Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Reimagining Caste and Gender in “Payyanur Pattu”: Unveiling the Marginalized Voices of Medieval Malabar Society
Lakshmi S Krishnan, Ramesh Raja
ABSTRACT:
Payyanur Paattu, a ballad composed in Malayalam during the 13th or 14th century by an anonymous author from the Chettiar trading community, stands as a testament to the overlooked narratives of non-Brahmin communities in medieval Malabar. In a society dominated by Brahminical authority and patriarchal structures, this ballad offers a unique perspective by centering on the lives and struggles of ordinary traders, challenging the conventional narratives of the time. Through its portrayal of everyday conflicts,loves, and aspirations, Payyanur Paattu othe lives and struggles of ordinary traders, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Through a nuanced portrayal of their daily experiences, the ballad challenges the dominance of traditional Brahmin-authored texts, offering an alternative lens through which to understand medieval Malabar societies subverting traditional caste hierarchies. Furthermore, Payyanur Paattu delves into the intricate dynamics of gender relations, particularly highlighting the unique attachment of women in Malabar to their matrilineal families. This portrayal challenges the dominant patriarchal norms, where the husband often takes precedence. The ballad’s exploration of a woman’s radical decision to forsake societal expectations, including abandoning her own son, and her vow (kudi paka) to seek revenge by killing him, serves as a powerful critique of gender roles and expectations. By analyzing the themes of caste subversion and gender rebellion within Payyanur Paattu, this research aims to uncover the marginalized voices and perspectives within medieval Malabar society, offering a more inclusive understanding of its cultural and social dynamics.
keywords: Payyanur Pattu, Medieval Malabar, Caste, Gender, Maritime Trade