Current Project

Synopsis of the novel

Till a half-century ago, matriarchal system of inheritance prevailed in Nair sect of Kerala in South India. Nairs were warriors or protectors of provincial Kings, and they had large landed property bestowed by the Kings. But the family property belonged to women only, and according to the rules of the land the property would be attached to the chieftain of the village in case no female heir was available. Naturally every Nair family wanted a girl child born in the family to hold on to their vast property.

When the head of a rich Nair family found that his only sister has no girl child, he decides to marry her off again to another Brahmin (a system called ‘Sambandham’ ) in the hope of getting a girl child. Such Sambandhams were common at that time. She was found dead a few weeks later – killed by her second husband. But no Brahmin was ever hanged for rape and murder of his wife. They were above all rules and enjoyed immunity from death penalty! Finding no alternative, the family adopts a girl. They called her Janu.

Janu was just an ordinary woman, self-effacing, suffering. Like every woman she too had ego. And ego was like a snake, dormant yet vigilant. Thus when Janu’s self-esteem was stirred, she stood up in a striking posture. The weird customs and practices that existed in the erstwhile province of Malabar in South India during the early twentieth century form background for this novel. It will take the reader through a bygone era of Indian history.

Serpent Worship

Of the various kinds of primitive worship still practiced in the country, that of the serpent occupies a prominent place. Serpent is deified and offerings of puja are often made to the reptile. Each household in the olden times has got its own serpent deity possessing large powers for good as well as for evil. A separate spot is set apart in the house compound as the abode of these deities. Read more about this in my novel, A Snake Called Ego.