Historian Manu Pillai joins Amit Varma to discuss Kerala's history, including its matrilineal system empowering women, extreme casteism, and badass queens. They explore the assimilative nature of Kerala, the brutal tactics of Martin Varma, effects of British influence on Indian culture, and the complex life of painter Raja Ravi Varma. The podcast also covers the fearless leadership of a Maharaja, the downfall of a queen, and the striking down of the matrilineal system.
Indian culture paradox: illiberal and sexist society with a history of powerful women.
Unearthing Saythu Lakshmi Bai's forgotten story, shedding light on the matrilineal system in Kerala.
Kerala's history of globalization, trade, and cultural integration, with intricate caste system and power struggles.
The use of rituals and symbols by Martanda Varma to maintain royal status and navigate colonialism.
Raja Ravi Varma's success as a painter and the complexities in his personal life.
The intricate family dynamics and power struggles within the Travancore royal family.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Women in Indian Culture
Indian culture is deeply illiberal and sexist, yet Indian history is filled with powerful and capable women. Despite societal constraints, women have stepped forward as leaders throughout history, especially in Kerala where a matrilineal system gave them dominance in their households. The present-day protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act have seen many women taking a leading role. The podcast explores the paradox of women's treatment in India and highlights the potential for women to lead the way towards greater freedom.
Unearthing the Hidden Story of Saythu Lakshmi Bai
The podcast discusses the journey of the author in uncovering the forgotten story of Saythu Lakshmi Bai, a protagonist of the book 'The Ivory Throne'. Saythu Lakshmi Bai was a powerful ruler from the Travancore region of Kerala, who had been footnoted and overlooked in history. The author's research involved going through private papers, interviewing descendants, and delving into archives. The book aims to shed light on the major linear system in Kerala and the intriguing life of Saythu Lakshmi Bai, whose story deserved to be brought to a larger audience.
The Complexities of Kerala's History and Society
The podcast explores the fascinating history of Kerala, a region that had early exposure to globalization and trade. Kerala's history includes interactions with Arab traders, Chinese influences, and the integration of different religions and cultures. The caste system in Kerala was intricate and had layers of hierarchy and divisions, with some castes having privileges over others. The narrative also delves into the political power struggles during the colonial period and the creation of the Hindu state of Travancore under Martanda Varma, who employed strategies blending medieval brutality with modern political tactics.
The Construction of Royalty and Caste in Travancore
The podcast delves into the intriguing dynamics of the royal family of Travancore and their efforts to maintain their status. The discussion highlights Martanda Varma's use of rituals and symbols to position himself as a superior ruler, including the adoption of Brahmin customs and the creation of elaborate rituals and language to reinforce the notion of royalty. The caste system and power dynamics are explored, with the complexity of distinctions and privileges within different castes. The book traces how Martanda Varma strategically navigated the challenges posed by colonialism and the changing world.
Raja Ravi Varma's rise as a famous artist
Raja Ravi Varma, born into the Kaul Dambaran family, gained recognition and success as a painter. Despite facing initial rejection, he took advantage of the railways and patronage to spread his art across India. Ravi Varma's talent, dedication, and ability to hustle led to his success. His marriage to a woman from the Travancore royal family added complexity to his personal life, with tensions arising between his wife and his mother-in-law. Ravi Varma's legacy as a renowned artist continued to evolve, solidifying his position in the art world.
The dynamics and complexities within the Travancore royal family
The Travancore royal family is plagued by internal conflicts, rivalries, and power struggles. The adoption of two girls from Ravi Varma's family into the tribe and Koro family only exacerbates the tension between the sisters. The marriages of the adopted girls introduce new complications, as the husband's position in the family and the birth of their children impact the succession to the throne. The senior Rani faces challenges in producing a male heir, while the junior Rani's marriage is filled with cultural clashes and disappointment. The intricate family dynamics heavily influence the politics and decisions within the Travancore royal family.
The struggles and politics surrounding the adopted Rani's role
The adoption of the two Rani's adds complexity to the power dynamics within the royal family. The senior Rani feels the pressure of producing a male heir and faces difficulties in fulfilling this expectation. Meanwhile, the junior Rani's role as the mother of the first son elevates her status within the family, causing tension and rivalry between the sisters. Their husbands also contribute to the complications, with differing personalities and clashes in their outlook on their own position within the family. The struggle for power, the pressure of producing heirs, and the ongoing family politics continue to shape the fate of the adopted Rani and the Travancore royal family.
The intricate balance between tradition and personal desires
The Travancore royal family finds itself constantly navigating the tensions between tradition, personal desires, and societal expectations. From the challenges faced by Raja Ravi Varma's wife to the struggles between the adopted Rani sisters, the family must balance adherence to matrilineal traditions with the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The overt display of power, the pressure to produce heirs, and the clash between conservative and rebellious individuals further complicate matters. The Travancore royal family reflects the complexities of social change, identity, and patriarchy within a matrilineal system.
Sathu Lakshmi Bai's Reign and Power
Sathu Lakshmi Bai, a forgotten queen of Travancore, ascended to power at a young age and faced multiple challenges. She became the ruler of Travancore through the matrilineal system and had to navigate the dynamics of court intrigue and power struggles. Despite facing resistance and being marginalized, she proved to be a formidable and hardworking leader, making significant reforms during her seven-year reign. She introduced progressive changes, such as allowing Dalits access to temple roads, promoting women's education, and opening public roads to all castes. Her governance had a lasting impact on Travancore and set the stage for further social reforms in Kerala.
The Tragic Arc of Sathu Lakshmi Bai's Life
After her reign ended, Sathu Lakshmi Bai suffered a series of hardships and marginalization. She faced harassment from her sister's family, black magic accusations, and the loss of her properties and ancestral estates. Despite these challenges, she displayed resilience and accepted her fate, making peace with her diminished status. She led a relatively anonymous life in Bangalore, stripped of her titles and possessions. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of power, the limitations of societal norms, and the tragic consequences of being a woman in a patriarchal society.
Legacy of Sathu Lakshmi Bai
Although Sathu Lakshmi Bai's reign and achievements were often overshadowed and erased in historical narratives, her influence can still be felt today in Kerala. Her reforms and progressive policies, such as land reforms, women's education, and equal access to public roads, have had a lasting impact on the social fabric of Kerala. Despite her struggles and setbacks, she left a legacy of empowerment for women and marginalized communities. Her story sheds light on the complexities of power dynamics, the challenges faced by women in positions of authority, and the enduring importance of equal rights.
Contemporary Kerala: Reflecting on Sathu Lakshmi Bai's Impact
While Kerala today reflects both progressive and patriarchal elements, Sathu Lakshmi Bai's governance and reforms have contributed to the state's social progress. Kerala has a high divorce rate, which indicates a level of agency and empowerment for women in choosing their own paths. There is also a recognition of the importance of education and literacy, as well as the promotion of welfare and equitable land distribution. Despite challenges, Kerala stands as an example of a forward-thinking state that has made significant strides in gender equality and social reform.
Kerala has a madly interesting history. It was a hub of globalisation centuries ago, an exemplar of tolerance. Almost in contrast, it took casteism to an extreme. It also had a matrilineal system, a tradition of empowered women, and some badass queens. Historian Manu Pillai joins Amit Varma in episode 156 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss all this and more. Also check out: 1. The Ivory Throne -- Manu Pillai 2. Our Colourful Past -- Episode 127 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Manu Pillai) 3. The Deccan Before Shivaji -- Episode 98 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Manu Pillai) 4. The Indianness of Indian Food -- Episode 95 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vikram Doctor) For complete archives, do visit seenunseen.in.
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