Poetry at the Threshold. A.R. Rajaraja Varma and the New Sanskritism

A.R. Rajaraja Varma (A.R. Rājarājavarmma, 1863–1918), a Kerala poet, grammarian and critic witnessed the late 19th and early 20th century evolution of South Indian literature and actively participated in the changes. His unique relationship with languages, great knowledge of grammar, poetic talent and a leaning towards a modern approach (to a large extent affected by English) resulted in various works which influenced the development of both Sanskrit and Malayalam. Rajaraja Varma strove to modernise Indian languages and literature, largely by the means of more innovative English. The unusual blend of styles, themes, and motives that interweave in the author’s compositions can be defined as the New Sanskritism. The aim of this paper is to distinguish characteristic features of Rajaraja Varma’s Sanskrit works and discuss them in their socio-cultural context.