Brahmanical Influence on Dārikavadham Folklore in Kerala: A Comparative Study of Kaḷaṃezhuthu and Kiḷippaṭṭu
By Sreelakshmi Radhakrishnan
Summary
This study examines the societal impact on the textual tradition of *Dārikavadham* in Kerala through a comparative analysis of two narratives: *Kaḷaṃezhuthu* and *Kiḷippaṭṭu*. The research highlights how Brahmanical interference influenced the evolution of the *Dārikavadham* story, a central theme in Kerala’s folk performances. *Kaḷaṃezhuthu*, rooted in indigenous and Dravidian traditions, reflects a pre-Brahmanical society with rituals tied to sacred groves and local deities like *Kāḷi*. In contrast, *Kiḷippaṭṭu* reveals Brahmanical appropriation, introducing Sanskritic elements and institutionalizing previously community-specific practices. The analysis traces the transformation of the narrative, including the marginalization of indigenous deities and the integration of Brahmanical symbols. The study also explores contradictions in the storytelling, such as the inconsistent portrayal of deities and the role of *Viṣṇu*, suggesting later editorial interventions. By examining these textual variations, the research underscores the socio-cultural shifts in Kerala, particularly the transition from tribal worship to Brahmanical dominance. The findings emphasize the interplay between folklore and societal change, illustrating how religious narratives adapt to reflect power dynamics and cultural transformations.
Conclusion
This analysis of the Dārikavadham narrative through Kaḷaṃezhuthu and Kiḷippaṭṭu reveals how Brahmanical influence reshaped Kerala's indigenous folklore traditions. The study demonstrates that while Kaḷaṃezhuthu preserves the story's tribal roots and Dravidian ethos, Kiḷippaṭṭu reflects Brahmanical appropriation through the introduction of Viṣṇu worship and gendered symbolism. The shift from community-centric rituals to Brahmanical authority is evident in institutionalized practices and elaborate textual descriptions. The research highlights how Brahmanical symbols were subtly embedded in previously non-hierarchical traditions, altering the narrative's socio-cultural context. This transformation underscores the dynamic interplay between indigenous beliefs and external religious influences in Kerala's cultural evolution, offering insights into how folklore serves as a marker of societal change.