UNNAYI VARIYAR

UNNAYI VARIYAR

Unnayi Variyar was a poet, writer, scholar, dramatist who lived in  Kerala during the later part of the 17th century.He gave immense contributions to the art of  Kathakali the classical dance-drama form of Kerala. He is widely renowned for his chef-d’oeuvre Nalacharitham aattakatha.

There are only sketchy details available regarding Unnayi Variyar's real name, exact date and place of birth, his family background and literary achievements. There is consensus among scholars that his family name was 'Akathoottu Warriam' and that he was a garland maker (traditional vocation of Warriers by profession at Irinjalakkuda Koodamanikyam Tempele. One tangible record available that throws light on his life and times is that his work Nalacharitham aattakatha - 2nd day was enacted during the festival season of Sree Padmaanbhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram  in 1752 AD. This for certain proves that  Nalacharitham was authored by Variyar during the first half of 18th century or earlier. There is speculation that  Ramapurathu Warrier was a disciple of Unnayi Variyar and as noted by Prof. Aimanam Krishna Kaimal in his celebrated work "Attakkatha Sahityam" it is reasonable to assume Unnayi Variyar lived between 1674 and 1754 C.E. Also, Prof. Kaimal infers that Unnayi's real name was 'Raman'. He arrives at this conclusion by presenting evidence that last sloka of another of Unnayi's works - 'Girijakalyanam' aatakatha mentions the author's name to be 'Raman'.

The most famous work of Unnayi Variyar is Nalacharitham Aattakkatha. The work is divided into four parts/days with each part designed in such a way as to be presented as an independent performance. Nalacharitham elavated the literary standards of Kathakali and is widely recognised to be path breaking and pioneering in its approach to make Kathakali a complete art form. Root story of Nalacharitham  Kathakali song is based on the  Mahabharata (chapters 52 to 79 of Aaranyaparvam). It is one of the stories told by sage Brihadaswan to Pandava prince yudhisthira during the despondent times that Pandavas go through during their exile. Story revolves around the most righteous Naishada king Nala,his wife  Damayani and the troubles they undergo in spite of being pious and virtuous and how in the end they are absolved and restored to their previous glory and joy.By many accounts Nalacharitham is considered to be the complete aatakatha via its perfect storyline,masterly rendering and consistent aesthetics.

Unnayi Warrier, born at Irinjalakuda, Thrissur District  , enjoys a unique place among the composers of  kathakali, the classical dance of Kerala. His composition Nalacharitham (in 4 parts) is different from all other kathakali compositions in literary refinement and character delineation.

The story is taken from Nalopakhyana of Mahabharatha. Nala is the young king of Nishadha kingdom. Narada comes and advises Nala to try to marry Damayanti, a beautiful princess of Kundinapura, who is to wed soon. But Nala is doubtful about his chances saying that even gods crave to marry her. But Narada says she is for kings of the world and not for gods.
 Nala roams about in the extensive royal gardens thinking about Damayanthi. At that time, a golden coloured swan was seen resting by the side of a pond. Nala gently goes and catches the swan. The swan is highly agitated and Nala releases it to go its own way. But the swan comes back and tells Nala that it is ready to help Nala to get married to Damayanthi. Nala is interested and sends it to Damayanti's city, Kundinapura, to know about her own feelings on the subject.
 The swan flies to Kundinapura and meets Damayanti. After drawing her away from her maids it tells her about Nala. Damayanti is also in love with Nala. So the swan returns and gives the massage to Nala. Then and there Nala decides to try the hand of Damayanti. Damayanti's swayamwara is declared. Nala is on the way, but is met with five gods who are also going for the same purpose. To his astonishnment now Nala has to play the role of the gods' messenger. He meets Damayanthi and tells the wish of the gods. But Damayanthi firmly says SHE LOVES ONLY NALA. Not even gods for her! Now the Swayamwara takes place. Damayanti could not recognize the true Nala since the gods are also present in the shape of Nalas. Then she uses her intelligence (by divine grace) and recognizes the true Nala with certain human characteristics such as blinking of the eyes and feet firmly placed on the ground, and puts her garland on his neck and so they are united. The gods bless them and also give many boons to Nala.
Thus ends the first day's play of Nala Charitha. Nala is Pacha, the gods various shades of Pacha, the swan has its own swan makeup, others are Minuku.

                                                           Prof. John Kurakar