Agnisakshi by Lalithambika Antharjanam

Recently I have noticed there is a huge increase in viewership of Malayalam movies, from non-Malayali spectators especially from the north and instantly becoming huge fans of Malayalam movies. Must say that the Malayalam literature too is like buried treasure in the ocean. Introducing a landmark novel that had dared to question the dark practices and the subjugation women in the Namboodiri community undergo in their homes, Agnisakshi written by Lalithambika Antharjanam remains one of the most celebrated works in Malayalam literature. It is the story of a woman's life exploded in a fire. True to the title, Agnisakshi ( With fire as witness)

I had a chance to read this masterpiece when I was doing my post-graduation in English literature and this book came under the 'Women and Feminist literature. I was awed by the author's boldness and the narrative techniques used. 

The novel tells us the struggles of a progressive, strong  Namboodiri (Brahmin) woman when she gets married into a conservative family. The story revolves around Thettikutty and her trials and tribulations in the highly misogynist Namboodiri illams (houses) and her journey towards liberation, her struggle and rebellion as it was not easy for her to shake off the chains of tradition that bind her. The novel portrays her transformation into a revolutionary and later on her renunciation from materialistic life and the journey to the solitude of an ashram.

Other main characters include Thankam Nair and Unni Namboodiri, Thettikutty’s husband. The novelist has captured with much clarity the social structure prevalent in Kerala in those times. The characters, unique narration and the spectacularly crafted plot makes the novel a compelling read. The narration used in the novel is unique and the wordplay requires special mention. The unconventional storytelling employed in the book makes it a literary gem. Agnisakshi unfolds through the reminiscences of Thangam Nair.

This all-time masterpiece of blood-sucking female consciousness has remained one of the most beloved works of the audience ever since its publication. Modern time relevance to this novel is that it reminds us that we are not done with casteism and misogyny. Not yet!