Exploring Narrative Dexterity in Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai’s Malayalam Novels
Arup Pandit
Junior Research Fellow, Dravidian Linguistic Association of India
Thiruvananthapuram
aruppandit94@gmail.com
Submitted on: 17.11.2025
Accepted on: 25.12.2025
Abstract: Modern Malayalam prose began to take shape in the 20th century, alongside the development of other Indian literatures. The introduction of printing technology led to the emergence of the novel as a new literary genre, contributing to the growth of prose literature. Influenced by Western literature, many young writers began to gain prominence during this time. One of the most notable figures is Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, who was a pioneering novelist and the first to receive international recognition in the Malayalam literary scene. This paper will examine the narrative dexterity evident in Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai’s Malayalam novels.
Key Words: Thakazhi, Kuttanad, Realistic prose, Progressive Writers’ Movement, Modern Malayalam novel.