Potheri Kunjambu Vakil

Potheri Kunjambu Vakil (1857–1919) was one of the earliest Malayalam poets and a rationalist, novelist, social worker and lawyer from Kannur district.

In his writings, he propagated the idea that the upliftment of the downtrodden was possible through education and the eradication of superstitions. He is said to have been the first to give the Pulaya bride the name Panchamar.

Early life and education

Potheri Kunjambu was born on June 6, 1857, at Pannenpara, Pallikunnu near Kannur. After studying at Ezhuthupalli run by his father Potheri Kunjakkan, he was educated in Sanskrit and Malayalam. He later studied at the Government English School in Kannur, he passed matriculation and dropped out of higher education due to poverty. The lawyer, who was traveling in a royal chariot, was also the landlord who owned several acres of land. Kunjambu Vakil was a fan of Sree Narayana Guru.