Indulekha as a modern novel

Literature was one of the most potent vehicles of changes. The late 19th century was a time of change and reform all across India. Things were no different in Kerala. The Malayalam novel emerged in the crucible of colonial modernity in Kerala. Indulekha is a Malayalam novel written by O. Chandhumenon, published in 1889. This novel was written at a time when Nairs in Kerala emerged as upper class and flourished with high education during British rule. It was the first major novel in malayalam language. It was a land mark in the history of malayalam literature and initiated novel as a new flourishing genre. So the novel still commemorated as a milestone in the Malayalam literary historiography. 

The novel is about  title character and the heroin Indulekha, a beautiful, well educated Nair lady. She is skilled in embroidery, painting and playing musical instruments which were not yet common among Namboothiri women. It illustrates Nair society of the time. 

Though the novel directly talks about the love story between Madhavan and Indulekha, it indirectly talks about the class consciousness, matrilineal system, gender discrimination...

The novel was written at a time when there was an Emerging class of upper caste men( mostly Nair) who received a western style of education and achieving a prominent positions in British India. So there is a cultural conflict between these people, whether to follow western culture or traditional values. The educated Indians torn between the Western ideals and traditional practices. So the novel vividly portrays this clash of culture in the very first chapter. 

The novel starts with a serious discussion on Shinna's education. Madhavan, the hero, well educated handsome man who fights against the opinion of elders in the family who do not want Shinnan to be educated. But Madhavan argues that Shinnan, the young boy in the family should get proper English education. He is rebelling against the decision of Panchumenon, head of the family. In the matrilineal family system( Marumakkathayam) where descent and inheritance of property are traced through female. But the Uncles wielded the power and had to submit to his decisions.

At the time, people believe that having an English education make children get rid of traditional practices and customs. So they fear western education and modernity. But through the characters of Madhavan and Indulekha, Chandhumenon states that the education itself causes progressive social change. Indulekha's character played a crucial role and argues for the cause of women education. 

 The story also emphasizes  inter-caste marriage. The old Namboothiri represents the decadence of feudalism and its polygamous practices. And also criticizes the practice of sambandham on the grounds of infidility.

All these make the work as a finest modern work in Malayalam literature. 

Other characters of the novel are Shankara menon, Kumminiamma, SuryaNamboothiri,Chatharamenon, Parvathiamma... all these characters are the epitome of traditional orthodox beliefs. Among them, a group of youngsters achieved English education and become part  British administration. This was the major reason that leads to the Renaissance in India and kerala too. 

The response for this novel was huge which encouraged many other novelists.

The character Indulekha could be considered the first feminist character in Malayalam fiction and the novel was intended to promote renaissance of the Nair community. 

The success of Indulekha marked the launch of the realist novel in Malayalam and provided a new medium for depicting the social issues of the late nineteenth century.