Kunchan Smarakam

Different from the other historical monuments, Kunchan Smarakam is a memorial built in the memory of the famous poet of Kerala, Kunchan Nambiar. The Kunchan Smarakam is situated in Lakkidi, about 30 km from the Palakkad district. This great poet was born in this house and had spent his childhood here. However, he moved to Kudamaloor in his boyhood, after which he spent his youth at Ambalappuzha. In 1748, he moved to Thiruvananthapuram, first to the court of Martanda Varma and later to the court of Kartika Tirunal Rama Varma. He had already written several of his works before leaving Ambalapuzha. The art of Thullal was introduced to Kerala in the 18th century. He was a satirist, who brought literary wit and humor within the ken of common man. His innovative satiric art form, Ottanthullal reflected his deep sense of social responsibility. Kanchan Nambiyar pioneered the introduction of the element of satire in his poetry at the time when. In Europe, it was already a respected and popular genre of writing.

Kunchan Smarakam Fort, which stands in place of the famous poet's home, serves as an institution for young people interested in satirical art forms. At Kunchan Smarakam, where the inventor of the satirical art form was born, young artists are trained in various divisions of the art form. In addition to Thullal, the Kunchan Smarakam celebrates the Navarathri, a nine-day worship of different forms of mother goddess, which is a festival celebrated in a majestic way. The birthday of the great poet falls on 5th May and is commemorated with great fanfare at the Kunchan Smarakam. Most programs are celebrated at and around the stage which once used to be the epicenter of all artistic and theatrical activities. In fact, the stage was once used by the inventor poet Kanchan Nambiar himself. Apart from being a centre of learning for scholars, the fort is a great place to enjoy natural beauty encircling the historic monument.