Swami Vivekananda in his"The Future of India" sums up 19th Century Kerala for us.
"Was there ever a sillier thing before in the world than what I saw in Malabar country? The poor Pariah is not allowed to pass through the same street as the high-caste man, but if he changes his name to a hodge-podge English name, it is all right; or to a Mohammedan name, it is all right. What inference would you draw except that these Malabaris are all lunatics, their homes so many lunatic asylums"
Madampu Kunjukuttan's Bhrasht is based on the real story of the trial for adultery of the ravishing Brahmin woman called Kuriyedath Thathri.
The trial conducted by the Namboodiris (as Brahmins are known in Kerala) for the Namboodiri women is called "Smarthavicharam". Smarthan being a Brahmin who is learnt in Shankara Smriti.
What is Smarthavicharam?
It means the contemplation of the case, or simply trial conducted by Smarthan.
If a woman was suspected of adultery, the master of the house brings her teachers and relations to his residence to witness the whole process, followed by Daasivicharam or questioning the servant women (Daasi) who are the conscience keepers of their mistresses . If the servants reveal anything confirming the suspicion, the suspect is immediately removed from the household and made to stay in separate quarters called Ancham Pura (5th abode). From there on she is referred to as 'object'.
At this stage the king is informed. The king appoints a Smarthan, 4 analysts and a palace representative for the trial. Until the 'object' confesses of her crime all communication is made through Daasi. When she reveals the name/names of her accomplice/accomplices the next stage of the trial begins.
Swaroopam Chollal is the reading out of verdict and names of the accomplices. Names of the men are read out by Kuttypattar standing on a small stool. Pattar is a Brahmin caste in Tamil Nadu and Namboodiris from Kerala have always considered themselves superior to Pattars (root of which lies in Racism). Kutty is generally the disciple of Smarthan.
Those named are excommunicated either partially or totally. Though the earthly ties are severed they are entitled to religious rites and rituals in connection with death of self, close relative and ancestors.
Udakavichedam or total ex-communication. This ritual is held on the steps leading down to a pond. The husband, children etc. are made to stand facing south and holy items used in pooja like Basil, paste of Sandal, sesame etc. are dropped onto their palms without touching them and water is poured on to it. These items are further offered to the water in the pond and floated. Smarthan claps his hand thrice and completes the procedure. The adulterers after this have to leave the community, society and even the region permanently. A feast is conducted for the others, and harmony prevails.
Smarthavicharam was just a tip of the iceberg of the lunatic asylum named Kerala.
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