Which Is The First Book Printed In Malayalam: Uncovering Literary History

The inaugural Malayalam book ever printed within the Kerala region was ‘Cherupaitangalku Upakarardham Englishil ninnu Paribhashapedutiya Kadhakal.’ This book, written by Benjamin Baily, featured a collection of short stories for children that had been translated from English. This historic publication occurred in 1824 at the CMS Press located in Kottayam. The title of the book, ‘Cherupaitangalku Upakarardham Englishil ninnu Paribhashapedutiya Kadhakal,’ reflects its content and significance as the first printed Malayalam book in the region.

The inaugural printed book in Kerala, a significant milestone in the region’s literary history, emerged in 1578 from Ambazhakkad. This historical work was a Tamil translation of “Doctrina Christum,” originally authored by the esteemed missionary, St. Francis Xavier. This momentous event marked the advent of the printing press in Kerala, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and contributing to the cultural and religious exchanges taking place during that period.

The Gutenberg Bible, also referred to as the 42-line Bible, the Mazarin Bible, or the B42, holds the distinction of being the first major book ever printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe. This groundbreaking publication marked the inception of the Gutenberg Revolution, a pivotal moment in history that ushered in the age of printed books in Western Europe. Johannes Gutenberg, a visionary inventor and printer, crafted this Bible masterpiece, revolutionizing the way information and knowledge were disseminated during the 15th century. This monumental achievement not only transformed the process of book production but also played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human history by democratizing access to literature and knowledge.