Kamala Suraiyya

Biography

Kamala Surayya, also known by her pen names Kamala Das in English and Madhavikutty in Malayalam, was one of India’s most powerful and unconventional literary figures. Born on March 31, 1934, in Punnayurkulam, Kerala, she was the daughter of the noted Malayalam poet Balamani Amma and writer V. M. Nair. From an early age, she was surrounded by literature and began writing poems and stories that reflected her deep emotional world.

Kamala Surayya’s literary career spanned both English and Malayalam. In English, she became known for her confessional poetry, exploring themes of love, desire, identity, and womanhood with striking honesty. Her major works include Summer in Calcutta (1965), The Descendants (1967), and The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973). In Malayalam, under the name Madhavikutty, she wrote short stories and novels that vividly portrayed the emotional struggles and inner lives of women.

Her autobiography, Ente Katha (My Story, 1976), was one of the most controversial and talked-about works in Indian literature. It broke social taboos with its candid discussion of her personal experiences and female sexuality, establishing her as a fearless feminist voice.

In 1999, Kamala Surayya converted to Islam and adopted her new name, which drew public attention and debate. Despite controversies, she remained steadfast in her individuality and continued to express herself boldly through her writings.

Kamala Surayya received numerous honors, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Asan World Prize, and several other literary recognitions. She passed away on May 31, 2009, in Pune, but her works continue to inspire readers and writers across generations.

Kamala Surayya’s legacy lies in her honesty, emotional intensity, and courage to challenge societal norms. She remains a pioneer who gave Indian women writers a new voice and identity in literature.