LESSON - 6

A01146 Kurungkappiyangal

This lesson discusses three important Kurungkappiangal of
the twentieth century: "Ahaligai Venba", "Ahalya" and
"Veeraayi". "Ahaligai Venba" written by Vellakkal Pa.
Subramania Mudaliar and "Ahalya" written by Bala Barathi Sa.
Thu. Su. Yogiar retell the mythological story of Ahalya from a
feminist perspective. "Veerayi" written by Thamizholi is
described as a social epic as it denounces class exploitation
and the evils of caste differences.

The protagonist of "Ahaligai Venba" and "Ahalya" is
Ahalya, a character from Valmiki’s "Ramayana". Indra, the lord
of heavens, seduces Ahalya by taking the form of Gautaman,
Ahalya’s consort. An enraged Gautaman curses Ahalya who
turns into stone. She is later redeemed by Rama. Both the
epics explore the issue of female chastity. The epics
emphasize the fact that since Ahalya did not willingly submit
to Indra’s wishes, she cannot be accused of moral depravity.
In "Ahalya" Rama reproaches Gautaman for being insensitive
to Ahalya’s plight. Both the epics recast a mythological tale
to address an issue that is of contemporary relevance.

"Veerayi" condemns the evils of caste. Division on the
basis of caste is a great evil that plagues Indian society.
Veerayi, a woman from the lower caste faces a lot of
hardships in life. She is spurned by everyone. But for a
few people from her caste there is none to offer her a
helping hand. Exploited and rejected by society due to her
caste and class, Veerayi puts up a brave but futile struggle
to live with dignity. Her tragic death exposes the
ruthlessness of a society bound by inhuman social codes.

முன்