Dr Manilal was celebrated for translating and annotating the 17th-century Latin botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus.
Published Jan 01, 2025 | 12:27 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 01, 2025 | 12:27 PM
Dr KS Manilal. (Supplied)
Dr KS Manilal, an eminent botanist, taxonomist, and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on Wednesday, 1 January, in a private hospital in Kerala’s Thrissur after a prolonged illness. He was 86.
Known for his unparalleled contributions to botanical research and taxonomy, Dr Manilal was celebrated for translating and annotating the 17th-century Latin botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus. This monumental work shaped his career and legacy.
Born in Kochi, Dr Manilal was the Head of the Department of Botany at the University of Calicut from 1976 to 1999 and later became an Emeritus Professor.
He devoted over 35 years to meticulously translating Hortus Malabaricus, a 12-volume, 2,400-page text authored by Hendrik van Rheede.
Originally published in Latin, the treatise documents the biodiversity and medicinal properties of over 700 plants in the Malabar region.
He is said to have retraced the locations where the 742 plants mentioned in the treatise were collected over 300 years ago and identified them anew using modern taxonomic classifications.
Kerala University published the English edition of the Hortus Malabaricus in 2003 and the Malayalam edition in 2008. He learned the Latin language for this venture.
Hortus Malabaricus. (Supplied)
His translation, available in English and Malayalam, brought this invaluable text out of obscurity, making it accessible to scientists and scholars worldwide.
Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands nominated him for the highest Dutch civilian award, “Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau”. Prof Manilal was conferred this honour by Dutch Consul General Marijke van Drunen Little on 1 May 2012.
Beyond its botanical insights, the work sheds light on the cultural, societal, and linguistic aspects of 17th-century Kerala.
A prolific scholar, Dr Manilal authored over 200 research papers and 15 books on taxonomy and botany, many of which explored the medico-botanical, historical, and socio-political significance of Hortus Malabaricus.
His extensive fieldwork led to the discovery of 19 plant species, including the rediscovery of the Malabar Daffodil, previously thought extinct. Four of these newly discovered species have been named in his honour.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr Manilal founded the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy, further advancing research in plant taxonomy in India. He was also recognised for his pioneering studies on the biodiversity of Kozhikode and the Silent Valley National Park.
In 2020, Dr Manilal was honoured with the Padma Shree, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his invaluable contributions to science and botany.
His lifelong dedication to research and education has left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Dr Manilal’s passing marks the end of an era in botanical research. He is survived by his family, students, and a legacy of work that will continue to inspire generations of scientists.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
