Thakkathu Amayankottu Rajalakshmi (June 2, 1930 – January 18, 1965), better identified as Rajalakshmi, was an Indian novelist, short story writer and poet of Malayalam literature. She was the author of three novels, two poetry anthologies and a short story anthologies. Kerala Sahitya Akademi awarded her their annual award for novel in 1960, making her the third recipient of the award. Her novel, Oru Vazhiyum Kure Nizhalukalum, has been adapted into a tele-series as well as into a play by the All India Radio.
On January 18, 1965, Rajalakshmi started from home to College in the morning but returned home and committed suicide; her dead body was found in her room, hanging from the roof on a saree. She was aged 34 at that time.[4][5]
Legacy and honours
She is known as Emily Brontë of Malayalam. Makal, a short story published in Mathrubhumi weekly in 1956 was her first notable work, which was followed by a number seven short stories and a poem in prose.[5] Besides the short stories and two poetry anthologies, she wrote three novels,[6] starting with Oru Vazhiyum Kure Nizhalukalum (A Path and a Few Shadows) where she portrayed the delicate emotions of women.[1]Oru Vazhiyum Kure Nizhalukalum fetched her the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel in 1960, making her the third recipient of the honour.[7] It later became a TV serial and was broadcast as a play by All India Radio.[8][9] Her other novels are Njaneenna Bhavam and Uchaveyilum Ilam Nilavum while her notable poetry anthology is "Ninne Njan Snehikkunnu".
T. Palakeel, Women Writing in the Age of Modernity and Postmodernity, student course materials at Bradley University, Illinois accessed at [1] 18 Jan 2007
