“Kannaki’s Anklet” is an adaptation of Silappathikaram, the classic Tamil epic by Ilango Adigal. Following his explorations of Shakuntala and Satyavati’s stories, Mr. Utkarsh Patel now delves into the life of Kannaki. She is the protagonist of this ancient tale Silappathikaram. For those unfamiliar with Southern literature, Silappathikaram is one of the cornerstones of Tamil literary tradition. It is often compared to The Iliad and The Odyssey in its cultural significance.
My first introduction to this story came somewhat later in my life when I began watching episodes of Bharat Ek Khoj. The profound impact of the narrative stirred a variety of thoughts. On one hand, Kannaki forgives her husband’s betrayal, but on the other, she does not forgive the city of Madurai for the King’s injustice. Can a woman truly forgive her husband’s infidelity? Can she blame an entire city for the King’s wrongdoings? These complex questions are thoughtfully explored and answered by Patel in Kannaki’s Anklet, through a deep analysis of each character, no matter how minor. The author’s talent lies in portraying every character with depth and nuance, ensuring they are all presented in the most thoughtful manner.
Kannaki: A Woman or a Goddess?
Kannaki’s Anklet can be seen as the story of a woman’s transformation from a wronged wife to the Goddess of chastity. She is known as Kannaki Amman, the revered goddess of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka. She is often associated with fertility and purity. But why is she regarded as a deity? Is it because of her capacity to forgive her husband’s betrayal or is it due to her vengeful destruction of the city in pursuit of justice? The book leaves this question open-ended. However by its conclusion, Patel uses poetry to shed light on her essence. Here’s a part of the verse sung by Kannaki herself:
“Remember me as the simple wife.
Who avenged her husband’s death by the power of chastity?
Remember me not as the woman who was docile.
But as the one who knows her responsibility.
Remember me, not as the one who accepted her husband’s infidelity.
But as the one whose faith made him change his course.
Remember the anklet not as just another ornament.
But as a symbol of hope, though it led to destruction.
Remember me not as a Goddess,
But what the power of a woman can achieve.”
Simplifying the Epic: Kannaki’s Anklet as a Prose Adaptation
The original Silappathikaram is relatively unknown outside of South India, partly because it was written in Tamil rather than Sanskrit. For those unfamiliar with the language, English translations are the go-to, but Patel’s rendition stands out. Despite Tamil not being his native tongue, Patel offers a simplified version of the epic that maintains the beauty of the original verses. His adaptation makes the complex narrative more accessible to a broader audience, while preserving the lyrical beauty of the original text. This balance is one of the strengths of Patel’s storytelling.
My Review
This is Mr. Utkarsh Patel’s third book. Just like his previous works on Shakuntala and Satyavati, Kannaki’s Anklet centers around the theme of women wronged. Patel has once again taken creative liberties in retelling the story, yet he stays true to the essence of the original characters, which is commendable. Unlike some recent adaptations, he does not introduce dramatic twists to the classic characters, which adds to the authenticity of the narrative. In today’s world, where forgiveness is often misconstrued as weakness, Patel’s work offers a refreshing perspective. It shows that forgiveness can be a powerful and courageous act. This book is highly recommended, especially for those interested in exploring timeless themes of justice, vengeance and the strength of the human spirit.