The world of botany lost a towering figure with the passing of Kattungal Subrahmanyan Manilal, universally lauded for his contributions to the field through his translations and research of the ancient Latin text, "Hortus Malabaricus." K S Manilal, as he was better known, left an indelible mark on the academic and scientific communities. He passed away at the age of 86, in a private hospital in Thrissur, Kerala on the 2nd of January, 2025.
Born in Paravur in Ernakulam district, Manilal pursued his passion for botany with dedication. He earned his PhD in Botany and began his academic journey as a faculty at the University of Kerala before moving to the University of Calicut, where he would become the head of the Department of Botany. His academic career spanned over two decades at the University of Calicut, where he served from 1976 to 1999, inspiring countless students and researchers with his knowledge and passion for plant sciences.
Manilal's magnum opus, without a doubt, was his work on "Hortus Malabaricus." Originally authored by Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede in the 17th century, this 12-volume Latin treatise documented and illustrated the rich plant life and medicinal properties of the flora from the Malabar region, now comprising parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. It is the oldest comprehensive printed botanical text from Asia, yet remained largely inaccessible to non-Latin speakers for centuries.
Undaunted by the magnitude of the task, Manilal dedicated 35 years to the meticulous translation and annotation of this monumental work into English and Malayalam. His translation was not merely linguistic; it was a scholarly endeavour that brought modern botanical and historical insights into the centuries-old text. Through his dedication, Manilal not only opened up the "Hortus Malabaricus" to the academic world but also revitalized the knowledge contained within its pages, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural and botanical history of the Malabar coast.
In addition to his translations, Manilal was a prolific writer and researcher, having authored 198 research papers and 15 books. His works primarily focused on taxonomy, botany, and the medico-botanical aspects of plants, as well as exploring the socio-political and linguistic significance of "Hortus Malabaricus." His extensive research on the Silent Valley rain forest in Kerala during the 1980s further underscored his commitment to biodiversity and conservation, playing a pivotal role in the preservation efforts for this unique ecosystem.
In 2020, the Indian government conferred upon him the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian honours, in recognition of his monumental contributions to botany and his service to the academic community. To those who knew him, Manilal was not only a brilliant scholar but also a humble mentor, always eager to share his knowledge and insights.