Sanskrit sources of Kerala history
by Suma Parappattoli | 2010 | 88,327 words
This study deals with the history of Kerala based on ancient Sanskrit sources, such as the Keralamahatmyam. The modern state known as Keralam or Kerala is situated on the Malabar Coast of India. The first chapter of this study discusses the historical details from the inscriptions. The second chapter deals with the historical points from the Mahatm...
This book contains Sanskrit text which you should never take for granted as transcription mistakes are always possible. Always confer with the final source and/or manuscript.
5.1. Ramavarma-vilasam by Balakavi
Balakavi is the another of two dramas, Ramavarma-vilasam[1] Ratnaketudaya[2]. From the epilogue to the Radnaketudaya it is known that Balakavi was a native of Mulladrum in North Arcot district in Tamil Nadu. He was the son of Kalahasti and grandson of Mallikarjuna. He comes to Kerala in search of literary patronage and he became the court poet of Ramavarma of Cochin Royal family. The date and identity of the poet and his patron have been a subject of controversy among scholars[3]. According to the tradition record by the editor of Ratnakatudaya Balakavi was a court poet of Manavikrama of Calicut but from the works we know that he was in the court of Ramavarma of Cochin. If this is accepted Balakavi can be assigned to 16th C. AD.
Ramavarma-vilasam
Ramavarmavilasam is a drama in five acts describing the story of Ramavarman, the king of Kochin. Entrusting the entire government of his state to his brother Godavarman, the king goes to Tulakkaveri, and there meets a girl named Mandaramala. He falls in love with her, marries her, and lives with her there for some time. Then he hears from his brother that his country is being attacked by enemies. He comes back to Cochin, takes charge of the Government and defeats all the enemies.
In the prologue to Ramavarmavilasa, it is stated that king Ramavarman was born to his mother by the grace of the goddess of Valayapura (Uraka)[4]. It is further said that the king went on pilgrimage after entrusting his kingdom to the crown prince Godavarman. It is mentioned that the king visited Ramesvara, Sriranga and Cidambara.
In the interlude Kaveri informs her friend Kanaka that king Ramavarman of Cochin is going on a pilgrimage along with his forces after entrusting, his official duties to his brother Godavarman.
The second act begins with the entry of a messenger by name Sarangika. He has been sent by Godavarman from Cochin to deliver a message and a jewel necklace to king Ramavarman.
In the interlude to the forth act, through a conversation between Kumudini’s and Kalamanjari, the marriage of the king Ramavarman with Rasacandrika according to the Gandharva system is announced. Besides, the king’s return to his city and his beloved’s visit to her native country after the lapse of her course are mentioned. The king takes rest in his palace after his tiresome tour. The crown prince goes to meat him and is warmly received after presenting the sword, he shows the king the painting on the walls of the palace done by eminent artist illustrating his pilgrimage to Cidambaram, Sriranga and Kanci etc. The king speaks very highly of the paintings and congratulates his nephew.
There is no scope for historical references even though the hero is a ruling king. His arrangement for his brother to occupy the thrown in his absence as also the gratitude of the Pandya king may have historical reference, but they are not of any significance. The play also does not throw much light to the character of the king
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
Tanjore 4490, this was printed in Srividya press, Kumbhakonam