Readings on Kerala

5
Novel Extract

Indulekha
O. Chandumenon

BIO
O. Chandumenon (Oyyarath Chandumemenon) (09 January 1847 – 07 September 1899) was born in
Oyyarath house. near Thalassery, in Kannur district. After matriculating at the age of 17, he joined as
a clerk in Thalassery court in 1867. He had worked under William Logan (author of Malabar
Manual) when the latter was working as Sub Collector in Thalassery. He got promoted as Munsiff
and later as Sub Judge. The British government honoured him with the title of Rao Bahadur in 1898.
At the age of 52 he succumbed to death owing to a cardiac arrest.

INTRO
Indulekha was the first major novel in Malayalam.
It was first published in 1889.
The first English translation was by John Willoughby Francis Dumergue in 1890.
Another translation was done by R. Leeladevi in 1979.
Oxford University Press published a translation by Anitha Devasia in 2005.
Chandumenon wrote Indulekha to satisfy the curiosity of his friends as well as his wife who knew no
English but used to listen to the translated oral version of the story of the English novels he had read.
It should be remembered that there were no novels in Malayalam before Indulekha.
Chandumenon wrote Indulekha to help his friends and his wife to read and appreciate a novel for
themselves in Malayalam.

SUMMARY
Summary of Indulekha

Indulekha, the titular heroine, is an English educated young, charming, Nair girl. She is skilled in
English hobbies like embroidering, painting and playing musical instruments. She is in love with
Madhavan, an educated and handsome young man in the family The family knows and approves of
their relationship. In the beginning of the novel Madhavan is seen questioning the decision of
Panchumenon, the head of the family, regarding the education of Shinnan, a young boy in the family.
In the matrilineal family system, the uncle wielded the power. The other members of the family had
to submit to his decisions. Since Madhavan quarrels with his uncle Panchumenon, the uncle decides
to marry lndulekha off to Suri Nambudiripad in sambandham. Complications arise, and finally the
heroine and the hero are seen moving to Madras at the end of the novel. It can be seen as a move out
of a joint family into a nuclear family.
The novel underlines the importance of education, English education, and women’s
education. It also argues for the need for changing the matrilineal family system prevalent in the Nair
community in those days.

Summary of the LESSON (Chapter 1)

This is the opening chapter of Indulekha, titled പ്രാരംഭം in 5 pages
The novel starts with a serious discussion about a quarrel that Madhavan, the hero, had with
his Karanavar, Panchumenon concerning the education of a junior member of the family. Madhavan
argues that Shinnan, the child, should get proper English education. Kumminiamma, Shinnan's
mother, says that Shinnan is not old enough to live away from her. The Karanavar is not pleased with
the way Madhavan reacted to the incident. Shankara Menon, Madhavan’s uncle, tells him that he
should not have spoken to Karanavar like that. He tells him that his behaviour and reaction amount to
insolence and rudeness. However, Madhavan says that if he makes a statement that is just, how can it
annoy him. To Madhavan, the child’s education is more important than anything else.

SHORT ANSWERS
1. Who is Shinnan?

Shinnan is a little son of Kumminiamma in the novel, ‘Indulekha’.

2. What is Parvathi Amma's opinion regarding Shinnan's education?

Parvathi Amma says that it is a matter for Madhavan’s valiammaman to decide. He is the one who
supported Madhavan's education. He may support Shinnan's education, too.

3. Whom does Madhavan first remember when Sankara Menon talks about his uncle's anger and its
consequences?

Madhavan first remembers Indulekha when Sankara Menon talks about his uncle's anger and its
consequences.

4. Why does Madhavan say that Kumminiamma's family has been mistreated by his family?

Madhavan says that Kumminiamma and her children have been cast aside heartlessly. Her sons were
not given English education. Madhavan says that Kumminiamma and her children are not servants in
this household.

5. What were the circumstances that led to the writing of Indulekha?

Chandumenon says that he began to translate English novels at the behest of his wife, and his own
friends who enjoyed reading them. But soon he realised that much of the western scenario may be
inscrutable to the Malayali readership. A better way would be to write a novel on his own.

PARAGRAPH QUESTIONS
1. Attempt a character sketch of Madhavan

Madhavan is the hero of the novel, Indulekha. A brilliant and good-looking young man, he is well-
educated in both Sanskrit and English. Madhavan perfectly balances traditional and western culture.
Although he wears western attires, he keeps his tuft of hair according to the Nair culture. In the story,
Indulekha, the heroine, snubs the old Namboodiri man, the upper caste foolish landlord, and marries
Madhavan. After marriage, Madhavan joins civil service. Madhavan has a good command over
English and uses the language with dexterity. He is interested in English games such as lawn tennis
and cricket. Madhavan has a passion for hunting which he has acquired from his father,
Govindapanikkar.

2. Why is Madhavan being criticised and by whom?

Madhavan is being criticised by Sankara Menon for his insolent response to his Karanavar
Panchumenon’s decision not to support Shinnan’s education, and at the way of treating
Kumminiamma and her children. Madhavan says that they have been cast aside heartlessly.
Kumminiamma’s sons were not given English education. Madhavan also says that Kumminiamma
and her children are not servants in this household. Madhavan feels that this kind of ill treatment is
unreasonable and unjust. He doesn’t consider his reactions as rash or insolent. If he makes a
statement that is just, it should not annoy his uncle.

3. Describe the matrilineal system followed in Kerala.

Kerala’s matrilineal system is also known as marumakkathayam. In this kind of system, the descent
and inheritance of property are traced through females. It was followed by all Nair castes. The eldest
male was considered the head known as Karanavar and all the assets of the family were controlled by
him as if he was the sole owner. The Karanavar wielded the power and the members of the family
had to submit to his decisions. The properties were not handed to his sons but to the daughters of his
sons or to their sisters.

ESSAY 1
1. Chandumenon emphasises the importance of education in bringing about socio-cultural
changes in Kerala. Comment.
 O. Chandumenon’s ‘Indulekha’ is a novel that tells the love story of Indulekha and
Madhavan. Through the story, the author attempts to drive home the importance of education. He
also argues for the need to bring about socio-cultural changes in Kerala. Being a product of Western
education, he used his pen to hold the mirror up to his own community. Menon also argues for the
cause of women's education.
The novel starts with a serious discussion about a quarrel that Madhavan, the hero, had with
his Karanavar, Panchumenon concerning the education of a junior member of the family. Madhavan
argues that Shinnan, the child, should get proper English education. Kumminiamma, Shinnan's
mother, says that Shinnan is not old enough to live away from her.
The Karanavar is not pleased with the way Madhavan reacted to the incident. Shankara
Menon, Madhavan’s uncle, tells him that he should not have spoken to Karanavar like that. His tells
him that his behaviour and reaction amount to insolence and rudeness. However, Madhavan says that
if he makes a statement that is just, how can it annoy him. To Madhavan, the child’s education is
more important than anything else.
Chandumenon wants his readers to realise the importance of English education and girls’
education. He also wants them to appreciate the modern values of hero and heroine, without
destroying our native traditional values.

ESSAY 2
2. How does the novel question the evils of the matrilineal system?

O. Chandumenon’s ‘Indulekha’ is the first finest novel in Malayalam. Besides the breath-taking
charm of the love story of Indulekha and Madhavan, the novel interestingly questions the matrilineal
system prevalent in Kerala in those days.
The matrilineal system is also known as “Marumakkathayam”. In this system, the inheritance
of property is traced through females. The eldest male was considered the head of the family, known
as Karanavar. All the assets of the family were controlled by him as if he was the sole owner. The
Karanavar wielded the power and the members of the family had to submit to his decisions.
Indulekha is an English educated young woman. She is in love with Madhavan, an educated
and handsome young man in the family. In the beginning of the novel, Madhavan is seen questioning
the decision of Panchumenon, the head of the family, regarding the education of Shinnan, a young
boy in the family. The uncle, angry at his insolence, decides to marry lndulekha to Suri
Nambudiripad in sambandham. Complications arise, and finally the heroine and the hero are seen
moving to Madras at the end of the novel. It can be seen as a move out of a joint family into a
nuclear family.
The novel underlines the importance of English education. It also argues for the need for
changing the matrilineal family system prevalent in the Nair community in those days.
♣♣♣
Prepared by
Prof. Murukan Babu C.R.
Principal, Nirmala College of Arts & Science, Chalakudy
(Formerly, Associate Prof. of English, P.M. Govt. College, Chalakudy)