R. Narayana Panickar

R. Narayana Panickar
Born(1889-01-25)25 January 1889
Ambalappuzha, Travancore
Died29 October 1959(1959-10-29) (aged 70)
Occupations
  • Essayist
  • playwright
  • translator
  • lexicographer
  • novelist
  • historian
Notable workKerala Bhasha Sahitya Charitram
Navayuga Bhasha Nighantu
Spouse(s)Janaki Amma, Thankamma
Parents
  • Ayyappan Pilla
  • Kunji Amma
AwardsSahitya Akademi Award

R. Narayana Panickar (25 January 1889 – 29 October 1959) was an Indian essayist, playwright, translator, lexicographer, novelist and historian of Malayalam. He was credited with over 100 books but the best known among them are the seven-volume work, Kerala Bhasha Sahitya Charitram, a comprehensive history of Malayalam literature up to 1951 and Navayuga Bhasha Nighantu, a lexicon. He also wrote a number of novels and translated several works including Purananuru, Akanaṉūṟu and Silappatikaram. He was also a historian and published works such as Thiruvithamkoor Charitram and Kerala Charitram. Sahitya Akademi honoured him with their annual award in 1955.