Question

The Yogakshema Sammelan held in 1944 at Ongallur decided that the nampoodiri women should work and achieve self-sufficiency and independence by getting employment. Based on this, the weaving center was established at Lakkidi Thiruthimmal illam in Palakkad district.It was from here that the first feminist drama in Malayalam was born. Which was that drama?

• A. Thozhilkendrathilekku
• B. Adukkalayil ninnu Arangathekku
• C. Marakkudaykkullile Mahanarakam
• D. Ruthumathi

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Thozhilkendrathilekku

• The Background: It emerged from a women's work center (Thozhil Kendram) established in 1946 at Cheramangalam Mana in Lakkidi, Palakkad. This center was created to give financial independence to Namboothiri women who were breaking away from orthodox family setups.

• The Plot: The drama vividly portrays the subhuman conditions, forced seclusions, polygamy, child marriage, and lack of freedom faced by Namboothiri women within their community. It follows the struggle of a character named Kavunkara Devasena and her journey toward self-reliance.

• Historical Significance: It is widely recognized as the first feminist and social reformist play in Malayalam theater history that was entirely conceived, written, and staged by women. Notable progressive women of the era like Arya Pallam, Priyadatta, and Devaki Narayanan were actively involved in its production.

• Rediscovery: After being lost for decades, the manuscript was painstakingly tracked down by researchers like K.R. Beena and later edited and published as a book by scholars like Dr. N.R. Gramaprakash.