Malayalam is the official language of the Indian state of Kerala, spoken by over 35 million people.

There are approximately 35 million speakers of Malayalam worldwide, making it one of the major languages of India.

Malayalam belongs to the Dravidian language family, which includes other South Indian languages such as Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.

The earliest known inscription in Malayalam is the Thirunizhalmala Inscription, dating back to the 9th century CE.

Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan is widely regarded as the father of Malayalam literature, known for his contributions to the language and his epic poem, the Adhyatma Ramayana.

The traditional script used for writing Malayalam is the Malayalam Script, which is unique to the language and has its own distinct characters.

Kathakali is a renowned classical dance form of Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, expressive movements, and storytelling through dance and music.

Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala, believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world, and is characterized by its fluid movements and dynamic techniques.

Paheli, a Malayalam film directed by Amol Palekar, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994, becoming the first Indian film to receive this honor.

Vallathol Narayana Menon is often regarded as the greatest Malayalam poet of the 20th century, known for his powerful and evocative poetry that explored themes of love, nature, and social justice.

Oru Desathinte Katha (The Story of a Nation) by S.K. Pottekkatt won the Jnanpith Award in 1995, becoming the first Malayalam novel to receive this prestigious literary honor.

Pookalam is a beautiful folk art form of Kerala, where intricate designs are created using colored rice powder, often during festivals and celebrations.

Marupakkam, directed by T.V. Chandran, won the National Film Award for Best Film in 1983, showcasing the talent and artistry of Malayalam cinema.

Mohanlal is a highly acclaimed Malayalam actor, known for his exceptional range and ability to portray diverse characters, earning him widespread recognition and numerous awards.

Celluloid, directed by Kamal, won the National Film Award for Best Film in 2013, highlighting the rich history and cultural significance of Malayalam cinema.