ANTHARJANAM

Abstract

This article which appeared in May 1968 in Mathrubhumi Weekly chronicles the different stages in the life of a Namboothiri woman and holds up a mirror to reflect the living hell inside the illam.

Cloaked in cloth, providing only a faint glimpse of the feet, walking demurely under a cadjan umbrella, glancing sideways at the world outside... this is the image that the term Antharjanam brings to one’s mind. She is saddled with this umbrella, which incidentally cannot be folded, not only when she takes a walk outside, but also when she travels in a car, bus or a train! The space underneath the canopy is nothing but living hell. The enduring efforts of the social reformers have managed to erase it to some extent. However, the Antharjanamstill stands bewildered and hesitant: the attire might have changed, but how can one break age old customs and conventions