Colours of faith & folk

Renowned scholar KK Gopalakrishnan's captivating book explores Theyyam, a vibrant ritual art from northern Kerala where daily-wage labourers transform themselves into revered deities, ancestors, and spirits, depicted through stunning photographs and insightful cultural analysis. Excerpts:

A lady of indisputable scholarship was discredited by the gossip of male chauvinists about her morals. When she committed suicide out of despair, the people remorsefully deified her spirit as Theyyam.

This tragic incident occurred two or three centuries back at Perinchalloore village (present-day Taliparambu, Kannur district) of north Kerala. Perinchalloore is one of sixty-four Brahmin (Namputiri) settlements in the state. One of Kerala's 108 Siva temples, dating back some centuries, Raja Rajeswaran, is here. Perinchalloore was also known for the dominance of its Brahmins over the ruling royals.

The Namputiri men of Perinchalloore were acclaimed for their scholastic eminence. Their intellectual engagements included debates and discourses, especially on the Vedas, literature and grammar. Scholars from far-off places came to partake of them, gauge their own erudition and earn fame and recognition if they triumphed in debate.

At some point, the spectre of barrenness came to loom over a reputed Namputiri family in Perinchalloore. To avoid the family line ending thereupon, the elders sought to offer special prayers to propitiate their deity, Rayaramangalathu Bhagavati, in the hope of being blessed with a baby boy. But a baby girl was born instead. The parents and even other family members accepted her as the family goddess's gift. Thus, she was named Daivakanya, meaning both god's own girl and a young and virtuous woman.

Devi was exceptionally bright. She was given the best possible education in those times. As per the custom, her family members counted on her to preserve the family's legacy, even though she would become a member of her husband's family upon wedlock. She utilised the rich library of her family and forebears to enhance her scholarship and was soon considered a child prodigy. Her fame spread like fragrance in the breeze, sweet and swift.