Double Standards of Namboodiri Culture through the Eyes of Kuriyedth Thatri depicted in the novel “OUTCASTE” by Madampu Kunjukuttan

Abstract

Namboodiris, the Brahmin-upper caste of Kerala. The caste, which is more powerful than the royal community itself. The so-called intellectual and progressive community which decided to shape their society were always ignorant towards their women. We always talk about the plights of lower caste women of not getting a proper education, having no sexual safety etc., but the plights of upper caste women are less famous. This paper has tried to portray the namboodiri culture and their society. The hypocrisy of their community, where men are permitted to roam around and have infinite extramarital affairs while women are obliged to stay in their four-walled homes, illam. Through the eyes of Kuriyedath Thatri, the sensational topic of discussion in 1905 is also discussed and her perspective is withdrawn to find the loopholes of hypocrisy prevalent in namboodiris. Kuriyedath Thatri and her Smarthavicharam was a ground break moment not only in the namboodiri community but also in the whole of Kerala. Brashtu novel authored by Madampu Sankaran Namboodiri popularly known as Madampu Kunjukuttan is a cavernous echo of the early 20th century. A perfect concoct of various elements of Malayali society. The novel has tried to show different human strata and their emotions. The novel concentrates on the convictions and sentiments of different castes in Kerala then. The author of the novel, Madampu Kunjukuttan, a Brahmin himself has taken an effort to picturise the power and dominance of the Namboothiri caste. The novel also parallels the depiction of Kuriyedath Thatri’s Smarthavicharam, her thought process, and her pain during the trial.

This particular dissertation reflects the hypocrisy of namboodiri culture present during the wake of the 19th century through the sensational trial and flashback of Kuriyedath Thatri (as Paptikutty) which is depicted in the novel “OUTCASTE” by “Madampu Kunjukuttan.”