“Randidangazhi” is a prominent Malayalam novel by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai that vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by impoverished farm laborers under feudal landlordism in Kerala’s Kuttanad region.
The story centers around Koran, a young Parayar laborer, who becomes aware of the exploitation and injustice meted out by landlords.
To pay the bride-price for his beloved Chirutha, Koran takes a loan from the landlord Pushpavelil Ouseph and works tirelessly under grueling conditions.
The novel delves deep into the socio-economic oppression of agricultural workers, highlighting issues such as debt bondage, caste discrimination, and the abuses of landowners who withhold customary payments and impose harsh punishments.
Koran’s development from a submissive laborer to a union activist who challenges the landlords is a key narrative arc, reflecting the growing class-consciousness and political awakening among the oppressed peasantry.
Chirutha, Koran’s wife
She is also a strong character who faces gender-based violence and harassment, including attempts to molest her by the landlord’s son. Her resilience and support for Koran’s revolutionary activities exemplify the intertwined struggles of laborers and women in the feudal system.
The story culminates with Koran killing the landlord’s son in defense of Chirutha, resulting in Koran’s imprisonment and Chirutha being taken care of by Koran’s friend Chathan. The novel ends on a note of hope with the next generation continuing the fight for workers’ rights.
“Randidangazhi” is a powerful critique of the feudal exploitation prevalent in mid-20th-century Kerala, emphasizing collective resistance and social justice. The novel was also adapted into a significant Malayalam film in 1958, directed by P. Subramanyam, which helped popularize its themes across a broader audience.