Tolan (medieval poet)

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Tolan, also written Tholan, was a 9th‑century South Indian poet known for Malayalam verses used in Koodiyattam, the traditional theatre. He served as a courtier and close friend of King Kulasekhara Varma (often identified with Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara, circa 844/45–871 CE). His Malayalam passages were probably meant for temple audiences during performances. Tolan is also credited with a lost historical kavya called Mahodayapuresa-charitha. Some scholars think he might be the same person as Atula, the court poet of the Mushika (Ezhimala) dynasty.