Unniyadi Charitham, written by Unnayi Variyar in the 14th century, is regarded as the first major work of Malayalam literature.

Vallathol Narayana Menon is widely regarded as the father of modern Malayalam literature for his contributions to the development of the language and its literary forms.

Ezhuthachan's Ramayana, a translation of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is one of the most celebrated works of Ezhuthachan and is considered a masterpiece of Malayalam literature.

Veena Poovu, a collection of poems by Kumaran Asan, is considered one of his most significant works and is known for its lyrical beauty and philosophical insights.

S. K. Pottekkatt won the Jnanpith Award in 1980 for his novel 'Oru Desathinte Katha', which explores the social and political changes in Kerala during the 20th century.

Pathummayude Aadu, a novella by Basheer, is considered one of his most celebrated works and is known for its satirical and humorous portrayal of social and political issues.

M. T. Vasudevan Nair won the Jnanpith Award in 1984 for his novel 'Randamoozham', which is a historical novel set in the 12th century and explores the life of the legendary warrior Bhima.

Chemmeen, a novel by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, is considered one of his most significant works and is known for its portrayal of the lives of fishermen in Kerala.

O. V. Vijayan won the Jnanpith Award in 1996 for his novel 'Agnisakshi', which explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Khasakkinte Ithihasam, a novel by O. V. Vijayan, is considered one of his most significant works and is known for its unique narrative style and exploration of existential themes.

Sethu won the Jnanpith Award in 2007 for his novel 'Meesha', which explores the themes of identity, displacement, and the human condition.

Aalahayude Penmakkal, a novel by Sethu, is considered one of his most significant works and is known for its exploration of the lives of women in a patriarchal society.