DR HERMAN GUNDERT AND GUNDERT BUNGALOW

DR HERMAN GUNDERT AND GUNDERT BUNGALOW

 Dr Herman Gundert was a scholar, missionary & lexicographer who made major contributions to the Malayalam language & literature. In simple terms we can say that Gundert Bungalow was the residence of Dr Herman Gundert in Thalassery near Kannur. As the name indicates, Gundert Bungalow was the residence of Dr Herman Gundert, who was a German missionary, lexicographer as well as scholar. All Malayalees are familiar with the name Herman Gundert due to his great contributions to Malayalam language & literature. He lived in this bungalow for 20 years. It should be noted that this bungalow is located near Thalassery which is close to the Kannur town. We all know that Herman Gundert was a great scholar who compiled the first Malayalam English dictionary. Some of the important works of Herman Gundert are Malayala Rajyam (1870), Paschimodayam, Kerala Pazhama (1868), Manushya Hridayam, Christu Sabha Charitram, Vajrasooji, Muhamadeeya Charitram etc. Among the above mentioned works, Paschimodayam is considered as the first Malayalam newspaper. Before Herman Gundert, this bungalow was used by Mr Thomas, who was the judicial magistrate of Thalassery. 

The architectural beauty of Gundert Palace has attracted several tourists to visit this place. Actually this bungalow has a unique design & is constructed in the form of a watch tower. The caves, verandahs & wide doors of this bungalow proves the architectural hands of those people who constructed it. Since Gundert Bungalow is situated in Thalassery near Kannur district, you can reach there either by train, bus or flight. That means the nearest airport is Karipur international airport, nearest bus station is that of Thalassery bus stand & the nearest railway station is Thalassery railway station. 

Malayalees cannot forget Herman Gundert and his contributions to the Malayalam Language. A German by birth Gundert resided at Illikkunnu Bungalow near Thalassery which was his workshop for 20 years from 1939 for his research activities. 20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu stands his residence, Gundert Bungalow.Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper - Paschimodayam - took shape. 

                                          Prof. John Kurakar