Kunhayeen Musliyar – The Birbal of Malabar

Kunhain Musliyar was the Birbal of Malabar. Birbal was the minister of Emperor Akbar who was known for his mastery of satire. The Musliyar received his education at Ponnani Juma’ Masjid.

He was critical of the superstitions and evils in the society and openly criticized the misdoings of the authorities. There are not much authentic records regarding his life, but his jokes remain evergreen in the hearts of people.

Although his tool was satire, it had plenty of food for thought. His jokes were full of wisdom and scholarship. He was no mere entertainer, rather a well versed scholar and an imaginative poet too.

Kunhain Musliyar is also associated with Mangattachan, the Hindu who belonged to Nair community. Many of the incidents in Musliyar’s life is associated with his Hindu friend. The two of them were the symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood.

His most famous work is the Kappa Pattu, or the Ship Song which was even translated into European languages. Surprisingly, it is a philosophical treatise on the meaning of life. The poet was inspired to write it when Zainudhin Makhdum, the Thucydides of Kerala, tired of Musliyar’s jokes, asked him whether he was trying to make a ship out of Man.

Kunhain Musliyar has also sang many poems in praise of the Holy Prophet.

കുഞ്ഞായീൻ മുസ്‌ലിയാർ | Web Series | JAIHOON.TV

6 thoughts on “Kunhayeen Musliyar – The Birbal of Malabar”

  1. very thankful i am to see your precise write up on kunjayeen musliyar, thanks jaihoon expect more from you

  2. I am Abdul Salam alias Salam Perde.I am glad to have read your write up on Kunhayin,thr Birbal of Malabar.Though you says that Kunhayin's Kappappattu has been rendered into European languages You keep mum as to how many languages and what they are.Could y

    I appreciate you talent.

  3. shihab thangal evide ya makkerayil aano aara.njan makkerayil aane.ingne orale idu vare kandtila.ende peru rasik ennane.

  4. Pleasure To See About Kunhai Musliar ,I Have Something More To Tell ,,
    He Was Born in Makkarayil House,Thachangatty Parambath,Saidarpally,Thalasserry ,Kannur ,and I’m also From The Same Family ,He Did His Higher Education’s at Ponnani ,Also Married There ,,Later He Again Came to His Family House “Makkarayil House” And Later He Died,Funeral Was at Odathil Juma Masjid (A Keyi Family Masjid),Thalassery …

    There Is A Nice Song Sang By “Ramla Bheegam ” About Kunhai Musliar And His Family House Makkarayil …

  5. please help me o find out my family tree.my grandfather is from ponnani,k.v.ammi kutty.they were related to makhdoom.can you please find out and mail me,i will be highly obliged. thanks

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top