(Fabricated from real practices and traditions )

The Avenging Bosoms

 (This is a work of fiction. Fabricated from practices and traditions which are a part of the folklore of pre-modern Travancore , Kerala. This has no resemblance to any person living or dead).

Context

It is a story of resilience, inner strength, and rebellion without arms. It is set in a time when women of all castes, big and small had no rights, identity of their own,  property rights or even the right to clothe/dress.  Yet they made their presence felt, rebelled in their own ways and managed to stir the societal norms to create a wave.

This tale is set in a small village in Kottayam district of Kerala in the 1980s. It then traces back in time to the pre-modern kingdom of Travancore into 8th -11c  AD , the period of Brahminical dominance in the history of Kerala. Travancore was the southernmost native state of British India and comprised the present-day lands of the southern part of Kerala and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It was a land of superstitions, untouchability, and unapproachability. Pragmatism and atheism were completely unknown there and people were extremely conservative. It was a caste ridden society with Brahmanical dominance. The Namboodiri’s were the highest class and enjoyed privileges which none other castes had. Those days were called ‘Namboothirimaarude Pulappukalam’ (heyday of the Namboodiri’s /Brahmins) The condition of women began to deteriorate, and they were considered secondary citizens with no basic rights. Namboodiri or Brahmin women were confined to their homes and their very existence was neglected. This was even worse for people (women in particular) belonging to the lower castes. In the presence of a Brahmin all other castes were to look down and talk while holding their right hand close to their mouth to avoid polluting the lord through their breath.

 It is said that in Travancore, caste played a vital role in determining the right to wear. Most women (outside of Brahmin caste) had their body uncovered from the waist above as the lower caste women and slaves were denied the right to wear any cloth above their waist and below the knee. Only the Brahmins and Nair’s had the right to cover their upper part of body. Folk lore says female members of lower caste had to uncover their chest before a respectable man- Brahmin/Namboodiri. Any woman who refused to expose their breasts before the Brahmins was considered as immoral and immodest.

The land tax was low in Travancore, so the rulers had imposed many inhuman taxes on the lower caste to fill their treasuries:  Thalakkaram (general tax), Valakkaram (tax on the fishing net), Meesakkaram (tax on the moustache), and Mulakkaram or “breast tax” (tax on breasts of women) was one among them. The tax was levied on all girls/woman starting from puberty. The upper caste men, the tax collectors, used to keep surveillance of the breasts of a girl as she grows up (Pillai 2017) and by measuring the size and dimensions the tax amount was determined. There are historians who contest the breast tax as a misnomer saying covering the breasts was not anyway the norm in Kerala’s matrilineal society .

Folklore recounts an Ezhava lady who happened to travel abroad and returned well-dressed only to be summoned by the Queen of Attingal and her breast was cut off for covering them. And then there  is a legend of a Nangeli a lower caste (Ezhava) woman who chopped off her breasts and presented it to the tax collector on a banana leaf, in protest against the caste system that demanded “breast tax” from the lower caste women. She bled to death

Chakkapazham (Jackfruit)

 It was a hot and humid day when the Narayanan family sat on their veranda busy with a chore. Thamara (lotus in malayalam) sat on the veranda watching Parvathi, her mother cut open the huge juicy Chakka (jackfruit in Malayalam). She reached out to pluck one little piece and got intimidated with her grandmother’s (Janaki Amma) stern voice from behind – huh! nikke penne(huh! wait girl )  – smear your hands with the oil first or your hands will become sticky. Have you forgotten everything while in hostel? Thamara made a face and picked up the small bottle of coconut oil which her mother had kept beside her. She poured out a small quantity into her hands and rubbed them together and continued watching her mother at work, occasionally reaching out to a piece.

Parvathi are you going to take the whole day, enquired Janaki Amma? When I was handling the kitchen, I would cut one big whole jackfruit in 10 minutes and by that time my Kanji (rice porridge) would also be ready. And my veranda would not be as dirty as this. Parvathi kept her head down, neatly removing each little piece of fruit embedded in the womb of the giant jackfruit. She focussed on tearing out the little pieces of fruit,  refusing to rise to the bait and retort.

Soon the sweet aroma of the jackfruit enveloped the surroundings, and Thamara began devouring the pieces one by one. Don’t make that your lunch girl, or your tummy will get upset . We can make several other dishes with this. A LOUD thud made them look up. Another one! cried Thamara shrieked as she ran out to have a glimpse of the huge ripe jackfruit which had bid adieu to its mother tree and fallen on the ground. Careful girl! shrieked Janaki Amma and Parvathi smiled.

 After her husband’s death Parvathi (with her only child  Thamara ) had come to live with her mother-in-law in Kottayam district of Kerala,  very close to the Meenachil river. Thamara continued her studies in a hostel in Bangalore coming back home for vacations. It was difficult for Parvathi to get adjusted to the countryside as she was born and brought up in Bangalore but at this time, financial security and a safe nest was the priority for her and daughter. Her thoughts were interrupted by Thamara’s excited voice – Amma this is huge, as she trudged into the veranda with Ammu the labourer’s daughter who lived in a small shack close by. Both the girls carried the huge jackfruit between them. Thamara’s vacations were spent exploring the countryside with Ammu, older to her by 4 months.

 Janaki Amma  proudly looked at the prize brought into the house by the two girls . This was one thing which had not changed for years since she married and was brought into this ancient Tharavad (ancestral home of the aristocracy).

She recollected her mother’s huge house in  Attingal  one of the municipalities in Thiruvananthapuram district and the smell of the spice plants growing around her house filled the corridors of her fading memory. As a little girl she had danced around the house accompanying her father to oversee the rice fields being cultivated by daily wage labourers . And then when she married  Achutan she took over as the lady of this Tharavad in Pallai district. Achutan was very fond of fruits and wanted mango, jackfruit and plantains around the house. The trees over the years never failed to bear fruit. When Achutan closed his eyes in 1987, Mukundan  (her only son) became her lifeline. Janaki’s misfortune continued and she lost Mukundan in 1989 in a car accident.

It was 3 years now and Janaki survived only because her dear son had left behind a part of him in Thamara.  Her eyes turned moist, and she mentally shrugged away the pain in her heart.  Appachi (fathers’ mother), Thamara called out to her grandmother – Ammu tells me there is an ancient dilapidated Tharavad nearby which is haunted? She tells me there is a history to it and that you know about it. Ammu looked down guiltily and said – I didn’t know that Thamara did not know. Appachi looked sternly at Ammu and said, well if anyone must tell Thamara,  I will do that but only when she turns 18. Apacchi I will be 18 in two months  protested Thamara. Good! said Janaki, then I will take you there in your next holidays and tell you all about it, and until then you (pointing to Ammu) will not utter a word. Ammu nodded and quietly made herself scarce.

Amma do you know anything about the haunted house asked Thamara over her mother’s shoulders as Parvathi stirred the payasam in the kitchen fire. She pretended to ignore Thamara and said payasam will be ready in 5 minutes. Be a good girl and ask Appachi to take out some more jaggery from the store . She keeps it in the big rice drums in the attic. Amma , pls tell Apachi to take me to the haunted house? Thamara, you know she won’t change her mind, and I think I agree with her. She has your best interests in mind, and you are at an impressionable age now.

Thamara knew she did not want to wait till her next holidays. She was determined to unravel the history of the haunted house . She wanted this holiday to be special. She ran to the cemented veranda and put her hands around Apachi’s neck saying, ‘can I practice swimming in the bigger brook this time’ . Appachi remembered Mukundan in his childhood days garlanding her neck with his hands when he wanted to go to the bigger brook and play with his peers. Thamara was just like him, she thought. Well yes said Apachi but be careful, take that Ammu girl with you- she swims like a fish and pls wear decent clothes.  Thamara skipped along with Ammu to the bigger brook,  which was 15 minutes away from their house and Janaki Amma stared at her till she was far from her sight . She sighed and wished her dear Mukundan was alive. Then she would have had a lovely young grandson also to spoil,  along with  dear Thamara.

Padhadi (The plan)
Ammu chattered away as they walked to the big brook. Thamara, you know the haunted house is scary, but I love going there. We must walk another 15 minutes from the big brook and cross a big road. Janaki Amma, will never give you permission but we can if you want? I can ask Gopal chetan (big brother)  if he can take us there ? Opposite the haunted house stays Bhagirathi Amma who will be happy to  narrate the tale of the haunted house if we give her some money. How much, asked Thamara? Anything from 10-15 Rs as she loves tobacco, and her sons don’t give her money for that. That much I can manage from Apachi said Thamara confidently, but the time is the problem.

How about if we say we are staying a little longer in the bigger brook tomorrow, asked Ammu? Thamara thought and said, wait a minute let us do it day after because Appachi will go to the mill to get the copra hulled and pressed to oil . She takes at least 4-5 hours for the whole exercise. Yes, that is the day beamed Thamara, and today, I will get her permission for day after. Tomorrow I will help Appachi around the house and pluck vegetables and fruits from the field. She loves it when I help her in household chores. Ammu was excited and said, let me talk to Gopal Chetan and ask him if he will accompany us? When I come to give milk tomorrow morning, I will let you know if our plan is on, agree? Yes, agree retorted Thamara filled with enthusiasm and joy. With all the excitement the girls hardly did any swimming that day. They carefully planned for the visit to the haunted house.

The next day Ammu came excited bringing in milk from her cowshed as usual. Thamara saw her and ran behind the house well which was their huddling space . Gopal Chetan said he will take us, Ammu whispered. Can you give him some plantains in exchange and Thamara nodded in agreement. Okay take permission from Appachi and the money and we are all set to go. Ask Appachi to send for me at around 11,  otherwise she will know we have planned this together. Don’t worry Ammu,  Appachi will be off to the oil mill tomorrow. Now you go, said Thamara as she was scared their huddling will raise some suspicion. Ammu walked away after handing the milk vessel to Thamara.

 Thamara went behind the kitchen and saw her mother making some coconut paste on the stone. She peeped inside the kitchen and saw her Appachi counting the plantains,  jackfruits, yam and pumpkin, all fresh produce from their own field. Appachi let me help you to count and tomorrow early morning, I can help you to pluck the greens from the backyard. Bless you, my child! It is lovely to have you said Appachi sitting back relaxed. Appachi why don’t you keep someone to help you with all the counting and stock taking, said Thamara with a concerned look. Appachi laughed and said, why girl, you think I am old? If I don’t use my hands, legs and brain then I will be like the vegetables you are counting.

Appachi! can I go every other day to the big brook , this small one is no fun, and I love the big brook . Appachi smiled and nodded, but not tomorrow as I must go to the oil mill, and I want you to come with me. Oh no Appachi! I thought I will help you around the house every alternate day and on others I will go the big brook. No Thamara! I need company as it is a long journey to the mill. Thamara made a face and left the kitchen. There was no way she could contact Ammu and tell her that the plan had to be called off. But Appachi will not allow her to go to Ammu, as there was no reason to do so. Gopal Chetan had to be told too. Well, there was nothing she could do, so wandered off into the fields around the house.

The next day Thamara woke up and went to the kitchen and watched her mother standing in front of the steaming Puttu kodum (steam rice maker) waiting patiently for it to be cooked. Amma, I don’t want to go with Appachi to the mill today, declared Thamara. Amma turned around and smiled – so who is going to the mill today? Appachi’s knees are hurting, and she is in bed. She has sent message to Ammu that she should take you to the big brook not only today, but every day till you are here. Thamara screamed in delight and hugged her mother trying to lift her with a hug. She loves you Thamara, but she disciplines you better than me.

Thamara ran off to Appachis room and hugged her and smothered her with kisses. Appachi you are the best! She screamed in delight. Go girl! Go and enjoy your swim. Take some plantains and jaggery with you if you are going to swim longer, smiled Appachi. That fell into place very well – she had forgotten the plantains for Gopal Chetan. Appachi pls give me some money as I want to buy some savouries from the Thatta kada (street vendors). No said Appachi, your mother can make you anything you want. I don’t want you eating from outside girl. But here is some money, just keep with you as pocket money till you are here. Sometimes you can give Ammu something as she is taking you to the brook often. Thamara looked at the 50 Rs in her hand and admired the prize. She couldn’t have asked for more. Her cup was full.
 
Kadanadinde Prethabhavanam (The haunted house in Kadanad village)
 

Ammu came sharp at 10 am in the morning with a towel and change of clothes and Thamara soon joined her, waving to her mother. Both the young girls trotted the uphill road towards the brook. As they were nearing the village church, Ammu spotted Gopal chetan and waived to the young man. Thamara handed him the two small bunches of ripe bananas and all 3 started on their exciting journey . They passed the brook, crossed the main road and Gopal ushered them through the green paddy fields  the small pond and into the adjoining village of kadanad. By this time Thamara was tired as they had walked in the scorching sun for over 45 minutes. Ammu held her hand and coaxed – just 5 more minutes.

Gopal led the way to the narrow small, tiled house surrounded by plantain trees all around. The excitement was building up and suddenly Thamara whispered that the  pukayila (pronounced as puka-ilya -tobacco) was missing. Don’t worry, said Gopal, I will introduce you to Bhagirathi Amma (fondly known as Bhagi Amma) and slip away for 2 minutes. If you give me the money, I will bring it from the shack close by on the roadside .

Amma! called out Gopal Chetan. A frail old woman came in jumping on one leg, the other folded , with a long stick in hand. Amma! I am Gopal from across the Meenachil river. Your grandson and I studied together. Gopi ! Amma smiled and beckoned them to sit. No one is there in the house. My son and daughter in law have gone to the paddy field. Amma, I bought the girls to see you. Ah! Have you bought some pukayila for the old woman, asked Amma. Amma the girls wanted to know about the haunted Tharavad, so I bought them here. You chat with them while I get the pukayila for you. Bhagi smiled and nodded. Don’t forget to get some vada(lentil fritters) from the roadside vendor. My daughter in law doesn’t make any savouries at all and now that I am an old woman, I long for some good stuff to eat.

Thamara looked at Amma and asked, will you be able to walk with us to the nearby haunted house and tell us about it? I don’t have to walk girl and neither do you? Come and sit beside me and look straight ahead. Thamara and Ammu sat next to  Amma on the veranda and looked ahead. Strangely they hadn’t noticed the stone structure hidden amongst the  wilderness across the wall. Wild trees and shrubs hid the massive stone house. The only clearly visible structure was the lonely well standing alone at the farthest end of the Tharavad. Thamara and Ammu knew the day held a promise.

 Gopal chetan came running with the pukayila and handed over to Bhagi. Amma folded the Pukayila and put it into her mouth with relish and was fuelled up . Ahh now Amma can enjoy the storytelling she exclaimed, with an endearing smile. She sat back, leaning on the wall of the small veranda.

 My Moutushi (grandmother) narrated this tale which has come down to us from generations. And all mothers in that lineage have lived at least for 90 years .   This massive Illam (Malayalam & Tamil word for the house of a Namboodiri) served as the Tharavad (ancestral home of the aristocracy) for Raman Namboodiri (Thampuran- lord/King) and his family of three- Meenakshi his wife, Saraswati their daughter and Padmavati his mother. The Tharavad used to be teeming with helpers and staff in those days.

Meenakshi, Thampuran’s wife referred to as cheriah Thampurati (young queen) was a simple women  laden with svaranam (gold) jewellery and confined to the Ilam. In those days Namboodiri women were known as ‘Antarjanam’ or `Akathamma’ (confined to the house). They could not be seen by men of other caste or even Namboodiri’s outside their immediate family. She was the daughter of Sankaran Namboodiri, a powerful feudal lord in  Alappuzha  district . Like other Namboodiri girls she too did not have any formal education, but her mother had insisted on getting her an Aashan(teacher) to teach her the alphabets. She was taught how to write the alphabets on mud with the forefinger. Much against the  Thampuran’s wishes Meenakshi insisted on doing the same for their daughter Saraswati (Sarsu) and later sent her to the Ezuthupalli (literally translated as writing temple).

Meenakshi never said much, chatted or argued with the Namboodiri. She had her own ways of expressing her displeasure. If she was unhappy about something she would completely stop eating or get the Ilam calf to be tied on Namboodiri’s veranda without any fodder. The Namboodiri would get frustrated at the constant mooing of the calf and the corresponding cry of the cow in the shed and give in. Most importantly he could not earn the ire of his father-in-law Sankaran. Raman and Meenakshi had a son born to them after Sarsu but the child died soon after birth. Meenakshi never conceived after that, and Thampuran had broached the topic of marrying again for a male heir so that his property  could be retained by his descendants. Women had no right to property those days. Meenakshi would respond with silence. The Thampuran  warned her that he will wait till Sarsu attains  puberty to remarry,  as  he was confident the child would understand.

Sarsu was a beautiful young girl referred to as  Kochu Thampurati or little princess. Her mother was insistent on her learning to read and write . There were two mutts (learning centres exclusively meant for the Namboodiris) but there wasn’t a single namboodiri girl studying in either. So Sarsu was not sent there. Then there were Ezuthupalli’s (indigenous schools) attached to church and were open to all castes, although Namboodiri children avoided going there, lest they get polluted by other castes. The Ezhuthupallis were attended by only a few girls from Nair and Ezhava community. On Meenakshi’s insistence Thampuran organised a special desk for Sarsu in the Ezzuthupalli, far removed from other children but close enough to follow the Aashaan (Maaster). He arranged for a Nair woman to be the child’s chaperone to accompany her to school and bring her back.

Sarsu had two friends in school, Anjana a Nair girl and Chakki an Ezhava girl. Both were the same age as Sarsu. Anjana maintained a formal distance keeping caste in mind, but Chakki was more reckless and carefree. Sarsu loved to chat with her and would coax her to walk back home with her. Chakki would often oblige and wished secretly that she could go to Sarsu’s home for a feast, but the thought was confined to her head. When Sarsu described Chakka Pradahaman (jackfruit paysam – sweet delicacy) made with ripe jackfruit, coconut milk, and jaggery, Chakki could only salivate. On the other hand, Sarsu wished she could exchange her life with Chakki’s. Oh, what it would be to go out of the house unchaperoned any time, splash around the brooks, run around trees and orchards, leave her hair open  and study sitting together with other peers. Chakki would climb trees on their way back from school and Sarsu would watch her,  longing to do the same. If her father heard of these antics, then she would be forbidden from even going out to study.

Young Sarsu was very scared of her father as she grew up hearing her father expressing his might over the staff, her mother and grandmother. She did have brief occasional conversations with her father to tell him about her friends and school although it did not interest him much and he constantly forbid her to mix around with other caste girls. She had a ‘Kanak Aashan’ (Maths teacher ) coming home as Thampuran wanted to train her to help him in  managing his one hundred acres of land, its produce, and the staff that he owned .

Padmavati,  Thampuran’s aged mother (popularly referred to Valliah Thampurati (Mother queen) also lived with him. Even though she was the oldest she was quite agile moving around the house and doing chores, mainly religious. She and the Thampuran did not talk much and preferred not to cross each other’s path. Occasionally her stern voice would address him as ‘Namboodiri’ when the latter would test her patience over some matter. As the afternoon sun warmed the day the trio slipped into the forgotten era that Bhagi Amma weaved for them .

Thampuran (Raman Namboodiri)
Thampuran,  sat comfortably on his wooden armchair, the only furniture in the large veranda outside his kidappumuri (bedroom) with a small audience- the village Thattan (goldsmith) and Aashaari (carpenter).  His casual Mundu thorth (cloth covering the lower part of the body) was pulled up to his knees to help spread his legs comfortably over the arm of the chair. On his otherwise clean-shaven head he proudly sported his Kutumi (tuft or lock of hair, hallmark of a Namboodiri Brahmin) folded neatly to a knot on the left side of his head . Within the Namboodiri’s there were caste’s and Thampuran was of the highest stature within it.  Orthodox to the extreme, its members regarded themselves as the true repositories of the ancient and traditional Hindu code.

The ‘Thattan’  was looking closely at a pair of golden studs which the Thampuran wanted to exchange for a bigger size and more gold weight. Sarsu would soon come to age, and it was a tradition in the family to have a grand ceremony for the teenage girls. The village Aashari (carpenter) had also been summoned to make a separate bed for the girl. With the girl growing,  the bed in which she slept with her mother was becoming smaller for the duo.

Thampuran slept alone in his grand room on the north side of the Tharavad which was reserved for him and his nefarious activities. The room was neatly cut off from the main building although there was a corridor which connected both the areas. The Tharavad was built in an L shape, and the vertical side was Tampuran’s room while the horizontal side had two kidappumuri’s (bedroom), the chayip (attic) and the huge Adukalla (kitchen). The built-up area was less but each room was spacious and cemented well. The corridor would come in handy for the family at night and during rains, as it would be clean and safe. Separate to the main house there was  a two-room structure  built mainly for visitors  from other villages. The whole structure was made of stone with tiled sloping roofs all over. None of the family members or guests had easy access to Thampuran’s room and the female cleaning staff was expected to do her job quietly and make herself scarce .

 At night Thampuran would claim his conjugal rights by going to the other side of the Tharavad  coughing thrice in front of Meenakshi’s bedroom. Meenakshi on hearing the cough would sneak out (pretending to relieve herself) and join the Thampuran. Once the deed was done, she would come back and sleep next to her daughter. As Sarsu was growing up this whole charade of going to relieve herself at night was getting more and more difficult for Meenakshi , as the child would offer to go with her mother, lest she falls in the dark.

Thampuran looked up at the sky and got up from his chair hurriedly as it was time to take his rounds in the paddy field. The deal with the goldsmith and carpenter was concluded by fixing a certain quantum (over 2 years) of rice and plantains in return for their services . The aristocrat was a mean businessman and would not shell out any money. He preferred to barter and being the custodian of the religion, &  owner of village temples  he had a lot of clout over the village artisans and common man.

The paddy fields belonging to the Tharavad were sprawled across acres and acres. Thampuran could easily afford to have a help who could carry his wooden chair or hold an umbrella for him. The wooden chair would come in handy if he was to take a break and rest or had to take some labourers to task. However, he preferred to move alone as he engaged with the workers and ogle at the women and their bare breasts . He did not want his wife and daughter to know about his and if he had an accompanying help he would gossip with others at home .

 Those days in Kerala the lower caste Hindu women were expected not to cover their breast especially when they were in sight of Namboodiri men. If this was not adhered to, they had to pay a huge fine which was known as the breast tax. In some records, it is mentioned that lower caste women anyway had to pay a breast tax depending on the size of their breasts. The bigger the breasts , more the tax. Poor women (and girls who had attained puberty) from the lower caste were left with no option but to comply. If the breasts were covered  the Thampuran would either take it off (without touching the woman)  with his walking stick or ask the woman herself to do it . What he loved most was asking the husband (if accompanying) to remove it. That gave him a sense of power over both man and woman.

 Everyday Thampuran would have his fill of breast gazing during his walk and as if this was not enough, he would call any woman he fancies to his Ilam at night and satisfy his lust. This had been going on for some years now and not a day would go without him ticking of a lower cast woman to remove the cloth covering her breasts. This would be the pattern even if the woman was accompanied by her children. One of his faithful assistants kept him informed of women visitors to the village or village girls (of lower caste) coming of age. On the days he was expecting a night visit he would ask for some warm water to gargle or an early dinner in the evening pretending he was feeling poorly and that he will retire for the day early.  He expected Meenakshi to understand that he will not be drawing on his conjugal rights that day and there would be no coughing outside her room at night.  This was also to avoid a situation where Meenakshi would wander around and come over to his side of the room in anticipation, which never happened.  He thought Meenakshi was oblivious of his amorous activities .

 Thampuran’s latest fancy was Kuyil (literally translated as Cuckoo bird), Achu’s wife . She belonged to the pulayar caste (lowest polluting caste). What a fool he was , that he did not spot her as a young unmarried girl working in his field, nevertheless it was never late for him. Today he wanted to see her, he thought and smiled to himself .

Aiyo Amma ! It is late , sighed Bhagi bringing the trio out of the spell . Now we will continue another day as I am tired. Thamara was disappointed and pleaded to hear some more but Bhagi Amma was clever enough to break her tale at meaty intervals. She had to ensure her pukaiyla stock is replenished and anyway it was becoming late for the girls. Ammu insisted that they should move on. Bhagi Amma,  we will come daily till you finish said Thamara ! Sheri ! (okay in Malayalam ) nodded Bhagi. Saying goodbye, the trio turned homewards

The walk back home was boring, and Thamara was thinking only about Thampuran ,his daughter Sarsu and Kuyil. What happened in their lives that the Tharavad or Illam became haunted and has been left desolate since them. She coaxed Ammu to tell her, but Ammu was not aware as she neither had time nor money to buy treats for Bhagi to hear the story. In some ways Ammu could relate herself to Chakki and Thamara to Sarsu? If wealth and caste was an important consideration this thought would largely hold good.

Thamara entered her own Tharavad deep in thought. Appachi spotted her in the veranda and asked – did you not go to the brook? Yes Appachi! How come your hair is dry? Thamara knew she was caught. Oh, I did not feel like swimming, Ammu and I were chatting, and she swam a little. She did not dare look at Appachi and went inside. Will she be allowed to go next day? She kept thinking that Apachi would think she has got bored of swimming and coax her to take a break or go less frequently and help around the house .
 

The next day early morning Thamara avoided her grandmother and confined her movements to the kitchen and the vegetable garden next to it plucking leafy greens and any other stuff needed for the meals. She then took her clothes and started walking to the kulimuri (bathroom) next to the well.  Thamara ! Appachi called out to her, and the girl slowly turned around with a worried look.  She was caught and she knew it will be very difficult to go through Appachi’s interrogation. Do you not feel like swimming again today? An unexpected question but Thamara was alert, and she responded cheerfully saying, she wanted to very much. Then why are you having a bath now, you know the customary way is to have a bath after coming back from the brook. Caught again, Thamara smiled sheepishly saying, I forgot Appachi!

Nothing more was said on this, and Thamara went to sit  close to Apachi helping her to dip green chillies into curd, ready to be dried in the sun. Once sun dried, they would be stored in tin boxes ready to be fried and used as an accompaniment to rice. Tomorrow we will cut bitter gourd for sun drying, smiled Appachi. They both looked up when they heard Ammu calling out to Thamara and waving at her from a distance. Go my girl, have fun swimming, said Apachi smiling at Thamara.

This is the most exciting holiday I have ever had Ammu said Thamara as the three of them trudged across the road to the haunted house in Kadanad village. And today we must get up 10 mins earlier. Why, asked Ammu who was enjoying Bhagi Amma’s tale. Thamara coming home during holidays was a treat for Ammu as she would often go to the Tharavad and eat good food, but this time was a prize . She had heard about the haunted house laying desolate for decades but never knew the mystery behind it . Thamara ignored her question as her mind was fully occupied by the Thampuran, Sarsu and Kuyil.

Gopal Chetan stopped by the Thatta Kadala to buy some paripu vada (lentil fry) and some pukayila. Both the girls knew this purchase was priceless for them. At 18 (or soon to be) , both girls  wondered  how they would have lived through Thampuran’s era and that too, bare breasted? Now a days parents and family insisted that young girls cover themselves properly but imagine an era where you were punished for covering yourself? Apachi was very clear that Thamara and Parvathi should come out fully clothed from the kulimuri (bathroom). There were many labourers working around the house, and it was important for women to maintain their dignity and not be a feast to roving eyes. Thamara herself was very particular carrying her long pavadda (skirt ) and blouse to the bathroom and coming out fully clothed.

Bhagi Amma smiled at them and made space for the three youngsters. She gladly grabbed the parippu vada wrapped in banana leaf and without any hesitation gobbled 2 relishing it. I will have the pukayila later at night when my children go to sleep. Thamara reminded Bhagi Amma that she was talking about Kuyil, Thampuran’s latest fancy. Oh yes said Bhagi and went deep into narration taking the three back into history.

 Kuyil

Kuyil was a charming Pulayar (lowest polluting caste) girl who had recently got married to Achu from the same caste. As a baby Kuyil would cry out /making  a noise similar to cuckoo bird and so she came to be known by that name. Kuyil, prior to her marriage, was much sought after by the young boys (of her community) of marriageable age but she had lost her heart to Achu. She was the only one with waist length hair in her community. With big, long eyes and a shapely body she was Achu’s pride. She wore stone jewellery on her neck and arms. Her community had celebrated their marriage with a small ceremony and festivity all night.

Achu and Kuyil made their own thatched cottage within the community and the latter stayed at home for a week before she started work in the paddy field with her husband. Thampuran’s roving eyes caught her on the first day at work after marriage and then he would look for her every day   thereafter during his rounds . The other female labourers had warned her to recede to the background when the Thampuran came around, but Kuyil did not pay heed. She was flying high after marrying Achu.

On the fateful day when Thampuran was looking for a prey, he saw Kuyil chatting with other women in the fields. Her back was towards him, and her long-wet hair fell to her waist making her irresistible to any man. It looked like she had a dip in the nearby brook to cool down. This was a practice all labourers indulged in during the hot and sweaty months. On seeing the Thampuran all the women removed the thin towel from their breasts, used to wet and cover their bodies to ward off the heat . Kuyil  turned around to see who had interrupted their chat and was caught off guard by the Thampuran’s lecherous look at her breasts . She quickly gathered all her hair to cover her feminity. ‘Adhyaprasangi’ (Insolent!) exclaimed the Thampuran.

On hearing a raised voice  Achu came running from nearby, and all the other women dispersed to save themselves from the Namboodiri’s wrath. The Thampuran shivering in anger addressed Achu saying – Have you not taught her how to behave with the Thampuran’s?  Her breasts should be bare in front of a Thampuran. Achu looked up putting his right hand on his mouth, to avoid polluting the Thampuran and said in a small voice – Thampuran , it is only her hair, and no cloth has been used. Hmm! Send her home tomorrow night said the Thampuran and make sure you turn up after 9 pm and straight to my room without any noise. Let me see if I can teach the insolent woman a lesson. Achu was dumbstruck and stood motionless. The Thampuran walked away confident of being heard and obeyed.

At the end of the paddy field Thampuran stopped by kumaran the Gomasthan (book/Account keeper) to say – No Edangazhi  (a measuring vessel used to measure paddy to be given to labourers in exchange of labour) for Achu and Kuyil. Each labourer received two Edangazhi’s of paddy for one day’s work from Kumaran. Kumaran nodded and Thampuran turned towards home content with his chiding and his whole being trembled with lust thinking of Kuyil. She should have been a Namboodiri woman, he sighed.

That evening Thampuran was restless . He should have called Kuyil today. Hearing some voices at the kitchen side he went  out to the veranda and could see two figures lurking around the kitchen. Aaare aane !(who is that ?)said Thampuran loudly. Meenakshi replied saying she had called a ‘Thirim karathi’ (massage woman) and was giving her some rice in return for her services. Thampuran went back to his room to rest and dream about his prey. Meenakshi heaved a sigh of relief as she saw Kuyil and Achu disappearing into the dark . Achu was carrying his thorth (towel) in his hand like a pouch with the 3 Edangazhi of rice which the kind Thampurati had given him secretly. Meenakshi was kept informed of all happenings in the field and the labourers adored their Thampurati. She was horrified to hear that they were not paid only because Kuyil had not bared her breasts. She had secretly sent for them to ensure they had kanji (rice gruel) to eat at night.

Nagnamaya Mullackal (Bare breasts)

The next day Thampuran went for his round a little later than usual for no reason. He walked onto the Varambu (Ridge /levee- natural or artificial wall that blocks water in little patches and serves as a walking path for people) in the paddy field . He waved his stick stylishly  as he came closer to groups of people working in the field. Strangely all women had their back towards him and wouldn’t know he was approaching them. He had just about reached the first set of women that he suddenly slipped and his right foot slipped into a deep pit in the ridge. He shrieked and all the women turned at once and seeing him they bared their breasts endorsing the caste norm. Thampuran was in too much pain to notice anything. Many labourers reached to him,  but none could lend him a helping hand to get up. If they touched the Thampuran they would have polluted him. Kumaran came running and being a Nair he was the most suitable amongst all to help, Thampuran to his feet.

Soon Kumaran’s chair was brought from the far end. Slowly the Thampuran got to his feet, wincing in pain. The hole into which his foot had dipped was quite deep and kumaran suspected this was man made and that too recently. He himself had walked over this path yesterday and the ridge was firm all the way around the paddy fields. Kumaran ordered 4 labourers to pick up the Thampuran’s chair and leave him home . Thampuran was furious  and told Kumaran to come and see him at home .

Meenakshi and Padmavati saw the Thampuran arriving on the shoulders of 4 men but did not bat an eyelid . He shouted her name  saying send for the Vaidyan ( the village medicine man). As he was being carried to his room, he heard a loud stern male voice from inside-  who is shouting at  you Meenakshi? The Thampuran froze on his chair as he recognised his father-in-law- Sankaran Namboodiri’s voice.

Hmm! Sankaran looked up at Raman in the chair and asked- Have you stopped walking, only to  put weight on these poor people. Sankaran had heard of Raman’s mischiefs but never had any concrete proof. Being a concerned father, he used to enquire from Meenakshi about her family life, but his daughter always said she was happy. I fell into a hole on the Varambu explained Raman hoping to get some sympathy. Hole ! What hole ? How can there be a hole in the Varambu asked Sankaran ? By walking on it continuously they become so hard that heavy farm tools can be dragged or  carried on it . It is so broad and sturdy that even the Maharaja’s vehicle can go on it .

Acchan! these scoundrels working in my field have conspired and made the hole intentionally. I walk the path every day, and this has never happened before . And why would they do that asked Sankaran , do you not give them Edangazhi ? I have never heard or experienced a conspiracy like this. Acchan I give them 2 Edangazhi for a day’s work . Hmm! said Sankaran then there must be something else I am not aware of. Anyways Meenakshi had sent for me, and I am taking Sarsu home for some days as her Moutushi (grandmother) wants to see her. Shall we have her coming of age ceremony at my Ilam, asked Sankaran? Acchan that will be difficult as I have made arrangements here and my two sisters will be coming to conduct the ceremony. Hmm ok! Meenakshi’s mother wanted to be present as Sarsu is our first grandchild and my 3 sons, and their wives all have insisted. Raman did not budge and Sankaran debated in his mind to insist or maybe let it be as he was concerned that his daughter should not bear the brunt of all this . Sankaran had heard adverse rumours about Ramam only after marrying off his daughter. He was very upset that he had not enquired about his son in law before marriage.  

 Raman politely enquired why Acchan (father in Malayalam) had not informed of his coming and Sankaran ignored the question. Sankaran was unlike Raman a much loved and celebrated  Namboodiri. While it was the norm to give 2-3 Edungazhi’s for a day’s hard work, Sankaran would give 5 for a day’s  labour. In addition, at  the end of every month he would give, two coconuts. On special occasions like his or his families Janmadinam (Birthday) or festivities like Onam he would give them new cloth Mundu (to cover lower body) and Thorth (for upper body). He would also get seasonal sweets made at the Ilam for the workers. He made sure any labourer who fell sick or was injured was tended to by the Vaidyan. Sankaran  did not expect or  demand lower caste women to bare their breasts and he made sure his sons follow the same code.  All this made Sankaran a popular feudal lord and labourers would migrate from other districts like Trivandrum, Quilon, Kottayam, and Devikulam to work in his fields. There were some Tamil speaking  labourers who migrated from Padmanabhapuram too.

As the sun set Sankaran and Raman sat down to relish a feast which Meenakshi had got ready for her father. Sankaran took out a small golden pouch from the folds of his Mundu and gave it to Sarsu in her hand . Your grandmother has sent this for you. Sarsu excitedly opened it and looked at the ruby and gold stud earrings and hugged her grandfather in delight. Sankaran swelled with love and affection hugged her warmly. Eat your food and go to bed  as we will leave early tomorrow. I have brought the Vallom (boats) , with the swing inside said Sankaran smilingly. Sarsu loved her grandfather’s beautifully decorated Valloms especially the one which had a wooden swing inside. When she was a baby her Uncles had got a wooden cradle made inside the Vallom.  Meenakshi you are sure you don’t want to come and visit your mother and brothers? You can come back in a weeks’ time or earlier ? Meenakshi nodded  a no and Sankaran gave up.

The Vaidyan came in late evening did some hot fermentation with herbs tied in a muslin cloth and then applied freshly prepared medicinal paste on the Thampuran’s leg. He prescribed medicinal Navara (indigenous variety) rice kanji (gruel) mixed with 10 herbs and spices, once a day  for 10 days . The Thampuran felt better after the fermentation and Meenakshi gave the Vaidyan five Edungazhi’s as per Raman’s orders . She would have like to give him some of the savouries and sweets which her father had brought from Alappuzha but the Thampuran forbid her to do so .

Thamara interrupted Bhagi and asked how she remembered and recounted all the happenings of each day in so much detail ? Because this house has been my ancestral home for decades and our three generations worked in the Thampuran’s Ilam and fields . Those days we had a  hut in place of this small house said Bhagi. There were 60 of us helping in the Ilam and the fields nearby growing plantains, jackfruit, coconut, mangoes along with  root and leafy vegetables. The workers in the paddy fields were an additional 80. The ones working in the Ilam knew all what is happening in the house and would gossip with each other . My own family members were working in the Ilam Adukallah for 3 decades . People who work in the kitchen are aware of all what happens inside the house. Besides most importantly this night was the beginning of the silent  rebellion and the demonstration of women power, a thing unheard of in the caste ridden society of Brahminical dominance. Seizing the interruption as an opportune time , Bhagi decided to end the story telling for the day. Thamara insisted she won’t be able to sleep thinking about the beginning of the silent rebellion, but Bhagi was adamant.

The three walked back in silence for some time till they reached the brook. Thamara and Amu took a quick dip to ensure they looked wet ,  towelled their hair leaving it a little damp and changed. Thamara was taking no risk of being caught by Apachi,  now that the story of the haunted house was  taking shape. Ammu predicted that there would be violence that night at Raman Namboodiri’s place , but Thamara checked her by explaining that Bhagi Amma mentioned a silent rebellion. Besides the Thampuran was injured, well at least temporarily so what could he do ? Maybe Sankaran found out about Thampuran and slayed him, added Gopal Chetan.

Thamara got up the next day and could not find her mother or Apachi and she ventured out to the nearby field and saw both of them busy watching the labourers climb on coconut trees while  throwing down  the fruit one by one. Apachi saw Thamara and said good that you have got up, I have asked for the local carry van, and we are going to the oil mill. But Aapchi these are tender coconuts protested Thamara. We will have to wait till they dry out . Don’t teach me girl, go and look at the front of the house . I have taken all the dried ones out from the attic and ready to be loaded on to the carry van. We are going to the oil mill today and you will accompany me .

While time stood still on the Namboodiri household in Kadanad village harbouring a silent rebellion, Thamara in the present, sulked and dragged herself to the oil mill. Apachi’s two friends were there at the mill and were happy to meet her. She exchanged pleasantries with them and waited in silence till their turn came. Each of the coconuts brought in by Apachi met their destined fate in the hulling machine and crystal-clear coconut oil surged out with a promise to nourish the humans. Apachi tried to pep her up by buying her Ethakka Pazham (plantain fritters ) but Thamara was waiting for the night to unfold at the Namboodiri household.

Tired and exhausted both of them walked back to their Tharavad and had a simple meal of choru (red rice), moru curry (spiced up buttermilk) and chakka kuru mezhakparatti ( jackfruit seeds smeared with spices and sautéed lightly ). At night while in bed Thamara asked her mother if any of her ancestor ladies went around bare breasted? Parvathi was taken aback and asked why do you ask? Oh,  I was reading a book and wondered. Well tradition says so said Parvathi but they were mostly pulayar the lowest caste. Amma, do you believe in caste enquired Thamara? Well, we have been brought up to believe in it and you can see it still exists here in the village. Sad! said Thamara and turned to other side to think more about the rebellious night which the next dawn would hopefully bring in.  

Ammu arrived early trying to contain her excitement and Thamara quickly joined her with her pavada (long skirt ) blouse and thorth (towel), to change after the dip. Apachi, Amma we are going and we will be late today as I want to spend a lazy day swimming on my back. Wait Thamara ! Parvathi ran to catch her and handed her a packet full of savouries- rose cookies , diamond cuts and some aval (sweet rice flakes ) neatly covered in big plantain leaves held together by coir ropes . Then she handed over 2 packets of podhi chor (a complete ready to eat rice meal packed in banana leaf) one each for  Thamara and Ammu. Ammu was delighted. Even if you girls decide to come back in the evening , this meal will keep you full. Thamara quickly remembered their accomplice Gopal and Bhagi Amma and asked if they can have two more? Mother we feel very hungry after the swim and can easily polish of two each. Parvati smiled, went back and brought in two more podhis. Thamara wanted to lure Bhagi Amma with the podi into completing the story today. Gopal Chetan met them at the corner and Thamara offered both her friends some goodies . All of them munched and rushed as the sun threatened to burn them and the humidity in the air promised to drown them in their own sweat.

Bhagi Amma! look what we brought, said Thamara offering one entire podhi to her. The old lady beamed and greedily opened the packet to taste the rose cookies. She was loving the children and the story time and no longer felt lonely and alone . By the time the children would leave, it would be time for her son and daughter in law to return from the fields. In addition, the regular stock of pukayila was a refreshing addition. With her stomach full of savouries, Bhagi Amma started her narration captivating the small audience  and weaving the characters of a bygone era.

That night Meenakshi sent Sarsu to sleep with her grandmother. She wanted her room to herself to  carefully lay out and pack Sarsu’s  clothes and some savouries which she had got made for her mother and brothers. Sankaran was particular about timing, and he would just look at the sun and announce his departure in the morning. Nothing would delay him.

Sankaran went to sleep in Raman’s huge room which had two big beds facing each other. Both Raman and Sankaran did not talk much, each went to their own beds to retire for the day. Raman was already feeling better with the Vaidyan’s treatment and limped without much pain. The vellaku (lamp) outside on the veranda was left burning while the two inside the room were dimmed. As Sankaran’s slumber and rhythmic breathing turned slowly into a deafening snoring , there was a slow steady knock on the door. Who’s that ! shouted Raman as he tried to bring himself up. He had hardly slept . You wait ! said Sankaran , suddenly fully awake , stood up and adjusted his mundu (lower garment)  to open the door . Raman slowly got up and limped behind him, to the door.

Once opened Sankaran picked up the lamp and walked out into the veranda and was shocked to see a big crowd of puliyar women at least 50 in number, all bare breasted and carrying burning chootu (lit up dried leaves of coconut palm, used as a torch). There were spread across the open area in front of the veranda. What brings you here at this time Sankaran asked in a stern voice ? Suddenly a young girl ,stepped up from the crowd, bare breasted, with her well-oiled body glistening in the dark and feminine curves calling for attention. Her long hair was flowing to her waist .

To Raman’s horror it was Kuyil . He had forgotten that he had asked Achu to send Kuyil today at his place. With the sudden fall and Sankaran’s unannounced arrival he had completely forgotten all.

Cover yourself child and all of you too said Sankaran looking at the crowd. Raman’s heart sank as Kuyil said in a small voice – Thampuran had asked my husband to send me here today. Another  middle aged puliyar woman added – she was afraid to come alone, so we all came together hoping the Thampuran would be pleased to see so many of us at his service. Sankaran was no fool and all what he had heard about Raman was confirmed, first hand . Horrified he did not know what to say and he looked back at Raman and the latter froze.

It was clear that Sankaran was in a rage which heightened when he saw Meenakshi across the corridor hiding in the dark. He addressed Kuyil and all the women in one stern voice saying – ‘this is my daughter’s home, and I don’t want to see a single woman walking around bare breasted here or coming to the Ilam at night’ . I will not spare anyone who disobeys me . He looked at Kuyil and said gently – go child, go home and this won’t happen again. The crowd dispersed and  Sankaran went and sat on his bed fuming with anger .

On the other side of the corridor , Meenakshi slowly moved inside to her room. The Antharjanam’s (ladies of the house ) plan had worked seamlessly, and the master mind was none other than her own mother-in-law  who was fed up with her son’s behaviour. When Achu and Kuyil did not receive  Edangazhi two days back their community advised them to go to the cheriah Thampuratti who was known to be a kind woman. The same day they had come and met Meenakshi and told her that Thampuran had instructed kuyil to be sent to him the following night .

Hearing this both Padmavati and Meenakshi were livid. Not that this was anything new, but Meenakshi was fed up and moreover the Thampuran was threatening to get a new wife. Thampuran was a notorious womaniser, and his staff and labourers hated him . This man needs to be reprimanded , said Padmavati although well aware that she and Meenakshi could not stop Raman and so the plan was born.

Both Meenakshi and Padmavati knew that Raman was intimidated and in awe of Sankaran who was a popular, and respected  feudal lord who tolerated no nonsense. She advised Meenakshi to send message to her father saying that she was missing him and would love to see him. As assumed, Sankaran came hurriedly next day to see his precious daughter and grandchild. Kuyil was instructed to come on the night that Thampuran had directed but  accompanied by as many puliyar women as possible and all bare breasted. The whole plan unfolded in front of Sankaran without giving away any of the Antharajanam’s. Luckily Raman with his sudden fall had forgotten to cancel the night plan with Achu and so both husband and wife  were also saved from the Thampuran’s wrath .

 That night Raman saw a different side of Sankaran who roared and threatened him with dire consequences if the former did not mend his ways. No wonder they dug a hole for you. Aren’t you ashamed of being a Namboodiri ‘a so-called protector of all’. You have a daughter who will soon be as old as Kuyil and is this orgy a regular practice in this Tharavad ? Dare my son’s got to know of this , they will slay you, Sankaran threatened. Meenakshi is my only daughter and even after repeatedly asking her she has never told me of your amorous activities or else I would have taken her back with me.

Neither Raman nor Sankaran slept that day, and the house woke up early. Sankaran said he will leave by the Vallom early to avoid the blazing sun and Meenakshi got busy packing food for him and Sarsu. The journey from Kottayam to Aleppuzha by vallom was a good three and half hour.  Sankaran ignored Raman while he was taking leave and went around to Meenakshi’s side and said – Do you still want to stay here or come back with me ? Meenakshi said nothing and Sankaran took Sarsu’s hand and walked away.

Meenakshi Gurukkal (Meenakshi the Kalari master)

In two days’ time the Thampuran was feeling much better and  was getting ready for an early morning visit to the fields, first time after the fall. The Vaidyan had come early morning and said that the leg was fine .  He sat in the veranda for some time as he watched Meenakshi doing the Thulasi (Tulsi plant) pooja . Her beautiful long wet hair hung over the waist. He liked her hair loose but like most of the Thampurati’s, once dried she will oil and wrap into a neat bun on one side of the head, decorated with thick strands of fragrant Mullapoo (jasmine flower). Her tall slender frame was graceful, and she walked about the Ilam actively unlike himself who had started aches and pains. Maybe , and this was so because she was a trained  Kalaripayattu( a martial art unique to kerala) master.  As a young girl Sankaran and her elder brother had indulged her wish and got in a Kalari Aashaan (Master) to visit the Ilam to teach her. Meenakshi had put in all her might to become a master at it. Before her marriage in her father’s Ilam she would demonstrate her kalarippayattu skills and entertain her family. She had once demonstrated for Raman in their first year of marriage and he was absolutely fascinated. She wanted to continue practice and open a Kalari school. Thampuran wasn’t convinced this was something appropriate for a Namboodiri woman and thus never encouraged her to do so.

Meenakshi  was always decked in Svarnam (gold) as her mother would and her mundu (wrapped cloth covering waist down) had a rich golden border . Sankaran would always bring her some Svarnam  when he came to visit , so Raman did not have to indulge her on this account . This time it was a pair of gold earrings similar but bigger in size to Sarsu’s gift. Raman wondered if she was happy with him, as she enjoyed  all the comfort that she had in her father’s house, even though Sankaran was richer than him. She had no reason to be displeased or unhappy with him. He was confident she was not aware of his obsession with breast gazing and forcibly inviting puliyar women to his bedroom. He made sure that he invited them through the backdoor late at night when all would have gone to sleep in the Ilam. He preferred to ignore the night when Kuyil and the puliyar women had come to the Ilam.  After all nothing had happened that day. Sankaran had unnecessarily created a scene.  Meenakshi being from the Namboodiri caste knew very well that the men in the family had an unsaid right over low caste woman. Anyway, Meenakshi never objected or  complained about the incident,  so he decided not to dwell on this thought.

Okay let us stop here for the day as I am very tired said Bhagi Amma breaking the spell. Now let us continue tomorrow and Thamara  don’t forget to get some sweets and savouries for the old woman.  The girls and Gopal Chetan took leave of Amma and started walking back home . Don’t forget the dip in the brook said Thamara . I am keener to open the chor podhi said Ammu giggling. She was longing to open it and taste the feast but could not do so a in midst of storytelling as Bhagi Amma would have got distracted.

The next day as they were leaving Parvathi  came running with a small basket of goodies and five Chor Podhi’s . Who is the fifth one for asked Thamara?  Parvati smiled and said I am accompanying you today. Apachi’s sister is visiting her  and will soon be here to keep her company. I feel like a walk and swim myself  and of course I want to know how well you swim now . There was silence while Thamara and Ammu looked at each other, shocked at the unexpected turn of events . The three of them walked in silence and soon Ammu spotted Gopal waiting for them at the corner. She gestured to him to return.  Perplexed he turned back and walked away.

At the brook, Thamara debated whether she could trust her mother with their secret . Knowing Apachi and Parvati,  Ammu was not in favour, and she discouraged Thamara . Both of them were extremely disappointed and did not swim much. They returned home without eating lunch and Parvati did not understand what had put off the two girls . The return home journey and the rest of the evening was uneventful . Apachi’s sister wanted to take Thamara to her home in Alleppuza for a few days but the girl resisted vehemently saying that she wanted to spend time with Apachi and her mother. Who could have guessed that Thamara was preoccupied with the  Namboodiri standing at the Ilam door getting ready for his field visit . The girls were curious as to how all this led to the house  being haunted.

The next day the girls had decided to go early as they wanted to finish the story. Thamara had requested her mother if she could make a generous amount of Payasam (sweet with rice, jaggery and coconut milk) and Parvathi agreed . Thamara was determined to bribe Bhagi Amma with the payasam to get out the whole story in one day. Are you well enough to swim asked Parvati ? Both of you looked so dejected and disinterested yesterday , that I thought we will have to find some new ways to keep you engaged. Oh no mother, it was just one of the days replied Thamara cheerfully. We are energetic today and please don’t worry if we are a little late as we want to make up for yesterday. Parvathi handed over the Payasam and the four chor Podhi’s  to the girls who skipped away happily.

Bhagi Amma was eagerly waiting for them and asked for the pukaiyla . Gopi gave her some and Thamara said – Amma if you tell us the whole story today, we will give you a surprise gift . She opened the steel dish and the aroma of the Paysam filled the air . Bhagi agreed and made them promise that they would still visit her even after the story finishes . Thamara gave her word and they climbed on to the imaginary bus to land at Raman Namboodiri’s Ilam.

Thampuran waived his walking stick and set out for his inspection round. On the way he met Vishnu Namboodiri who asked about his wellbeing and injured leg. It was rare to have a hole in the Varambu and the news of Raman’s injured leg had travelled in the village . Vishnu did not have the courage to ask him about the pulayar women visiting Raman’s house. Both Raman and Vishnu shared the same kitchen help, an Ezhava woman called Dakshayani . Dakshayani  used to pound rice into powder in both the Ilam kitchens . She used to deftly do so in the big Querns which the 2 Ilam’s possessed. It was Dakshayani who told the Vishnu Namboodiri’s Thampurati about the puliyar crowd gathering bare breasted at Raman Namboodiri’s house with Kuyil. Raman Namboodiri  took leave and walked into his fields. Looks like the whole village knows about his fall and how much he wished that he could pound and beat up the scoundrels who spread the rumours and made a pit in the Varambu .

Kashandi Thalagal  (Bald Heads)

The rice seedlings had grown and process for  transplantation had started . It was a hot afternoon, and the workers were taking turns to dip in the nearby brook . It was only 12 pm and some of the workers  had already opened their choru podhi (rice lunch )and were eating in groups. As he would go around the women young and old would uncover their chest baring their feminity to the perverted Thampura . Raman made a mental note to tell Kumaran that he should not let them eat for more than 15 minutes . The sooner they complete the transplantation the more economical it was. Reduce their Edungazhi if they take longer, he instructed Kumaran.

Raman saw Achu , uprooting the seedlings for transplantation and asked him where Kuyil was . Achu  pointed to the interior of the field where the Thampuran could not reach,  as it was far from the Varambu and he would have to step and walk into the muddy waters for quite some distance . Go and get her,  directed the Thampuran but Achu stood motionless quivering with anger but looking down on his firmly planted feet. Thampuran lashed out at him with his stick. Achu winced but still stood ground. Thampuran was taken aback at his disobedience,  and he ordered a puliyar woman standing close by, to fetch Kuyil. The intimidated woman ran across the field without looking back. Time stood still as all workers waited with abated breadth. Kuyil came in with the woman looking graceful and feminine.  As she approached the Thampuran went mad with lust seeing her hips sway from side to side and her long hair covering her breasts over the thorth. She came and stood still in front of him and he asked ‘anusaranam ille ‘(No obedience?).

Remove the cloth as is the norm, he screamed. She stood still and he repeated the same instruction. This time Kuyil replied – Vallia Thampuran (Sankaran) asked me to keep myself covered . Ohh! now you are threatening me in Sankaran Namboodiri’s name . Does he give you work and Edungazhi , he asked menacingly? This is the last time I am asking- Will  you bare your chest or not, threatened Raman. Kuyil didn’t move . Furious the Thampuran asked Kumaran to send for the Kshurakan (barber) immediately. Thampuran sent a worker to do as directed and asked another worker to get a chair for the Thampuran. In 10 minutes, time , while all the workers stood silent Nagan the Kshurakan came rushing .

Shave of her head said the Thampuran looking at Kuyil. Kuyil screamed and clutched her hair in both hands and pleaded. All the workers were shocked and scared . Nagan looked worried and fearful. Lord,  he began and Thampuran silenced him with one look . Two other male workers were ordered to make Kuyil sit down in front of Nagan. They forcibly held Kuyil by her hands and legs as she screamed, struggled, kicked and protested. Achu rushed to her, rescue,  but he  got another lash of the Thampuran’s stick.  Thampuran directed two workers to hold Achu down forcibly. All the women started wailing,  joining Kuyil’s cry and protest in desperation. Nagan sharpened his knife and with a heavy heart and started shaving off Kuyil head in patches. Soon there was pin drop silence as Kuyil sat still and motionless. Her long crowning locks were shaved off mercilessly and  that day something broke within her and the pulayar community at large . With the hair falling off , Kuyils  breasts were exposed and the Thampuran feasted.

Kuyil slowly got up and walked to a distance and sat down motionless. As Nagan was cleaning and packing his knife,  Achu came and bowed his head down in front of him ,  gesturing to be shaved. To the Thampuran’s utter surprise and disgust all the workers (men and women) filed behind Achu to follow suit . It was clear that the community stood with Kuyil & Achu and they were protesting in their own way. The field started sporting Kashandi Thalas (bald heads ). Each worker male and female apart from Kumaran got their head shaved protesting and rebelling in silence . Thampuran watched for some time and then walked away pretending to be uninterested. Who cares about these polluting castes and their hair,  he thought and started walking towards the Ilam.

No more work was done on the fields that day and no one went to get Edungazhi. The entire pulayar community walked back home deeply hurt ,angry,  frustrated and exploited. The women wailed as they walked home as it was unbearable to lose their hair. Kuyil blamed herself for the whole community’s misery. She knew that without her hair Achu will not love her anymore. He had once told her that he had fallen in love with her hair when he first saw her. Back home the whole community sat together in the open, their bald heads shining in the dark. Some elderly and children who remained at home were saved from the misery. No kitchen hearths were lighted in the pulayar community that day.  

Thampuran walked into the Ilam and sat on his veranda a little nervous and worried about today’s happenings. What if Sankaran came to know about it, although it was none of his business. Thampuran was the owner of his land, and he decided how to treat his workers . He decided to have a bath and walked to the kullimuri , near the well, a little removed from the main building . As he was walking, he saw an unfamiliar woman  coming in,  from the side of the well. Who are you and what brings you here . I am an Ezahava and Thampurati has asked me to come for some work. I work in the Adukallah she said . Hmm not seen you around . He looked back to see if anyone was in sight and finding no one he turned to the woman. Take off the towel from your person. Don’t you know how to respect a Namboodiri he chided  softly to avoid being heard .

The women took her towel off reluctantly and Raman feasted . Hmm! he said go  and draw me some water from the well for a bath,  before you go to the kitchen. He walked behind her to the kullimuri (bathroom). She tried to put the towel back on her person, but the Namboodiri clicked his tongue and made a sound forbidding her from doing so . The woman pointed to an appachembu (container for keeping  water ) and said water has been drawn and stored already. He replied do as I say , I need fresh water .Disgusted the  bare breasted woman started drawing water from the well and Thampuran watched her as her breasts moved with her action. She was young and attractive but not like his Kuyil , he thought. Leaving the  appachembu brimming with water the lady hurriedly walked towards the Ilam’s kitchen.

 Little did the Thampuran know that she was Dakshyani the rice pounder who worked in Vishnu Namboodiri’s Ilam too. She was also his wife- Meenakshi Thampurati’s most trusted help .  Dakshyani was the one who told Meenakshi about all the Ezhava and pulayar women who had visited the Namboodiri’s kidapmurri at night and who kept her updated about Kuyil.  Meenakshi used to send messages through Dakshyayini to Kuyil and inviting her to come to the Ilam in secrecy to collect Edungazhi.

Today Dakshyani had a first-hand experience of the Thampuran and his dirty ways . She was surprised that he had such a lovely woman as his wife and still  wanted to bed every other woman. Disgusted and angry she was determined to tell the Thampurati of his misdeeds in the field today and her own encounter with him .

Thampuran went to his own room after the bath and kept thinking about Kuyil. Seeing the young Ezhava woman’s breasts near the kullimuri , he now lusted more for Kuyil. Even with the shaved head she had a charm which no other woman had. The day passed on peacefully as Meenakshi and Padmavati were silent as usual, when they were serving the meal. Who is the new Ezhava woman who came in the evening to help in the kitchen , asked Thampuran. I have never seen her before , is she good at work he prodded. Meenakshi remained silent and Padmavati replied saying yes, she is good , what do you think? Her question made Thampuran uncomfortable, and he fumbled for words and said err – the Mathanga (pumpkin) curry is good today. Padmavati hadn’t had her fill so continued ; she is Dakshyani who works both in this Ilam and Vishnu Namboodiri’s .

 Thampuran choked and said why do you keep women who work in both the houses . Because I like to know what is going on in Vishnu Namboodiri’s house said Padmavati acidly. Amme (spelt as Amma – mother ) said Thampuran you should not indulge in such behaviour. Can’t help it Namboodiri I am your mother, and we are alike in many ways. The Thampuran finished his meal and walked away thinking that his mother had a stinging tongue .

Thampuran could not sleep that night not because he was feeling guilty about Kuyil or the  puliyar community but because he was obsessed with the former and wanted to possess her . When he could not contain his excitement anymore, he decided to claim his conjugal rights to douse the fire which was engulfing him. He walked through the corridor quietly towards the two other kidapmurri’s . Once there he started coughing rhythmically to attract Meenakshi’s attention. He was more comfortable today as Sarsu was not there. He coughed and coughed but there was no movement from inside. Again, he coughed and this time unusually there was a coughing sound from the other side. When he coughed  there would be a retort from behind the door and this carried on for some time. Thampuran was perplexed but he stood ground and kept on coughing . Finally, to his relief the door opened .

The relief soon turned to utter shock  when  Padmavati came out tying her long hair up into a knot. He was caught off guard by her presence. Nervous he started coughing again and she stared at him asking , do you need anything . Well, isn’t Meenakshi there he asked . Yes, she is but sleeping , but I can help she said with a smirk on her face . He coughed again pretending to be unwell. I heard her coughing he said still not convinced that Meenakshi was sleeping. That was me not her, don’t you know the difference between your mother’s voice and your Thampurati’s , she queried ? I recognise yours continued Padmavati and was trying to humour you by coughing back. I don’t think Meenakshi is going to get up, so you better go to sleep unless you want something from the kitchen.

Embarrassed and disgusted by Padmavati’s sudden appearance and her sarcasm,  Thampuran hurriedly walked towards the adukallah (kitchen) through the corridor. He might as well have some plantains or savouries which Meenakshi makes, as sleep seemed to elude him. He took the lamp hanging outside on the veranda and opened the kitchen door. He quietly opened the rustic wooden door of the kitchen and went about looking for plantains at the far end of the kitchen , opposite to the hearth. He did not want his mother to wake up or bear the brunt of her acid tongue. Suddenly a female voice asked fearfully who is there ? The voice was coming from the loft in the kitchen, which was a huge space to store farm produce , big cooking vessels etc. It was big as the kitchen itself . Then a face appeared from the top of the stairs on the loft . It was the same woman he saw at the well . What are you doing here , he asked ,  Dakshyani replied that  the Thampurati had asked her to sleep at the Ilam as there was much work to do in the kitchen from early morning. She would ask her often to do so.

On seeing her Thampuran was delighted that he had a woman for the night and probably he could ask her to visit his kidapamurri. Then he remembered Padmavati’s words that she worked at Vishnu Namboodiri’s Ilam too. Should he warn her to keep mum and ask her to come to his room. Well, probably not a good idea he thought since his mother may be awake . Okay do you know where the plantains are, he asked . She went up one step on the loft and got him a couple . Ok go back to sleep he commanded and walked away disappointed that he had to set his prey free.

The next day as the Thampuran was getting ready for his regular round of the paddy field , he heard Kumaran calling out to him. What happened , why are you not supervising in the fields ? You know these lower caste people , any excuse to sit idle or take a dip in the brook. Hearing the commotion Padmavati and Meenakshi came out of their rooms . Kumaran was breathing heavily as he had run to reach the Ilam. Thampuran , not a single worker has turned up for work and we cannot lose one single day as the transplantation is going on. How dare they, shouted the Thampuran in a rage ? See if there are any extra workers or their families at Vishnu Namboodiri’s fields. Wait I will come with you said the Thampuran reaching out to his walking stick.

As he was going out to the fields , he saw the Nagan the Khsurakan coming into the Ilam . What are you doing here , he queried . Before he could open his mouth Padmavati said I have called him to trim the tail of the cow and the calf . What! Exclaimed the Thampuran. Shocked and irritated at his mother’s snide remarks Thampuran said,  Mother your head is not in the right place. Whoever heard of a cow and calf getting their tail trimmed?  He looked at the kshurakan again but  before he could say anything Padmavati interjected and said,  go Namboodiri see if you can save your crops or else you will have to put your Mundu up,  and sweat out in the fields from morning to evening.

Exasperated with his mother and the impending stress  of the missing workers in the fields ,  the Thampuran walked out . On the left to the Thampuran’s kidapmurri the fields were a little  higher and densely covered with plantain trees . Little did the Thampuran know that all the workers of his field were filed up , hiding in the plantain fields crouching and waiting for the former to leave . Meenakshi had heard the gory tale of the community shorn of their hair and requested them to come to the Ilam secretly after the Namboodiri departed for the day.          

One by one the kashandi workers , men and women filed up outside the Ilam’s kitchen . Meenakshi and Padmvati watched in horror  their  bald heads.  Padmavati  felt ashamed that her son was the cause of all this misery. This Ilam is cursed she said putting her hands to her heads. Meenakshi was silent and beckoned to all the workers to sit down. She then offered 5 Edangazhi’s to each of the workers respectfully. When it was Kuyils turn to receive the Edangazhi Meenakshi went inside the kitchen and brought her a mundu, some coconut and a big jackfruit . She looked at her lovingly and said I assure you nothing more will happen to you, and I give you, my word. Meenakshi knew what hair meant for a woman or rather young girl and how painful it was to be shorn of it . This needs to  stop, she told herself and exchanged a determined glance with Padmavati.

Both of them beckoned the kshurakan  to come to the chayip. The Kshurakan went  from behind the Ilam as his caste could not enter the Ilam. What happened that day shook the entire village and the Namboodiri community  both within and outside the village .

‘Thamara’ a voice interrupted, and the spell was broken. Both Ammu and Thamara turned and to the latters horror she saw Radha Mani, her Appachi’s friend whom she had met at the oil mill. Thamara froze and before she could say anything Bhagi Amma beckoned to Radha to sit . Radha Mani bluntly asked Thamara if her grandmother knew she was here ? Bhagi Amma interrupted and said Radha I am just telling the children Raman Namboodiri’s tale as they were keen. In return I get some company and pukayila .

C’mon Thamara since I have found you here, I may as well walk you back or else I will not hear the end of it from Janaki. The girls walked back with Radha Mani in silence and Gopalan fell out somewhere in between. His disappearance wasn’t noticed and Radha Mani preferred to keep silent . Just before they reached the Tharavad Ammu took leave and walked towards her hut . Janaki hurriedly walked towards the entrance when she saw Thamara and Radha Mani together. Thamara walked away towards the kitchen while the other two ladies spoke in hushed tones .

The next day Janaki Amma took Thamara to task and asked her to give a full account of how many days they had visited Bhagi Amma and whether Ammu was the master mind ? Thamara was forbidden from moving out of the house and Ammu intuitively made herself scarce. Parvati felt bad for Thamara but did not whisper a word . She just went about doing her work but made sure each day her kitchen churned out  one or two of Thamara’s favourite savouries.

A week went by in silence and then Janki Amma could no longer hold on to her anger . She knew in another week’s time her dear granddaughter will be off to Bangalore for her studies and then the house will scream with silence. She called for Thamara and asked if she wanted to hear the full story now that she was halfway through ? I could have told you, but Bhagi is the official narrator, and I must admit she weaves it well . Thamara hugged her and pleaded to take her to Bhagi’s place. Appachi refused saying she will send the car for Bhagi tomorrow morning and get her dropped after dinner . I think she can complete it in one day and as an incentive I will give her a good variety of produce from our field and some pukaiyla. Apachi, pleaded Thamara ,  can we call Ammu as it was me who forced her to go. Quiet girl! I know she must have made it irresistible for you otherwise you don’t have the courage to defy your grandmother.

Next day early morning Parvati woke up Thamara announcing that Bhagi Amma had come and was waiting for a long time and that appache was asking for her lazy grandaughter . Thamara had slept late and she did not realise it was past 9 am and of course it was going to be the day of the climax . How did the Tharavad so full of life turn into a haunted house ? So many questions. Thamara had come to like Padmavati and Meenakshi who both stood up in their own ways against the nasty Tamburan. But she was longing to hear more .

In the veranda, Bhagi Amma sat on the ground near Appache’s short frame perched on an armchair. To Thamara’s utter delight on Appache’s left she saw Ammu’s smiling face. With no word to express her gratitude Thamara lept into Apache’s lap garlanding her neck and smothering her with kisses. On Bhagi’s lay two big jackfruits, a sack full of tapioca and another sack of coconuts. A small pack of banana leaves , probably filled with pukayila was tucked in Bhagi’s lap. Appache had given enough incentive to Bhagi Amma to entice her to the tharavad for her muttu (pearl) Thamara.

Parvathi came hurriedly from the kitchen wiping her hands on her saree , excited not to miss the fun. Bhagi Amma had quickly summarised the story for Appache and Parvathi after the scrumptious breakfast of Kappa ( tapioca) and kadala (black gram) curry and this made waiting for Thamara easier.

Finish the story before lunch so that we can get you dropped after that. I want the car to go to the oil mill in the evening , said Janaki Amma firmly. With a  pukayila  planted firmly to the left jaw and Bhagi took flight and landed straight on to the Namboodiri Ilam.  

Mounam vipleavam(Silent rebellion)

Raman Namboodiri walked into the Ilam waving his stick, looking forward to  a good wash and rest. Before he entered the courtyard he could hear some strange sound – Commands/ instructions recited in a rhythmic manner.  He usually entered his room through the backdoor through which he let in the women he called to the Ilam at night. But today curiosity and the strange sound drew him towards the courtyard. He stopped at the entrance shocked to see a bald woman leaping into the air with a dagger like stick in hand, performing leaps and jumps. Another bald woman was giving commands and the youngest spectator a young bald girl watched fascinated .  He felt dizzy seeing his wife, mother and daughter all shorn of their crowning glory and engrossed in the kalari practice .

‘Shiva Shivaaa’ murmured the Namboodiri as he saw and heard his mother giving the kalari commands. Even as he stood motionless Meenakshi, switched over to a stretching movement like a tiger waiting for her prey. She held the ottokol (a specially designed curved wooden weapon used to attack and defend vital parts of the body in the kalari practice ) menacingly in her hand. MEENAKSHI! screamed the Namboodiri when sanity took over. All action stopped and Meenakshi and Padmavati looked up defiantly at him while Sarsu ran into the house. Raman’s heart sank as he watched his young girl scooting off sporting a bald head. He wished had not insisted on her return from Sankaran’s house. He never thought he would have to see his little girl and wife in this state. Padmavati despite her age had the thickest lock which hardly had any grey streaks. How could they even think about it? Women were so proud of their locks.

What has possessed all three of you Raman screamed? Meenakshi stood mum but Padmavati looked straight into Raman’s eye and said – we thought you like bald women, so we are trying to please you. Besides there are more bald women in the village than with locks so we thought of going with the trend. Stop this nonsense mother and I don’t know what you are trying to achieve with this. I can’t bear to see you all like this. Let me get hold of that Khsurakan he said tight lipped. For what retorted , Padmavati? When you said he obeyed and when I instructed, he did the same. Don’t forget I am your mother said Padmavati with a smirk. You must ask me before you do anything to my wife and child retorted the  Thampuran as he turned his back and walked towards his room. As he turned the kalari practice resumed but the Thampuran did not look back. That night dinner was served and eaten in silence  by all the members.

Furious with Kuyil and the puliyar community for being the cause of trouble and his home he decided to teach them a lesson. That night sleep evaded him, as he was twisting and turning with rage and helplessness. What if Shankaran gets to know about the ladies being shorn of their hair. Shankaran was extremely fond of Meenakshi and Sarsu and will not spare anyone who upset them. Meenakshi’s two brothers were formidable characters and Raman wanted nothing to do with them.

The next day Raman started early for the fields as he wanted to ensure Kumaran reduces the  edungazhi of all the puliyar community. One edungazhi was more than enough to teach the insolent labourers a lesson. How dare they show fraternity with Kuyil and Achu when he was punishing the two offenders. It was the norm and duty of the puliyar and other lower caste women to bare their breasts in front of the Namboodiri’s. He walked upto Kumaran and instructed that he should give only one edungazhi  for a day’s labour and to send Achu to him. He then turned and went around to inspect the fields. While he was talking to Ashokan who was one of the supervisors he saw Achu coming towards him.

Carry on your work instructed the Namboodiri and walked towards Achu to talk to him in private . Achu when close stood with his right hand on his mouth gazing at the feet of the Namboodiri. Send Kuyil to me tomorrow night and make sure you don’t bring anyone else. I am warning you that I won’t tolerate any drama like last time or you will pay the price for it.  You can see her through the  backdoor of my room and wait under the far of mango trees. When she comes out you can accompany her back. Again, I am strictly warning you not to inform anyone or bring anyone with you. Achu stood silent as the Namboodiri walked away.

That night Namboodiri decided to break the silence during dinner. Meenakshi I am not happy with your kalari practice as I do not want Sarsu to engage with all this. She is soon going to be of age, and I would rather you focus on all the ceremonies that go with it. What is this madness that you have suddenly taken on. And mother where you have learnt kalari that you were reciting the instructions as if you learnt them in childhood . I am also warning all 3 of you to remain within corridors and not go out of the Ilam sporting your bald heads. Don’t test my patience! He finished dinner and walked towards his room. Near the kulimuri he thought he saw some movement and called out – who is there ? There was a slight rustle of leaves and then there was quiet .

The next day morning Namboodiri got up excited as he was going to enjoy kuyil that night . He kept coughing near the kitchen and announced that he may be coming down with a fever so will come back early from the field and turn in for an early night. He told Meenakshi that she should prepare some Rakhthastali (immunity boosting) rice as he was feeling poorly. I wonder if it is the immunity or your unbridled self which is bringing you down so frequently retorted Padmavati. Disgusted with his mother’s acid tongue he hurriedly walked away. Meenakshi was innocent but Padmavati was the one who put things into her head or incited her to silent rebellion. He was sure it was his mother’s idea to shave off their heads. Recalling Meenakshi’s kallari practice he intended to keep safe distance from her for some time. Anyway, Meenakshi would always be there but not kuyil. The puliyar’s were a rebellious lot and he wasn’t sure what they will come up with next.

The small listening audience got a jolt when they heard Janaki’s firm voice commanding voice to restrain from using any objectionable language further as the listeners were young , vulnerable and at an impressionable age. Don’t worry Janaki I know you are concerned about your granddaughter. Obviously, Janki Amma knew what was coming next and she did not want the young girls to hear something which they are not able to process properly at their age.

 Choriyanam (Stinging nettle)

It was early evening when the Namboodiri returned from the field. He saw the ladies practicing Kalari and wanted to shout and ask them to stop. Seeing his quiet and docile Meenakshi spring and jump around made him nervous and uneasy. However today he wanted to conserve all his energy and had no wish to hear anything from Padmavati. It was becoming more and more difficult to bear his mother as she was getting older. He felt sorry for Sarsu and was sure she would not have readily consented to shaving off her hair.

He went near the kulimuri washed his feet and had a bath. He saw the cleaning lady leaving his room and was pleased. Today he wanted to enjoy a pukaiyla but was afraid that ………..

to be continued……