Celebrating the Life of Dr. K.S. Manilal

January 2, 2025

Dr. K.S. Manilal, a revered botanist, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Thrissur, Kerala. He was 86 years old and had been unwell for some time. His remarkable contributions to botany, particularly his work on the ancient manuscript Hortus Malabaricus, have left a lasting impact on the field of plant research. Dr. Manilal’s dedication to reviving this 17th-century work made strides in understanding Kerala’s rich biodiversity.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Manilal was born in Kerala and obtained his doctorate from Sagar University. He began his academic career at Kerala University in 1964. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to botany.

Hortus Malabaricus – A Botanical Treasure

Hortus Malabaricus is a 12-volume Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede. The work documents the medicinal plants of Kerala. Dr. Manilal dedicated over 35 years to researching, translating, and annotating this invaluable text. His English translation was published in 2003, followed by a Malayalam version in 2008.

Contributions to Plant Research

Dr. Manilal authored more than 200 research papers and 11 influential books. His notable works include Flora of Calicut and Flora of Silent Valley. His research led to the discovery of 19 new plant species, with four named in his honour. His studies were vital in understanding plant biodiversity in Kerala, particularly in the Silent Valley and Kozhikode regions.

Leadership Roles and Achievements

Dr. Manilal held several leadership positions in botany. He was the founding president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and served as chief editor of its journal, Reedia. He also presided over the Botanical Society of India. His leadership encourageed collaboration and advancement in plant taxonomy.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Manilal received numerous prestigious awards. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2020 for his contributions to botany. Other accolades include the Vishwambhar Puri Medal and the E.K. Janaki Ammal Taxonomy Award. Internationally, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2012, becoming the first Asian recipient of this honour.

Legacy and Continued Work

After retiring from Calicut University in 1999, Dr. Manilal founded the Centre for Research in Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and Culture (CRIKSC) in Kozhikode. The centre publishes the research journal Samagra, promoting indigenous knowledge and culture. His legacy continues through his family and the many students he inspired.

Hortus Malabaricus was compiled in the 17th century.
Dr. Manilal discovered 19 new plant species.
He was the first Asian to receive the Orange-Nassau award.
His work revived interest in plant taxonomy in India.
He served as president of the Botanical Society of India in 1999.

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