Ramapurathu Warrier
Ramapurathu Warrier (1703–1753) is considered to be the pioneer of the "Vanchipattu" or Boatsong form of poetry in Malayalam language.[1] Vanchippattu is a poetic form of folk origin composed entirely in the Dravidian metre nathonnata.
He was born in Ramapuram, near Palai, in Meenachil Taluk, Kottayam District, Kerala.[citation needed] He was a courtier of two successive Kings of Travancore, viz. Marthanda Varma and Dharma Raja.[citation needed]
The most celebrated work of Ramapurathu Warrier is "Kuchela Vrittam Vanchippattu", which depicts the story of Kuchela, a devotee and an old classmate of Krishna, going to Dwaraka to meet with him.[citation needed] The poem was apparently composed and recited during one of the King's boat journeys in which Warrier was also present.[citation needed] While describing with great poignance the poverty of Kuchela and the benevolence of Krishna, Warrier was indirectly presenting his miseries before the King seeking the King's help. It is considered[who?] that Warrier was amply rewarded.[citation needed]
Although composed more than two centuries ago, the poem is still one of the most popular poems of Malayalam language. An annotated edition was published by DC Books.[2]
References
- ^ "Ramapurathu Warrier". Government of Kerala. Retrieved 30 March 2010.
- ^ "DC Books". DC Books. Retrieved 30 March 2010.
- Kuchela Vrittam - Ramapurathu Varier - Annotated by Prof. Gopikuttan; Published by DC Books, Kottayam; ISBN 81-240-0705-5.