C. V. Raman Pillai (1858-1922) was the first writer to launch a historical novel in Malayalam. The novel, Marthanda Varma (1891) was the fore-runner of a trilogy that set the pattern for all subsequent writers of historical fiction, but his compeer is yet to appear. C.V's style is unique in its grandeur, imaginative vigour and linguistic inventiveness. His other works include Dharmaraja (1913) Premamrtam (1916) Ramarajabahadur (1918-20) etc. Though a civil servant he played a remarkable role as a journalist and social activist.
Professor S. Guptan Nair (b. 1919) the author of this monograph is a well-known critic, essayist and lexicographer in Malayalam. Recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Sahitya Akademi awards (1967, 1983), he served for a term as the President of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Prof. Nair evaluates in this small but authentic volume C.V. Raman Pillai and his contribution, especially for the benefit of the non-Malayali readers.
Dust lies thick on most of the celebrated historical romances of the world, including those of the mighty Sir Walter Scott. History repeats itself said the pundits. True, but historical novels repeat more. They easily tend to become stereo types with standardized plots, vaulting heroes and balcony romances. We live in an age when we are no longer excited about royalty and their grand regalia. The common man has dethroned the kings and queens and has become the centre of attention and the concern of poets.
Yet C.V. Raman Pillai who produced three all-time greats in the field of Malayalam fiction is not only widely read but remains a lone star in the firmament of Malayalam Literature. By the sheer force of his imagination, an essential vitality and an inimitable artistry in style, C.V. Raman Pillai, C.V. for short, holds the ground along with O. Chandu Menon (184799), the father of the social novel in Malayalam. Their preeminence has seldom been challenged, though critics have expressed their preference of one over the other.
Another half a dozen Malayalam novels have come down to us from the 19th century. But only two have stood firmly against the onslaughts of changing fashions and tastes Chandu Menon's Indulekha (1889) and C.V. Raman Pillai's Marthanda Varma (1891). Chandu Menon a competent judicial officer of Malabar had not exhibited any literary talent until he was forty two. But what he produced at 42 almost by accident, was a minor literary masterpiece. C.V. Raman Pillai on the other hand earned for himself an enviable reputation as a writer and publicist even as an undergraduate. John Ross, a humane Scottish gentleman who was his mentor and principal in the college showered his bounteous affection on this pupil. He was endearingly addressed by Ross as 'Ramu' or more often as 'Sonny'. C.V. in his youthful ardour had often attacked the political heavy-weights of the day. But John Ross did not even think of punishing him. On the other hand, he drew him into friendly discussions of current affairs and allowed him to hold his own convictions.
It is recorded by the biographers that C.V. wrote the first draft of Marthanda Varma two or three years before the appearance of Indulekha but he left it in cold storage, perhaps for want of confidence. The novel, when it finally appeared (1891), was hailed as a great masterpiece. A contemporary estimate runs somewhat like this "We literally celebrated the event. The people of Trivandrum irrespective of class and rank read it, almost devoured it. It was discussed in the cottages, in the elite circles, in the law courts and in clubs and associations. We discussed each character, each situation, not for weeks but for months".
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