Perumal Murugan’s works provide a poignant commentary on the religious and caste practices prevalent in the society. His stories vividly capture the pain a person from the lower strata of society goes through every day.
His novel Seasons of the Palm, which was shortlisted for the Kiriyama Award, is merciless in its portrayal of the daily humiliations of untouchablility. It also evokes the grace with which the oppressed come to terms with their dark fate. Shorty, the central character of Murugan’s novel is one such young untouchable who is in bondage to a powerful landlord.
Here are a few quotes from the book that will give you a glimpse of Shorty’s hardships:
Being Awakened by a Stinging Whiplash
When You Can’t Wash Off Your Stink
Untouchable and Barred from Touching
When the Bare Necessities Turn into Luxury
A Paid Slave
Not-so-Good-Morning
When Your Days Are Like Empty Bowls
Aren’t they painful yet powerful? Tell us what do you think.
