Renowned Botanist K.S. Manilal Passes Away + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Taxonomy Pioneer K.S. Manilal
K.S. Manilal, a renowned taxonomist and botanist, passed away at the age of 86 in Thrissur, Kerala, after a prolonged illness. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to botany, he was instrumental in translating and annotating the Latin treatise Hortus Malabaricus, opening up its vast botanical knowledge to the modern world.
Research and Contributions
Hortus Malabaricus
Originally authored by Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, governor of Malabar under the Dutch East India Company (1669–1676).
Published between 1678 and 1693 in Amsterdam.
Documented 742 plant species from the Malabar Coast, detailing their medico-botanical uses.
Manilal dedicated 35 years to translating and annotating the 12-volume work into English and Malayalam.
His work brought to light the life, culture, and natural wealth of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa.
Silent Valley Research
Conducted extensive studies in the Silent Valley rain forest during the 1980s.
His findings contributed significantly to its ecological conservation.
Recognition and Awards
Padma Shri (2020): For his contributions to botany and taxonomy.
Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands): For his exceptional research on Hortus Malabaricus.
Founder of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy.
Legacy and Academic Impact
Authored 198 research papers and 15 books on taxonomy and botany.
Pioneered studies on the medico-botanical, socio-political, and linguistic significance of plants.
Served as a professor of botany at the University of Calicut for 23 years (1976–1999).
His translations of Hortus Malabaricus were published by the University of Calicut in 2003.
Environmental and Historical Contributions
Highlighted the importance of preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Made Asia’s oldest printed botanical work globally accessible.
Key Takeaways
Manilal’s work bridged historical and modern botany.
His contributions continue to inspire environmental conservation and academic research.
Recognized globally for his dedication to scientific and cultural integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Competitive Exams:
Q1. Who was K.S. Manilal, and what was he renowned for?
(A) A poet known for classical works
(B) A taxonomist who worked on Hortus Malabaricus
(C) A historian who studied ancient India
(D) A social reformer in Kerala
Answer: (B) A taxonomist who worked on Hortus Malabaricus
Q2. What is Hortus Malabaricus best known for?
(A) Documenting ancient Indian sculptures
(B) Describing plant species and their medicinal properties
(C) Analyzing ancient coins from Kerala
(D) Studying animal species in Western India
Answer: (B) Describing plant species and their medicinal properties
Q3. How many plant species are described in Hortus Malabaricus?
(A) 500
(B) 742
(C) 650
(D) 820
Answer: (B) 742
Q4. Which prestigious award was conferred upon K.S. Manilal in 2020?
(A) Bharat Ratna
(B) Padma Shri
(C) Sahitya Akademi Award
(D) Arjuna Award
Answer: (B) Padma Shri
Q5. Which country honored K.S. Manilal with the 'Order of Orange-Nassau'?
(A) United Kingdom
(B) Netherlands
(C) Germany
(D) France
Answer: (B) Netherlands