Kunchan Nambyar

Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambyar: The Pioneer of Tullal

Early Life

Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambyar was born in 1705 at Kalakkathu Veedu in Killikkurussimangalam, a village in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. He spent his early childhood in Killikkurussimangalam, followed by his boyhood in Kudamaloor and youth in Ambalappuzha. During these formative years, he immersed himself in the rich cultural traditions of Kerala, developing a passion for the arts.

Nambyar received training in Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala, and studied Sanskrit under esteemed masters, including Mathoor Panickar, Dronaballi Naicker, and Nannikod Unni Ravi Kurup. This rigorous education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to literature and performance.

Artistic Contributions

Kunchan Nambyar is celebrated as a master of Malayalam satirical poetry and is credited with popularizing the performing art known as Tullal, particularly its variant Ottan Tullal. The term "thullal" translates to "dance" or "jumping," and under this name, Nambyar developed a new style of verse narration that incorporates occasional background music and dance-like swaying movements.

It is widely believed that Nambyar devised this art form as a response to the ridicule he faced from a Chakyar Koothu performer who chastised him for dozing off during a performance. In creating Tullal, Nambyar sought to establish a more relatable and humorous form of storytelling that utilized pure Malayalam, as opposed to the stylized and Sanskritized language of Chakyar Koothu. He also drew upon elements from Padayani and Kolam Tullal, as well as various local folk arts.

Tullal performances feature a solo performer who narrates stories rooted in Hindu mythology or contemporary social issues. Nambyar's wit and humor transformed these narratives into engaging performances that resonate with audiences. His ability to address social and political issues through satire has solidified his reputation as one of the leading comedians in Malayalam literature.

There are three distinct types of Tullal, categorized by the performer’s costume and style of rendering: Ottan, Seethankan, and Parayan. Nambyar utilized Dravidian metres throughout his works, although he also incorporated a quatrain in a Sanskrit metre. He is known to have written 64 Tullal stories, developing new metres—such as Vaytari metres—based on vocal notation for various talas. The language he employed was predominantly Malayalam, enriched with colloquial and dialectal forms.

By the time he reached the royal court of Marthanda Varma of Travancore in 1748, Nambyar had already established himself as a respected poet and performer. He later served at the court of Marthanda Varma's successor, Dharma Raja, where his contributions to Tullal and Malayalam poetry gained further recognition.

Legacy and Impact

Nambyar's artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on Kerala's cultural landscape. His poetic works, infused with humor and social critique, remain influential. He is often regarded as the father of Tullal, and his writings continue to inspire contemporary performances and adaptations.

Through his art, Nambyar engaged with both the elite and the common folk, making him a beloved figure in Kerala’s cultural history. His innovative spirit and unique blend of humor and social commentary have positioned him as one of the foremost comedians in Malayalam literature.

Later Life and Death

In the later years of his life, it is believed that Nambyar returned to Ambalappuzha, where he continued to contribute to the arts until his death in 1770 at the age of 65, reportedly due to rabies. His passing marked the end of an era for Tullal, but his legacy continues to thrive through the art form he pioneered.

Conclusion

Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambyar was a visionary artist whose influence on Kerala's cultural tapestry remains profound. By creating Tullal and infusing it with humor and social critique, he not only provided a platform for entertainment but also enriched the artistic traditions of his time. His legacy endures through the performances and literary works that thrive today, making him a central figure in the history of Indian performing arts. Through his unique voice, Nambyar has left a lasting impact on Kerala's cultural identity, inspiring generations to explore the interplay of art, humor, and society.