peet
translated the novel of Mrs. Catherin, known as ‘Fulmoni Ennum Koruna Ennum
Peraya Rendu Sthrikalude Kadha’ Some important novels which has evergreen
status in Malayalam literature came up during this time like Pullelikkunju, in
1892, Kunthalatha in 1887 and Induleka in 1889.
Malayalam Drama
It was western missionaries who
were instrumental in introducing and nurturing Malayalam Drama. The Keralites
too jumped in making vital contributions to take it forward. The natives who
took great interest in Malayalam drama are Nidherickal Mani Kathanar, Kandathil
Varghese Mappilla, Kerala Varma Valiya Koyi Thamburan and C. V. Raman Pilla.
Grammar Books
The first grammar book in
Malayalam was written by a missionary named Rev. Joseph Peet in 1841. It was
his book that was taught in schools and colleges. In 1851 and 1860 Herman
Gundert wrote Malayalam Bhasha Vyakaram. Rev. Geroge Mattam wrote the Malayalam
grammar in 1863.
Dictionary
The first Malayalam - English dictionary was
published in 1846. It was Rev. Richard Colins who wrote the first Malayalam-Malayalam
dictionary in 1860.
Development of Science and History
The developments in language and increasing number of educational
instiutions contributed to the development of science and history. In 1830
Chemistry began to be taught in Kottayam
College . Scientific knowledge
was helpful in eradicating Superstitions.
Kuriakose Elias Chavara was a
literary genius. His contributions can be divided into two categories namely
literary (poetic) writings and spiritual writings. The literary writings include Compunction of
Heart (Atmanutapam), Dirge
(Parvam/Pana) and Martyrdom of Anastasia. The Meditation Colloquies (Dhyanasallapangal) and other short
mediations come under the spiritual writings.
Compunction of Heart (Atmanutapam)
Written in epic (Mahakavyam) style, Compunction of Heart
(Atmanutapam) is the most significant
work of Kurikoose Elias Chavara. The original manuscript contains 143 pages
with 3000 metric verses, running into 4023 lines. Divided into 12 cantons and
following various poetic meters, the book treats life of Jesus from birth to
ascension into heaven and life of Mary from ascension of Jesus to assumption of Mary into heaven. What makes the book stand out is the self-reflection of
Chavara Kuriakose which has been beautifully introven in the work.
Dirge (Parvam/Pana)
Keeping in mind the custom of relatives and friends keeping vigil around the dead body of a family member,
Dirge was written in order to sing loud on occasion like this. It has 1162
verses. Rather than emphasizing on the suffering in purgatory, our attitude
towards the dead is given importance. The poem reflects the Catholic faith in
communion of saints that is the communion among triumphant Church in heaven,
Church suffering in purgatory and the militant Church on earth. In order to inspire
the listeners to be kind towards the dead, the poem contains ten parables.
Martyrdom of Anastasia
The story of St. Anastasia who
suffered martyrdom under Emperor Valerian has been written in beautiful poetic
form. It is a minor epic. (Khandakavyam)
It is written in boat song (vancipatt)
style in order to move the listeners to action and sacrifice. This poem is said
to be written during the time when the unity of Church in Kerala was challenged
after the arrival of the bishop Roccos and gave the message to persist in faith in spite of sufferings, persecutions and even death.
Meditation Colloquies (Dhyanasallapangal)
The contemplative dimension and
God-experience of Kuriakose Elias Chavara can be seen in full bloom in
Meditation Colloquies. It was a sort of spiritual diary which he wrote between
1866 and 1868. The book is a standing testimony to the fact that Chavara was a
master of spirituality and attained highest levels of mystical experience.
The other books of Kuriakose
Elias Chavara include Dhyanakuripukal (Points
for Meditation/Retreat), Prayers Chavara used to recite and Forty hour
Adoration.
Printing Press at Mannanam
Being fully aware of the changes
that books could make in bringing about substantial changes in the society ,Kuriakose Elias established printing press at Mannanam in 1844. It was the first
Syro-Malabar Catholic Press in Kerala. It
published many spiritual books for deepening the religious life of the people. Jnana Piyusham was the first book to be
published from Mannanam press in 1846. Nasrani Deepika the first Malayalam daily
was printed from this press in 1887.
Thus Chavara’s literary
contribution to Malayalam is immense and it is rather sad that it has not been
seriously taken note by the literary fraternity in Kerala.
More books, articles, images, videos, prayers, etc., On Saint Chavara available at :- www.chavaralibrary.in
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