Nosgey of memories to Kovilan

Akshaya B Raj

Kandanisseri Vattomparambil Velappan Ayyappan (9 July 1923 – 2 June 2010), better known as Kovilan, was a Malayalam novelist. He was considered to be one of the most prolific writers of contemporary Indian Literature.He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1972 and 1977 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 1998. He was also a recipient of the Kerala state government's highest literary honour Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Malayalam literature. He had been a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi since 2005.
Kovilan was born in Kandanisseri near Guruvayur in Thrissur district, Kerala, India on July 9, 1923. Kovilan had his early education at the Kandanisseri Excelsior School and Nenmini Higher Elementary School. Kovilan entered Pavaratty Sahitya Deepika Sanskrit College at the age of thirteen. From 1943 to 1946 he worked at the Royal Indian Navy and from 1948 to 1968 in the Corps of Signals.
Kovilan was also selected for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award instituted by the Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Limited in 2009. Kovilan published eleven novels, twelve short story collections, three essay collections and one play.
He stands apart by originality in his themes, sharp characterisation and piercing quality of style. He also has had a profound influence in literary and cultural spheres over the last several decades.
Works of Kovilan
The following is a list of the works of Kovilan in Malayalam language.

Novel
* Thattakam (1995), Janmantharanngal (1982), Bharathan (1976),
Hhimaalayam (1972), Thottanngal (1970), Thaazhvarakal (1969),
Ezhamedangal (1965), A minus B (1958), Thakarnna Hrdayanngal (1946)

Novelette
* tharavaatu (1963), boardout

Short Story
* Kovilante Kathakal (1985), Therannjeduttha Kathakal (1980),
Aadyatthe Kathakal (1978), Sakunam (1974),Pittham
Thervaazchakal (1971), Ventamkati (1969),
Oru Kashanam Asthi (1961),Orikkal Manushyanaayirunnu (1960),
Ee Jeevitham Anaathamanu (1957), Oru palam Manayola (1957)

Essays
* Atmabhavanngal (1995), Kathayum Kathakalum
Kovilante Lekhanangal)

Play
* Ninte Viswaasam Ninne poruppikkum (1957)