Vanchippattu

Vanchippattu is a poetic form in Malayalam composed entirely in the Dravidian metre Nathonnata. It is originated from Kerala, a state in India.

History
This poetic form was created by Ramapurathu Warrier, a poet in Malayalam lived in Travancore (later became a part of Kerala) during the reign of the king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. It is believed that it was created during a boat travel of Ramapurathu Warrier along with the King Marthanda Varma. Warrier recited his poem to the king. This poem later became the famous poetic collection Kuchelavritham Vanchippattu.

Etymology
The word Vanchippattu is a combination of two words vanchi means Boat and pattu means song. This poetic form has a rhythm similar to that of rowing the boat. Hence it got this name, according to historians.

List of some famous Vanchippattu

 * Kuchelavritham
 * Lakshmanopadesham
 * Parthasarathi Varnana
 * Bheeshmaparvam
 * Santhanagopalam
 * Banayudham

Famous Vanchippattu poets

 * Vaaladisseri Sankaranarayanan Achari
 * Champakulam Puthenpurayil Joseph
 * I. C. Chacko
 * Chirayinkeezhu Govindan Pillai
 * Nedumprayar Gopalapilla Vaidyan