Payyanur Pattu written by an anonymous author in the 13th or 14th century is believed to be the first independent literary work in Malayalam. It tells the story of Neelakesi, who kills her son to avenge her husband. Payyanur Pattu is not just a literary work; it also explains the social and cultural life of the then Kerala society.

Available part of this work (which was preserved by Dr. Herman Gundert and is kept in the Tubington University of Germany) is now in this book, compiled and edited by Dr Scaria Zacharia. Studies on Payyannoor Paattu by S Gupthan Nair, M Leelavathi and many other scholars also included.