Renowned Botanist K.S. Manilal Passes Away at 86
Eminent botanist and Padma Shri awardee Kattungal Subrahmanyan Manilal, aged 86, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Thrissur due to age-related ailments. He was renowned for translating the 17th-century Latin botanical treatise “Hortus Malabaricus” into English and Malayalam, significantly contributing to the documentation of India’s rich botanical heritage.
Manilal served as the head of the Department of Botany at the University of Calicut. His scholarly work includes authoring several books and over 200 research papers. He also introduced numerous new plant species, enhancing the understanding of India’s flora.
In recognition of his contributions to science and engineering, Manilal was honored with the Padma Shri in 2020. His translation of “Hortus Malabaricus” made the work accessible to a broader audience, preserving valuable botanical knowledge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, stating that Manilal’s work in botany would continue to inspire future generations. Modi also acknowledged his passion for Kerala’s history and culture.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Renowned botanist K.S. Manilal, known for translating Hortus Malabaricus into English and Malayalam, passed away at 86. He was a Padma Shri awardee in 2020 and contributed significantly to the field of botany. |
| Full Name | Kattungal Subrahmanyan Manilal |
| Award | Padma Shri in 2020 for contributions to science and engineering |
| Major Contribution | Translated the 17th-century Latin botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus into English and Malayalam |
| Academic Position | Head of the Department of Botany, University of Calicut |
| Publications | Authored over 200 research papers and several books |
| Field of Expertise | Botany and Plant Taxonomy |
| Key Work | Documented Kerala’s flora and introduced new plant species |
| Birthplace | Kerala, India |
| Place of Demise | Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Hortus Malabaricus | A 17th-century botanical treatise documenting the flora of the Malabar region (Kerala), originally written in Latin |
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