The style of poetry was pioneered by members of the Venmani Illam of Kodungalloor in the 19th century.
The major poets of the Venmani school were Venmani Achhan Nambudiripad (1817-1891), Venmani Mahan Nambudiripad (1844-1893), Poonthottam Achhan Nambudiri (1821-1865), Poonthottam Mahan Nambudiri (1857-1896) and the members of the Kodungallur Kovilakam (Royal Family) such as Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran.
The style of these poets became quite popular for a while and influenced even others who were not members of the group like Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar (1839-1897) and Perunlli Krishnan Vaidyan (1863-1894).
The Venmani School pioneered a style of poetry that was associated with common day themes, and the use of pure Malayalam rather than Sanskrit.
The poetry was therefore easily understood by the common man.