O. V. Vijayan (2 July 1930 – 30 March 2005) was a prominent Indian author and cartoonist, a significant figure in modern Malayalam literature. His first novel, Khasakkinte Itihasam (1969), is widely regarded as a landmark work that transformed Malayalam fiction's landscape.

Born in Palakkad, Vijayan pursued higher education at Victoria College, Palakkad, and received a master's degree in English literature from Presidency College, Madras. His entry into the literary world began with his short story "Tell Father Gonsalves" in 1953.

Vijayan's debut novel, Khasakkinte Itihasam, ignited a literary revolution, marking the fiction's timeline as pre-Khasak and post-Khasak. His later novels, including Gurusagaram (The Infinity of Grace), Pravachakante Vazhi (The Path of the Prophet), and Thalamurakal (Generations), reflect his evolution into a mature transcendentalist writer.

Beyond his novels, Vijayan authored numerous short stories that range from comic to philosophical, showcasing a variety of situations, tones, and styles. As a skilled translator, he translated most of his works from Malayalam to English. His career also encompassed roles as an editorial cartoonist and political observer, contributing to esteemed publications such as The Statesman and The Hindu.