Kamala Surayya is also known as Kamala Das. Moreover, she is a renowned Indian writer and poet from Kerala. She was recognized for her impactful work in both Malayalam and English literature. Indeed, her short stories and autobiography gained popularity in Kerala. Whereas, her English writings, published under Kamala, were known for their bold poetry and candid autobiography. Kamala was praised for fearlessly addressing female sexuality without any shame. However, it makes her a symbol of rebellion for her generation. She passed away on May 31, 2009, at the age of 75, in a hospital in Pune.
Early Life of Kamala Das
Kamala Das was born on March 31, 1934, in Punnayurkulam, Thrissur District, Kerala. Moreover, her father, V. M. Nair, was a former managing editor of the Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi. Plus, her mother, Nalappatt Balamani Amma, was a famous Malayali poetess. Furthermore, Kamala Das spent most of her childhood in Punnayurkulam and Calcutta.
After that, her father worked as a senior executive for the Walford Transport Company, which marketed Bentley and Rolls Royce vehicles. Kamala Das inherited her literary talents from her mother and was influenced by her great uncle, famed writer Nalappatt Narayana Menon. At the age of 15, she married Madhava Das, a bank official, who supported her literary aspirations.
During the 1960s, Kamala Das became a prominent figure in the tumultuous arts scene of Calcutta. Moreover, she began writing and publishing poetry in both English and Malayalam. Also, she has gained recognition alongside other Indian English poets. After that, her work was in cult anthologies of the time.
Personal Life Of Kamala Das
She had three sons named M D Nalapat, Chinnen Das, and Jayasurya Das. Her eldest son, M D Nalapat, is married to Princess Lakshmi Bayi of the Travancore Royal House. Also, he holds the UNESCO Peace Chair and is a professor of geopolitics at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Additionally, he has served as the resident editor for the Times of India in the past.
Conversion to Islam
She originally came from a Hindu royal family with the surname Nair (Nallappattu). Moreover, she was in a relationship with Sadiq Ali. In addition, he was a Member of Parliament for the Muslim League. At the age of 65 in 1999, he convinced her to convert into Islam. After that, she chose to convert to Islam and adopted the name Kamala Surayya.
Her decision to convert stimulated controversy in literary and social circles. However, some critics including a prominent newspaper called The Hindu, dismissing it as a dramatic act. Despite the criticism, Kamala Das expressed her fondness for embracing the purdah (veil) associated with Islam. After the death of her spouse, she found a connection with the Islamic faith and chose to identify with it.
Politics
Even though she didn’t have any prior experience in politics. However, she decided to start her own political party called the Lok Seva Party. Moreover, this party focused on helping mothers who were left without a partner. Indeed, she promotes the idea of a society where religion doesn’t influence politics. Later, she tried to get elected as a member of the Indian Congress in 1984, but she didn’t win.
Literature career
Kamala Das was a creative writer known for her work in both Malayalam short stories and English poetry. Despite her popularity as a syndicated columnist, she believed that poetry didn’t have a large market in India. However, her poetry drew comparisons to acclaimed Western poets like Robert Lowell and Anne Sexton.
Her autobiography was initially published in Malayalam in 1973. After 15 years the poetry was translated to English. Later, Kamala was invited to literary events in Germany, Canada, and London, where she was greeted as the “Mother of Modern English Poetry” in 2009.
One of her most famous works is “My Story,” originally penned in Malayalam. However, this autobiography was highly controversial yet immensely popular. In addition, it defines her career and sparks debates.
Movies Based On a Storyline Written by Kamala Das
- Neermaathalathinte Pookkal
- Mazha
- Aami
- Kadhaveedu
Awards and Achievements
- “PEN Aisan Poetry Prize”- In 1963.
- “Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award For Story” -In 1968
- “Shortlisted For The Nobel Prize In Literature”- In 1984
- “Kendra Shahitya Academy Award For In English”- In 1985
- “Kerala State Film Award For Best Story”- In 1988
- “Vayalar Award – Neermathalam Pootha Kalam” – 1997
- “Asian Poetry Prize”- In 1998
- “Ezhuthachan Award”- 2002
- “Honorary D.Litt By University Of Calicut”- In 2006
- “Muttathu Varkey Award”- In 2006.
Famous Books & Poetry Of Kamala Das
- Summer In Calcutta.
- My Mother At Sixty-Six
- Forest Fire
- A Losing Battle
- Words
- My Story
- The Sunshine Cat
- My Grandmother’s House
- An Introduction
- A Hote Noon in Malabar
- The Freaks
- The Wages Of Love
Poetry In English Translation
- 1964- “The Sirens”
- 1965- “Summer In Culcutta”
- 1967- “The Descendants”
- 1973-“The Old Playhouse And Other Poems”
- 1977-“The Stranger Time”
- 1984-“Collected Poems”
- 1985-“Anamalai Poems”
- 1997-“Only The Soul Knows How To Sing”
- 1999-“My Mother At Sixty-Six”
- 2001-“Yaa Allah”
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article covers all the essential details about Author Kamala Das life, including her early life, famous books and achievements. However, if you find the information interesting or informative, please feel free to share it with your friends and family. Moreover, if you like this article’s content then let us know with your comments. Toddles!
Trivia
During the 1960s, Kamala Das became a prominent figure in the tumultuous arts scene of Calcutta.
She decided to start her own political party called the Lok Seva Party.
she tried to get elected as a member of the Indian Congress in 1984, but she didn’t win.
Kamala was invited to literary events in Germany, Canada, and London, where she was greeted as the “Mother of Modern English Poetry” in 2009.
At the age of 65 in 1999, he convinced her to convert to Islam. After that, she chose to convert to Islam and adopted the name Kamala Surayya.
