Colonial Rule in Kerala and the Development of Malayalam Novels: Special Reference to the Early Malayalam Novels

Malayalam literature has a predominant position among other literatures. From the ‘Pattu’ moments it had undergone so many movements and theories to transform to the present style. The history of Malayalam literature witnessed some important changes and movements in the history. That means from the beginning to the present situation, the literary works and literary movements and its changes helped the development of Malayalam literature. It is difficult to estimate the development periods of Malayalam literature. Because South Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada, etc. gave their own contributions to the development of Malayalam literature. Especially Tamil literature gave more important contributions to the development of Malayalam literature. The English education was another milestone of the development of Malayalam literature. The establishment of printing presses, the education minutes of Lord Macaulay, etc. helped the development process. People with the influence of English language and literature, began to produce a new style of writing in Malayalam literature. New branch of literary works that is novel came into exist. Through my paper, I am focusing on the influence of English language in the development of Malayalam literature.