Silappadhikaram
(Literary Appreciation)
6
Characters
Kovalan & Kannagi witnessing the dance performance
of Madhavi along with the King & Queen
of Madhavi along with the King & Queen
3. Madhavi
The interesting character portrayed by the author,
Ilango Adigal taking more pains, because Madhavi
had controversial qualities. She was the daughter
of one parathiyar class, unchaste woman by name
Chitrapathi. The parathiyar women do not marry
anybody and they are common women in a place.
They are sex workers and indulge in prostitution for
their living. Also in the king's court they perform
dance and in temples as devadasis they work.
The then society, though not desired, approved such
class of women as Kanikaiyar for kalavu,
clandastine love or sex.
In the case of Madhavi, though she by birth a Kanigai from
parathiyar community, from the time she met Kovalan,
she remained faithful and dedicated to him
without any infidelity. Ilango Adigal tries to paint
a picture of Madhavi equivalent to Kannagi.
She repents for her traditional past life.
In the natural process of procreation, love and sex are
two important factors. They are independent.
Sex may be without love, that is what sex workers,
prostitutes do. No real love. No further commitments.
They only project existence of love - a show,
for monetary other physical gains.
Though clandestine, social approval was
limited and reserved.
On the other side, love without sex.
Only happiness and mental satisfaction are reward.
One to one. A cognitive process. Termed as Divine love.
As sex is not involved, social and procreation
interference is not there.
Love and sex, this is combined and committed program
in a general and common family life, grahastham, involving
procreation requirement. Members of family and friends
are together in groups and they support and sustain each other.
Love is a positive factor between individuals, groups, nations,
sectors and regions of the world. This cohesive force is essential
for peace and harmony. Relinquishing and renouncing worldly life,
one may proceed to vanaprastham for penance, but retain
aspect of love of humanity and other beings.
Air, water and food are essential primary needs for any living being
including human beings. Shelter, clothing and sex are secondary needs
for sustaining and growth of any species. For early human beings,
sex and procreation was inseparable. When they understood these
are separable, many consequences followed.
Prostitution, illicit sex, desire and gratification with
other men/women is an oldest and well known profession
in the world.This may be for fun or pleasure or thrill or
sense of adventure or for material gains.
Madhavi is from a family practicing such profession.
Even she repents for her birth and for her past.
Kovalan first met Madhavi during her Arangetram,
first dance performance in front of the king, for which
he was invited with Kannagi. From then, he forgot his wife.
Kovalan and Madhavi loved each other
She lived with Kovalan for three years. During the course,
he became envious of her popularity with other men
and the King. He suspected her fidelity leading to their
separation and Kovalan walking back to Kannagi.
The author, Ilango Adigal attributes this also to the
hard play of fate leading him to death.
Yes, with Madhavi at least he would have remained alive.
........ 7
In the case of Madhavi, though she by birth a Kanigai from
parathiyar community, from the time she met Kovalan,
she remained faithful and dedicated to him
without any infidelity. Ilango Adigal tries to paint
a picture of Madhavi equivalent to Kannagi.
She repents for her traditional past life.
In the natural process of procreation, love and sex are
two important factors. They are independent.
Sex may be without love, that is what sex workers,
prostitutes do. No real love. No further commitments.
They only project existence of love - a show,
for monetary other physical gains.
Though clandestine, social approval was
limited and reserved.
On the other side, love without sex.
Only happiness and mental satisfaction are reward.
One to one. A cognitive process. Termed as Divine love.
As sex is not involved, social and procreation
interference is not there.
Love and sex, this is combined and committed program
in a general and common family life, grahastham, involving
procreation requirement. Members of family and friends
are together in groups and they support and sustain each other.
Love is a positive factor between individuals, groups, nations,
sectors and regions of the world. This cohesive force is essential
for peace and harmony. Relinquishing and renouncing worldly life,
one may proceed to vanaprastham for penance, but retain
aspect of love of humanity and other beings.
Air, water and food are essential primary needs for any living being
including human beings. Shelter, clothing and sex are secondary needs
for sustaining and growth of any species. For early human beings,
sex and procreation was inseparable. When they understood these
are separable, many consequences followed.
Prostitution, illicit sex, desire and gratification with
other men/women is an oldest and well known profession
in the world.This may be for fun or pleasure or thrill or
sense of adventure or for material gains.
Madhavi is from a family practicing such profession.
Even she repents for her birth and for her past.
Kovalan first met Madhavi during her Arangetram,
first dance performance in front of the king, for which
he was invited with Kannagi. From then, he forgot his wife.
Kovalan and Madhavi loved each other
She lived with Kovalan for three years. During the course,
he became envious of her popularity with other men
and the King. He suspected her fidelity leading to their
separation and Kovalan walking back to Kannagi.
The author, Ilango Adigal attributes this also to the
hard play of fate leading him to death.
Yes, with Madhavi at least he would have remained alive.
........ 7
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