Lecture Notes: Book Review of The Grip of Change by P. Shivakami

Introduction

• Presenter: Puja Pasari
• Book: The Grip of Change by P. Shivakami
• Author: P. Shivakami
  • Indian feminist writer, activist
  • Writes in Tamil, focuses on social and political issues
  • Notable works: Parum, Anandi
  • History of involvement in Dalit literature and feminist themes
  • Political involvement after leaving Indian Administrative Service

Author Background

• Born: 30th November 1957, Tamil Nadu
• Education: Graduate and post-graduate degrees in history
• Works: Six novels, over 60 short stories, active in literary journal Pya Kadangi
• First Tamil Dalit woman to write a novel (Parum)
• Political career: Founded political party based on BR Ambedkar's principles

Book Overview

Themes

• Focus on caste and gender discrimination
• Critiques patriarchal dominance in the Dalit movement
• Addresses intersectional issues: caste, gender, and class

Plot

• Begins with the story of Thangam, a Dalit widow facing violence
• Protagonist: Kathamuthu, a charismatic leader
• Intersectional suffering depicted through Thangam's experiences
• Cast-based conflicts and power struggles in a village setting
• Key characters: Thangam, Kathamuthu, and Gauri (Kathamuthu's daughter)

Key Characters

• Thangam: Victim of multiple discriminations
• Kathamuthu: Parayar leader, initially a helper but also an oppressor
• Gauri: Represents hope, seeks to escape caste-focused society through education

Plot Points

• Thangam's assault and subsequent communal tensions
• Kathamuthu's duplicity and exploitation of caste issues
• Violence between castes, resulting in societal upheaval
• Gauri's desire for education and independence

Book Review

• Critical view of leadership in Dalit movements
• Female characters depicted with nuance
• Shows caste discrimination from multiple perspectives, especially women
• Gauri's character as a symbol of educated subaltern

Notable Quotes

• Addresses the persistence of caste and discrimination
• Highlights societal expectations and internalized oppression
• Gauri's reflection on marriage and independence

Critical Reception

• Praised for realistic portrayal of modern societal issues
• Intersectionality and woman's struggle highlighted
• Relevance in contemporary social fabric

Conclusion

• The Grip of Change as a semi-autobiographical novel
• Important for understanding caste dynamics and women's plight in Dalit society
• Stresses the need for democratic approaches to overcome discrimination

End of Lecture