Thursday 20 September 2012

74. Kavya Rajeev

Abstract 74
Kavya Rajeev      
Profaning the Divine: Subversion and Resistance in Kodungallur Poorapaattu
Abstract
This research paper attempts to look at the text of the Kodungallur Poorapaattu(Teripaattu) and would be an attempt to study the resistance and subversion inherent in the songs, as well as the performative aspect accompanying the singing of these songs. In my paper I would be exploring the possibilities of resistance, the carnival like atmosphere of the Kodungallur festival opens up and how this space is used to subvert the existing social hegemony. The resistance is displayed as much in the spectacle performed, as in the oral text of the songs. The song and the performative aspects of it, is used to voice the existing social situation as well as for subversion. The paper analyses how the Poorapaattu act as an instrument of social commentary. The Poorapaattu among many other things, highlights the social relationship between the upper and lower castes of the society and also in a way comments on the gender equations with its perceivance and representation of femininity. The paper will also look into the politics of how, while there is an attempt at subversion of the social hierarchy the patriarchal roles remain the same.

No comments: