Rama Warrier (1832 – 96 AD) of Kaikulangara was born in
family of traditional scholars, in Thalappilly (Thrissur). The systematic
traditional education that he received in his own place, coupled with the
studies he had at different educational centers, made him a master of several
disciplines. Rama Warrier wanted to propagate Sanskrit study among the masses
throughout Kerala by writing elucidate commentaries in Malayalam on the major
texts in Sanskrit, not only in literature but in other fields of study.
The amount of translation and commentaries he did from
Sanskrit to Malayalam is mind boggling. It gives an idea that he was a voracious
reader and writer.
The sad aspect is that this genius never got the desired
recognition in modern Kerala.
Books And Writings Of Rama Warrier
These included Raghuvamsa, Kumarasambhava, and
Meghasandesha of Kalidasa, Shishupala Vadha of Magha, Naisandhya Charita of
Sriharsa, Narayaniya of Narayana Bhattathiri, Yudhisthira Vijaya of Kulasekhara
Varman, Sri Krishna Vilasa, Sriramamodanta, Amarusataka of Amaru,
Pushpa Vani Vilasa and Kottiviraha.
His commentary Balapriya on Amarakosha was very popular. In
Ayurveda, he wrote a detailed commentary on Ashtangahridaya of Vagabhata and
Arogyakalpadruma.
In Jyotisha, he commented on Horashastra of Varahamihira,
Samudrika Shastra, Gaulishastra and Prasanamarga.
In Grammar, he wrote a Nutana Siddharupa and
Balaprabodhanam, besides a commentary of Siddhantakaumudi, a classical work on the Ashtaadhyaayi- a grammatical treatise on Sanskrit Grammar..
Besides commenting on hymns like Tripurastotra vamsati he composed certain
original hymns such as Vamadeva stava, Vidyunmala and Vagananda Lahari, the
last in 108 verses.
Rama Warrier established printing presses, like
Vidyaratnaprabha and Kerala Kalpadruma, which published his writings and grew
into leading publishing houses in the Kerala of later times.
Source –
- The contribution of Kerala to Sanskrit Literature (1958) K.K. Raja
- Biography of Kaikkulangara Rama Variyar (1940) P.K. Menon – Kala Vilasini Press – Thiruvananthapuram
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume VIII – Page 448 - IHRF