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Mahishasathakam

Sri Vangchesweradeekshithar

Dr. Veluthat Kesavan

81-85499-41-1

Kerala Council for Historical Research

History

2011

150 /-

Express Interest

Mahishasathakam is a fine Sanskrit poem that reveals the great socio-cultural and political crises of eighteenth century South India. This Malayalam translation opens up the work’s literary beauty to students of literature. Dr. Kesavan’s critical study contextualizes the work as a strong commentary on bureaucratic corruption, social decadence, failure of the education system and nepotism among other issues. The poem is read not just as an aesthetic text, but also as a relevant political treatise. It is considered one of the first instances of intellectual struggle against the abuses of the ruling classes.

Translator: Dr. Veluthat Kesavan