Women’s Agency in Cilappatikaram
Submitted by: Kritartha Deka (2024/03/037)
The Tamil epic Cilappatikaram by Ilango Adigal offers an exploration of women’s agency,
presenting Kannagi as a symbol of righteousness and transformative power. Through her
journey, the epic shifts from conventional depictions of women in ancient literature, portraying
them as active agents of justice and moral authority.
Kannagi’s character demonstrates agency that operates on both personal and societal levels.
Initially introduced as a devoted wife to Kovalan, Kannagi endures personal loss when her
husband is unjustly executed for a crime he did not commit. Despite her grief, she transforms
from a passive victim into an active agent of justice. Kannagi confronts the Pandya king and
burns off his Kingdom by cutting and throwing away one of her breasts.
What sets Kannagi apart is her capacity to get rid of the societal constraints typically imposed
on women in ancient stories. Her anger is not confined to personal revenge but becomes a
vehicle for justice for the whole kingdom. By invoking divine power and cursing the city of
Madurai to destruction, Kannagi disrupts the social and political order, holding rulers
accountable for their actions. This act of defiance situates her as a force of dharma.
Kannagi’s agency is not limited to her dramatic confrontation with the king. Her unwavering
sense of morality, loyalty, and courage contrasts with the failings of male characters, including
Kovalan, whose decisions lead to their downfall. This inversion of roles challenges traditional
gender dynamics, positioning the woman as the moral compass and ultimate symbol of justice.
In Cilappatikaram, women’s agency also resonates in its broader cultural and symbolic
dimensions. Kannagi’s transformation from a grieving widow to a divine figure elevates her to
the status of a goddess, immortalizing her story as a symbol of justice. Her actions critique
societal injustices, suggesting that women, when wronged, possess the power to challenge and
reshape societal norms.
Comparatively, the depiction of women’s agency in Cilappatikaram differs significantly from
other contemporary epics. Unlike characters in patriarchal contexts who often operate within
constrained roles, Kannagi’s agency is direct. Her journey highlights the capacity of women to
assert themselves in public and political domains, challenging both the human and divine
orders when necessary. This is somewhat similar to when Draupadi, questioning the great
nobles about their honour and authority, when she was about to be undressed in a court full of
nobles.
Ultimately, Cilappatikaram presents a compelling vision of women’s agency. Kannagi’s story
serves as a timeless reminder of the strength and moral authority that women can possess, even
in the face of grave injustice. By putting forward Kannagi’s voice and actions, the epic not only
makes her a figure of justice but also offers a broader commentary on the power of women to
effect change in society.
