The Life of Botanist Manilal

Life of Botanist Manilal

Dr. K.S. Manilal, an esteemed botanist, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Thrissur, Kerala, at the age of 86. Having battled illness for some time, his passing marks the end of an era in the field of botany. Dr. Manilal’s invaluable contributions, particularly his dedication to the ancient manuscript Hortus Malabaricus, have left a profound and lasting influence on plant research. His work played a pivotal role in preserving and understanding Kerala’s diverse plant life.

Academic Journey and Early Life of Botanist Manilal

Born in Kerala, Dr. Manilal pursued his higher education with great dedication, earning his doctorate from Sagar University. He began his academic career at Kerala University in 1964, laying the groundwork for a future that would see him become a leading figure in botany.

Reviving Hortus Malabaricus: A Botanical Masterpiece

The Hortus Malabaricus, a 12-volume Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede, is a monumental work documenting the medicinal plants of Kerala. Dr. Manilal devoted over 35 years to translating and annotating this historic text. His English translation was published in 2003, followed by a Malayalam version in 2008, ensuring the manuscript’s significance reached a broader audience.

Contributions to Plant Research and Discovery

Dr. Manilal’s research encompassed over 200 scholarly papers and 11 influential books. His works, such as Flora of Calicut and Flora of Silent Valley, remain foundational to understanding Kerala’s plant biodiversity. He is credited with the discovery of 19 new plant species, four of which were named in his honor. His studies were instrumental in deepening our understanding of the flora in Kerala, especially in regions like Silent Valley and Kozhikode.

Leadership and Academic Influence

As a trailblazer in the field, Dr. Manilal held key leadership roles. He was the founding president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and served as chief editor for its journal, Reedia. He also presided over the Botanical Society of India, fostering collaboration and progress in plant taxonomy.

Awards and Global Recognition

Dr. Manilal’s remarkable career earned him numerous accolades. In 2020, he was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to botany. Other prestigious awards include the Vishwambhar Puri Medal and the E.K. Janaki Ammal Taxonomy Award. Internationally, in 2012, he was named Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, becoming the first Asian recipient of this honor.

Enduring Legacy

After retiring from Calicut University in 1999, Dr. Manilal continued his work by founding the Centre for Research in Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and Culture (CRIKSC) in Kozhikode. The center publishes Samagra, a journal dedicated to promoting indigenous knowledge and culture. Dr. Manilal’s legacy lives on through his family, his students, and the many contributions he made to the field of botany.