Translations and Literary Exchanges between Kerala and Middle-East

Abstract

Kerala has historically played an important role in the wide network of Indian ocean trade. Recent archaeological excavations brought forth tangible evidence of kerala’s trade linkage with gulf region from the first century AD. These journey led to the development of diasporic communities of Arabs in various parts of kerala, especially in Malabar. Ibnu Batuta, a 14^th century Arab traveller was the first writer to give detailed description of the settlements of Arab from gulf region in various parts of Kerala. The keralopatti  chronicles on the history of evolution of kerala narrates a story of two brothers from muscut in Malabar. Cheraman Perumal, the king of kerala, who became first known convert to Islam and he travelled to Mecca and finally settled in Oman. In 1960, gulf states began requiring large-scaled semi skilled and unskilled labour in order to cater their fast growing oil based economies. Which resulted in illegal migrations to gulf region. This first wave migrants had numerous stories about the narrow escapes they experienced during the journey. The reason for migration from kerala were two kind.  Some of them migsrated due to socio-economic reason, and others encouraged by personal ambition and aspirations. The continues contact between Kerala and Middle East brought many changes in both languages, culture and Arts.  These are very significant in re-conceptualise the history of gulf and Kerala.

Migrant narratives reveal a great deal of emotional conflict that has been associated with departure from kerala and a sense of alienation in a foreign land. It can be founded on the film and literature. Malayalam film naadodikaatu portrays old way of travelling to gulf, Pathemaary, Arabi kadha, and  Gaddama deal with diasporic theme. In literature, Aadujeevitham  by Benyamin gained a wide readership. His jasmindays won JCB prize. Marubhoomiyude atmakatha is a travelogue by V Musafar Ahammad won Sahitya Academy Award in 2010. Babu Baradwaj’s pravasiyude kurippukal translated as notes of an expat is the memoir of a man in exile.  P Manikandhan’s malayaliyude swanthanweshanangal was winner of NV Krishna Warrier Award for best critical work. Deepak unnikrishnan's temporary people is an another important work.  Many more works were translated to Arabic such as Chemeen, Shabdikunna Kalappa, Oru Sangeerthanam pole, Nilavu, Kaalam, Balyakala sakhi  are among them.