102. Christina Peter

Abstract 102
CHRISTINA PETER                       

O.Chandumenon’s  “Indulekha”  stands  as  a  dissent  of  19th  century  Kerala  Culture.

Abstract

Indulekha in Chandumenon’s “Indulekha” stands as a pioneer to the reformation of culture in Kerala during the 19th century. Unlike women of 19th century Indulekha is a rebel. She has her own strong decisions and opinions in all sorts of matters. Though she lives under a patriarchal family, her words and decisions on her life become the final decision of everyone in her family. This can be clearly seen in the occasion when Surinambuthiripad arrives at Indulekha’s family for marrying her and her strong disapproval to him leads to dropping of that marriage.

This novel becomes a dissent to then Kerala culture not only of Indulekha’s character but of other characters also. Madhavan’s talks against wish and will of patriarch, Nambuthiripad’s marriage to Indulekha’s maid etc. show it. Novel also shows a path which is away from the so called traditions like sambantham and joint family system. It ends with the break of joint family and emergence of nuclear family. Thus Chandumenon’s “Indulekha” stands as a dissent to traditions and culture of 19th century Kerala.