Utkarsh Patel
Kannaki's Anklet
Silapapadikaram is a well known Tamil epic poem of the Sangam Era. The authorship is credited to a Jain monk called Ilango Adigal.
I had heard of Silappadikaram and knew the outline of the story. The book has been translated into English but I never got around to reading it. When I discovered that Utkarsh Patel had brought out his version of the classic, I had to read it.
Kannagi (or Kannaki as Utkarsh prefers to call her) is a lovely damsel, daughter of a prosperous merchant who lives in Puhar, a port town in Chola kingdom. She is married to Kovalan, who lives in Puhar too and is the only son of another merchant. They are over the moon to be married to each other, being young and beautiful. Their life is full of honey and happiness. On a silly whim, one day, Kovalan pays for the favors of the courtesan Madhavi. He is smitten by her wiles and refuses to return home. He keeps sending for money to lavish on Madhavi and reduces his family to penury.
His wealth depleted, his poverty earns him the ire of Madhavi's mother which opens his eyes and he returns home. He has nothing, his father's business is gone, his reputation is in shreds. He decides to go to Madurai with Kannagi to make a fresh start. Will Kannagi finally lead a long and a happy life with her beloved Kovalam in Madurai?
Patel's book has two parts, Puhar and Madurai. The first part deals with Kannagi's life in Puhar. It is full of the anticipation of the young Kannagi, about to be married to the prince of her dreams. Their wonderful time together as a newly wed couple. Their life in Puhar, the various legends attached to temples and people there. The wretchedness that Kannagi faces when her husband goes to Madhavi. In contrast, Kovalan and Madhavi have some wonderful moments together. The description of various festivals of Puhar are beautifully depicted.
Madurai is another gorgeous part where Kovalan and Kannagi embark on a journey by foot to Madurai. The road is hard and beset with dangers. They are fortunate to find a Jain Sadhavi Kavunti to accompany them. She becomes their guide and protector. They meet all kinds of people on the way, a fool, a lecher, some wise men, even a wood nymph who tries to lure away Kovalan. There are numerous legends associated with the places they visit which are recounted for our edification and entertainment.
Patel has done a wonderful job of narrating this classic tale. The prose part is in a simple and direct language. The poetry in it is charming and lyrical. In fact, it was the poetry part that I read as an excerpt on Facebook that drew me to the book.
The book had me turning pages and despite my busy schedule, I finished the book in two days.
In the Acknowledgements section Patel writes, "This book is a result of the quest to look for female heros in mythology." He succeeds, I must say. The fire and brimstone that Kannagi spews at the end of the book and brings down a King and a City is worthy of Heroine. As explained elsewhere in the book the path to righteousness should be followed assiduously no matter who you have to face.
Remember to focus on the principle; Not on who it is againstIf you wish to be acquainted with the story of Kannagi, this book is the best place to start.
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