76. Reshmi Ravindran

Abstract 76
Reshmi Ravindran P                                                                                                       

Abstract

Assertion through Resistance in Narayan’s Kocharethi

Narayan’s Kocharethi , which unveils the cultural transformation of marginalized lives acts as a tool of resistance against the misrepresentation of dalit community by the literate world.Through the life of Kunjipennu and Kochuraman Narayan unveils the unseen fact that , the “marginalized group” has also sensed the flavour of cultural transformation .The plot of the novel moves through the life three generations from Kunjipennu to their daughter Parvathy. The title “Kocharethi” itself mirrors a dissent from the established usage of language. By using the typical colloquial accent ‘Kocharethi’ intead of ‘kochuarayathy’ meaning ‘the arya woman’, Narayan breaks the hegemony of the established tongue . No language is superior than the other, and for the writer the the colloquial tongue of Malayarar tribe turns to be the effective tool of resistance in representing their misrepresentation. Thus, the language of the “outcaste” turns to be the effective vehicle to express their life and culture. By upholding his own tribal identity, Narayan questions the misrepresentation and isolation faced by his community. .The work portrays many struggles faced by Malayarayar tribe in Kerala from the dispute regarding the ownership of their land to the challenges they faced for preserving their myths, rituals, social customs, and belief systems which were strongly merged with their life.The present study aims to analyse how the voice of resistance turns to be the seat of assertion in Kocharethi. The dissenting position established by the writer in the choice of plot , language, and characters paves the way for self assertion.