Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (January 19, 1908 - July 5, 1994) is an important figure in modern Malayalam literature. He is well known as a novelist and short story writer. He also took part in India's independence movement.
He was born at Vaikom in Kerala. Before finishing his primary education, he ran away from home to take part in India's independence movement. He was arrested for participating in the Civil disobedience movement of 1930 inititated by Mohandas Gandhi. Later, for about 10 years he travelled all over India and spent time as an ascetic with Hindu saints and Sufi mystics. After returning to Kerala, he continued to contribute to the independence movement through his writings for which he was jailed many times.
Basheer is known for his unconventional style. An astute observer of human character, he skillfully combines humor and pathos in his works.
The Indian government recognized his contributions to Malayalam literature by awarding him the prestigious Padmashri in 1982.
Main works
- Premalekhanam [Love-letter] (1943)
- Balyakala Sakhi [Childhood friend] (1944)
- Ntuppuppaakkoraanendaarnnu [My grandpa had an elephant] (1951)
- Aanavariyum Ponkurisum [Aanavari and Ponkurisu] (1959)
- Paattummayude Aadu [Pattummaa's goat] (1959)
- Mathilukal [Walls] (1965)
- Bhoomiyude Avakaasikal [The owners of the earth] (1977)
He also wrote the screenplay for the Malayalam movie Bhargavinilayam(1964).
Referenced By
Biographical Listing/BA | List of novelists | List of novelists by nationality | List of people by name: BA | List of people by name: Ba-Bd | Malayalam literature
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