R.Rajaraja Varma

R.Rajaraja Varma was a critic, scholar and poet. As a professor in the University College, Thiruvananthapruam, he attempted to modernize the process of teaching Malayalam language and literature.

To this end he wrote books on grammar and rhetoric (which earned him the title of Kerala panini) and eventually prepared the ground for an enlightened renaissance in Malayalam poetry and literary criticism.

Rajaraja Varma's poetic works were influenced by the study of British Romantic poets of the 19th century. They also show a renewed interest in the real classics of Sanskrit literature.

In Malayavilasam he appears to be looking forward to an expected romantic revival.

Rajaraja Varma contributed significantly to the growth of prose through his essays.