Ancient Scripts: His contribution in the field of Manuscriptology, Paleography and Graphology is well known and he is considered to be one of the main exponents of Textual Criticism in Malayalam. His book entitled ‘Keralathile Pracheena Lipimathrukakal’ (Ancient Scripts of Kerala) is the one and only book after L.A. Ravi Varma on ancient scripts prevailed during the formatting stage of Malayalam Language like Vattezhuthu, Kolezhuthu, Malayanma, Grandha , Ancient Tamil scripts, numeral systems, measurements and ka ta payadi calculations are well discussed. This book has published by the State Archives in 2006.
Arnos Padiri-Critical Edition : As critical editor he has prepared the critical edition of all the poetic works of Arnos Padiri and published in 2002 by D.C. Books, Kottayam. He has produced 18 Ph.D.Thesis, out of which four Theses are in this Field. A new computer methodology has also developed through these theses. His research papers on Textual criticism are also well noticed. ‘Treatment of variants in Textual criticism’ (Journal of Manuscript Studies, Vol. XXXV No. 1 & 2, 2001-02) and ‘Some important aspects of Manuscriptology’ (Journal of Manuscript Studies, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1 & 2, 2003-04) are worth mentioning. The first one is an in depth analysis of the various types of manuscripts, variant readings and different forms of textual criticism. An important feature of this discussion is that it clearly distinguished between modernisation as occurs in transmitted texts and variations. The causes for occurring variants are clearly discussed. It also contains some new observations about paleographic errors.
Manuscriptology: The other paper deals with the distinct features and basic concepts of Manuscriptology. Even now studies in Manuscriptology are very less. This paper is thought provoking and provides a strong foundation for further studies in this field.
History of Malayalam Journalism: Another field of his contribution is on the History of Malayalam Journalism. In his book entitled “Keralathile Samoohika Navodhanavum Sahithyavum” (Social renaissance and literature of Kerala) he has done an in depth enquiry about the important factors which causes social renaissance and literary renaissance in Kerala during 19th century. Printing and popularization of books and periodicals, modern system of education and explosion of ideas, spreading of journals were the major forces for social renaissance. New forms of literature like, Essays, Short Stories, Novels, Book criticism, Informative literature and science essays were introduced for the first time in Malayalam through the journals of 19th Century. History of journalism in India especially in Kerala is also well discussed in this book. “Malayala patrapravarthanam pathonpatham noottandil” (Malayalam Journalism in the 19th century), D.C. Books, Kottayam, 2003 and “Patramekhala” (Field of Journalism) an essay in the book “Adhunika Malayala Sahitya Charitram Prasthanangaliloode” edited by Dr. K.M. George, D.C. Books, 1998 are also the important works by him in this field.
Research Studies: Gaveshanapatanangal is a collection of ten research papers. Ancient and Medieval Malayalam Prose Literature, Historic features and peculiarities of Grammar books in Malayalam up to Keralapanineeyam, Novels up to Indulekha, origin of the First Short story in Malayalam, Literary criticism in early journals, Translations of Bible in Malayalam, Influence of Missionaries-challenges and responses, a journal for Economic (Lakshmivilasm), Social renaissance and community Journals. An introduction of Manipravala Literature are the areas covered in this book. The insight and vision of Dr. Sam is vividly evident in these essays. These essays portrays rare and distinct feature of Malayalam Literature. The essay on Lakshmivilasm – a magazine of Economics is the first research paper and only one of these kinds written about that journal.
Patakakathamalika: In the essay on ‘Pataka kathamalika’ (Vinjana Kairali, July 2005) Dr. Sam introduces an early text meant for the performance of “Patakam”, a rare combination of oral and histrionic traditions. The oral tradition of story-telling techniques has got its own relevance in the art forms of Kerala. In this paper he has done an excellent analysis of this great art form, ‘Pataka’ and the role of Chakyar’ (a temple related group – Ambalavasi) are clearly established. This traditional art form serves as an informal education of our puranas and it is a typical example for explication.
In addition to these he has 30 research papers to his credit in various journals and anthologies.
Dr. K.M. George: The book entitled ‘Charitram Thudikkunna Thalukal’ is a memoir on Dr. K.M. George, a versatile Genius in comparative literature and in many fields of Literature in Malayalam and English. Dr. Sam draws the picture of the literary personality of Dr. K.M. George by using the letters sent by eminent personalities, both from different parts of India and abroad. It was published jointly by Dr. K.M. George Memorial Centre for language study and Research and State Institute of Languages, Trivandrum in 2005.
Books of Dr. N. Sam:
- Keralapanineeyavimarsavum mattum, N.B.S., Kottayam, 1979.
- Keralathile Samoohika Navodhanavum Sahityavum, N.B.S., Kottayam, 1988.
- Kusalavacharitam Kilippattu (Critical Edition), ORI & MSS Library, University of Kerala, 1988.
- Sahityagaveshanavum Vimarsanavum (Ed.), D.C. Books, Kottayam, 1990.
- Malayala Grandha Soochi (Subjectwise index of Malayalam Manuscripts in 2 Vols.) ORI & MSS Library, University of Kerala, 1996 & 2000.
- Arnos pathiriyude kavyangal (Critical edition of the poetic work of Arnos Padiri), D.C. Books, Kottayam, 2002.
- Malayala patrapravarthanam pathonpatham Noottandil (Jouranlism in Malayalam in the 19th Century), D.C. Books, Kottayam, 2003.
- Charitram thudikkunna thalukal, Dr. K.M. George Memorial Centre for Language study and Research and State Institute of Languages, Trivandrum, 2005.
- Gaveshana patanangal (Research Studies), Rainbow Publishers, Chengannoor, 2005.
- Keralathile Pracheena Lipi Matrukakal, State Archives, Government of Kerala, 2006.
As Director of the International Centre for Kerala Studies Dr. Sam has edited and published 10 books.
- ‘A Brief History of Malayalam Language’ by Dr. E.V.N. Namboodiri, 2004.
- ‘Ilamkulam Kunjan Pillayude Therenjedutha Kruthikal’ (Selected works of Prof. Ilamkulam Kunjan Pillai – His work on Kerala History with Glossary and Index), Edited by Dr. N. Sam, 2005.
- ‘Keralathile Natan Sangeetam’ (Folk music of Kerala) by Dr. M.V. Vishnu Namboodiri, 2005.
- ‘A Brief Survey of the Art Scenario of Kerala’ by Sri Vijayakumar Menon, 2006.
- ‘Keralathile Drusyakala Sahityam’ (Literature of Theatrical art in Kerala) by Prof. Aimanam Krishna Kaimal, 2006.
- ‘Keralathile Bhashakal’ (Languages in Kerala) by Dr. M. Sreenathan, 2006.
- ‘Theyyavum Thirayum’ (Theyyam and Thira) by Dr. M.V. Vishnu Namboodiri, 2006.
- ‘Kerala Life Style for Modern Youth’ by Dr. C. V. Jayamani, 2007.
- ‘Medieval Kerala’ by Prof. Ibrahim Kunju, 2007.
- ‘Geomorphology of Kerala’ by Dr. V. Prasannakumar, 2007.
(All the publications of I.C.K.S. are available in the Department of Publication, University of Kerala, Palayam, Trivandrum – 34).
Documentations:
- Documentary of “Kakarassi Natakam”.
- Documentary of “Kolam Thullal”.
- Documentary of Recitation of “Ramakathappattu”.
Guided Research Works:
Dr. Sam is a devoted Researcher. During his academic carrier he has guided successfully 18 Ph.D. Students and 25 M.Phil. Students so far.
Ph.D. Dissertations.
Student Title Year of award
1. Rajeev. V. Girijakalyanam – A Critical Edition and Study 25-7-1991
2. Babu Sebastian Characterisation in the Novels of C.V. Raman Pillai 25-7-1991
3. Reghukumar. G. Kuchela Theme in Malayalam 26-11-1993
4. Lissy Joseph Socio-Political Problems in the Poems of Vallathol 26-11-1993
5. Naufal. M. S. Reflections of Childhood in Malayalam Short Stories 5-4-1994
6. Sreelekha. K. G. A Criticial Edition and Study of Sivapuranam Kilippattu 21-1-1995
7. Susy Joseph Rugmangadacharitam Kilippattu Critical Edition and Study 21-1-1995
8. Philomina. S. S. A Stylistic Study of the Poetic Works of G. Sankara Kurup 30-6-1995
9. Philip John Early Informative Literature in Malayalam 1-11-1995
10. Joseph. P. A. Romantic Elements in the Short Stories of S.K. Pottakkad, T. Padmanabhan and M.T. Vasudevan Nair30-1-1996
11. Sabita. K. I. Theme and Style in the Short Stories of Lalithambika Antherjanam 22-8-1996
12. Mini. T. Contribution of Kuttikrishna Mamar to Malayalam Literary Criticism 30-4-1997
13. Baby Thomas Satire in the Thullals of Kunjan NambiarHis indebtedness and originality- 22-5-1997
14. George Joseph Social and Religious aspects in the Novels of Anand 1-10-1997
15. Yohannan. K. J. Language of Inscriptions in Malayalam 26-8-1998
16. Henalal. S. Devi Mahatmyam Kilippattu – Critical Edition and Study1-10-1999
17. Leena Rani Theme and Style in the Novels of Malayattoor Ramakrishnan 28-11-2003
18. Sainaba. M. Imagery in the Novels of C.V. Raman Pillai.19-11-2004
M.Phil. Dissertations
Student Title Year of award
1. Deepa K. Pillai Vilvapuranam Kilippattu – Critical Edition 1998
2. Prigi. P. A. Prahlada Charitam Kilippattu – Critical Edition 1998
3. Sathyajith. R. Pathinnalu Vrutham – Critical May Edition 1999
4. Sainaba. M. Krishnarjuna Samvadam Kilippattu May Critical Edition 1999
5. Babu. S. Vinjana Geetha Kilippattu -Critical Edition Nov. 1999
6. Nimi Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu Balakandam – Critical Edition- 2000
7. Rejani Sidha Deepika Kilippattu – Critical Edition 2000
8. Smitha. K. G. Vairagyachandrodayam Hamsappattu Critical Edition- Nov. 2001
9. Biju. D. L. Paramajnanavilakam – Critical Edition Nov. 2001
10. Sunitha. T. S. Sivarathrimahatmyam Pattu - Critical Edition Nov. 2001
11. Anju. A. S. Randu Bahavadham Attakkatha -Critical Edition 2002
12. Sunil Kumar. S. Rugmini Svayamvaram, Ambareesha Charitam Attakkathakal – Critical Edition2002
13. Maya. B. Sree Mahabhagavatam Kilippattu Panchama Skandham – Critical Edition 2003
14. Reena mol. V. S. Thoranayudham, Karthaveerarjuna Vijayam Attakkathakal – Critical Edition2003
15. Simi. V. Nivatakavacha Kalakeyavadham, 2003
16. Aryasukumar. R. Sree Mahabhagavatam Kilippattu Ashtamaskandham – Critical Edition- 2004
17. Jaseela. A. Parvathy Swayamvaram Pana Critical Edition- 2004
18. Saiju. V. Sree Mahabhagavatam Kilippattu Sapthamaskandham – Critical Edition 2004
19. Sheeja. L. Devndramoksham Kilipattu Critical Edition- June 2005
20. Prema. P. T. Paundrakavadham Attakkatha Critical Edition- June 2005
21. Dipi Markose Seethaswayamvaram Vathil Thurappattu Critical Edition 200622. Vineetha Kuchela Charitam Pathuvritham Critical Edition- 2006
23. Neelima Jayadevan Neethisaram Bhashavyakhyanam Critical Edition- 2006
24. Hena Lavanasuravadham Attakkatha Critical Edition- 2007
25. Helan Seethaswaymvaram Attakkatha Critical Edition- 2007
Membership in Academic and other cultural bodiesBoard of Studies member of the Archaeology Department of the University of Kerala.
Board of Studies member of Manuscriptology, Sree Sankara Sanskrit University, Kalady.
Secretary of Dr. K.M. George Award Trust, Trivandrum.
Advisory Committee member of the Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam, Aranmula during
High Level Technical Advisory Committee member of the State Archives, Trivandrum during the period
Advisory Committee member of ‘The Committee for the Propagation of Malayalam Language and Culture, Cultural Department of the Government of Kerala during 2001-05
Elected member of Faculty Board, Humanities, University of Kerala during 2007-08.
Professor,
Oriental Research Institute &
Manuscripts Library ,
University of Kerala ,
Kariavattom 695 581.
Ph.0471-2418421
e-mail: samnesan51@gmail.com
blog: http://drnsam.blogspot.com/
Hon. Director,
International Center For Kerala Studies,
University Of Kerala,
Kariavattom 695 581.
Ph.0471-2412168
e-mail: keralastudies@gmail.com
www.kuta.in/members
Bethel,
Pattoor,
Pettah-P.O.
Trivandrum -695 024
Kerala State
Ph.0471-2743054
Mobile:9447451869
2 comments:
samnesan51
Excellent blog.One of the greatest poetess, story writer and novelists in Kerala is Lalithambika Antherjanam who can be called and a literary historian and her writings are a heavily debated topic. Because of her earnest effort today women are largely educated and daughters are thought to be as prized as sons. Kerala has been praised for its treatment of women because of characteristics such as these. However, Lalithambika Antherjanam's writing speaks to some of the problems for Malayali women especially namboodiri women were often forced into seclusion in their homes, especially during adolescence. If they went out they would have to cover themselves. Even among other castes, the place of women in Kerala society is questioned. While women have had the opportunity to be educated for many years in Kerala, this education has not necessarily meant an elevated position in society Kerala society. Her independent -view and their realistic style make them part of a broader phenomenon of modernity through which, writers and thinkers around the world have tried to move away from the traditional cultural paradigms into the certainties of the age of the scientific temper. Although she was part of the most powerful priest cum landlord Brahmin caste of Kerala, her life-work was the exposure and destruction of the hypocrisy, violence and injustice with which women were treated in Namboodiri society. She was not allowed to study in school, and could only glean scraps of information about the outside world through male relatives who were kind enough to tell her about current affairs. "The stories and the autobiographical fragments in this collection are engaged and critical accounts of life in Namboodiri households. Set in the thirties, forties and fifties, these texts bring alive the world into which Lalithambika Antherjanam (1909-1985) was born. They record in vivid detail the physical incarceration, the mental agony and the terrorizing disciplinary holds of rituals of purity with an intimacy that can only come from one who writes from experience. Yet these stories are also accounts of individual women's protests, and these range from the ones that shake the polity, to ones that subtly re-order the immediate world. Surprisingly little known outside Kerala, her work provides invaluable insight into the little documented social reform and nationalist movements of Kerala. The introduction places the author and her work in the cultural history of Kerala." Her stories throb with the tormented reality of the Namboodiri illam or household: unbearable social restriction, rigid sexual mores, lives ruled by the maintenance of ritual purity, the extreme oppression of widows.
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