Charlemagne's Legacy in Kerala: Medieval Chivalric Romances and Cultural Transformation
By Jemsy Claries Alex
Summary
The article explores the transformation of medieval European chivalric romances, particularly those of Charlemagne, into the *Kāṟalmān nāṭakam*, a musical dance drama (*Caviṭṭu nāṭakam*) performed by Kerala's Latin Christians. It argues that these stories, introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, reflect colonial efforts to reshape local culture through religious and political dominance. The study frames the Portuguese presence in Malabar as a "Reconquista," marked by violent suppression of Muslim traders and the imposition of Catholic orthodoxy, notably through the 1599 Synod of Diamper, which destroyed indigenous Christian texts and enforced Latin rituals. The adaptation of Charlemagne's legend into *Kāṟalmān nāṭakam*—a blend of Malayalam and Tamil—served as a cultural tool to promote Portuguese interests, embedding European narratives within local traditions. The analysis highlights how Indian Ocean exchanges facilitated not only trade but also ideological conflicts, with colonial powers using storytelling to legitimize their authority and suppress dissent.
Conclusion
This study reveals how medieval European chivalric romances, particularly those of Charlemagne, were adapted and transformed into Kerala's *Kāṟalmān nāṭakam* and *Caviṭṭu nāṭakam*, reflecting colonial and religious tensions. The analysis highlights the Portuguese efforts to erase Muslim presence and impose Catholicism, paralleling the Reconquista and Inquisition in a Malabar context. The survival and adaptation of these stories underscore the dynamic interplay of cultural exchange, resistance, and religious conflict, demonstrating how foreign narratives were reshaped to serve local socio-political agendas. The research emphasizes the Indian Ocean's role as a conduit for ideas, where texts and traditions evolved through inculturation, leaving lasting imprints on Kerala's cultural and religious landscape.