Ulloor S. Parmeswara Iyer (1877-1949) Commemoration

Ulloor S. Parmeswara Iyer, born on June 6, 1877, in Changanacherry, Kerala, hailed from a family deeply rooted in education and literature. Despite his father’s untimely demise, his mother’s perseverance ensured that Ulloor pursued higher education. He graduated with honors in Philosophy from Maharaja’s College, Trivandrum, in 1897, and subsequently entered the services of the Travancore State.

While serving, Ulloor pursued further studies, obtaining degrees in Law, Malayalam, and Tamil. He ascended to prestigious positions such as Land Revenue and Income Tax Commissioner and also served as the Chief Secretary of the State. However, Ulloor’s lasting legacy lies in his profound contributions to literature.

Ulloor’s literary prowess was exceptional, marked by a prolific output across various genres. His poetic talents emerged early and flourished under the guidance of his father and the encouragement of literary patrons. Renowned for his classical style, Ulloor’s poetry exuded erudition and scholarship. His epic work “Umakeralam” stands as a testament to his mastery, characterized by its purity and flawlessness.

In an era when short narrative poems (“Khanda Kavya”) were prevalent, Ulloor produced enduring works like “Karnabhooshanam” and “Pingala,” which remain unmatched to this day. His poems, often veiled in myth and allegory, conveyed profound personal emotions with intensity and depth.

Ulloor’s monumental contribution to Malayalam literature includes his comprehensive history, which was published posthumously by Kerala University. Comparable to the significance of the Cambridge History of English Literature, Ulloor’s work reflected his keen historical sense, classical understanding, and meticulous attention to detail.

A scholar of ancient literature and palm leaf manuscripts, Ulloor unearthed significant treasures of Malayalam literature, such as the earliest poem “Rama Charitham” and prose “Dutavakyam.” He also meticulously annotated and edited portions of the “Kannassa Ramayanam.”

Ulloor Parmeswara Iyer’s towering presence dominated Kerala’s literary landscape for nearly five decades. He passed away on June 15, 1949, leaving behind a profound legacy. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department honors his memory by issuing a special postage stamp in recognition of his immense contributions to literature and scholarship.